Dept of Surgery

DEPT OF SURGERY

Researcher : Au DKK

Project Title:	Electrical tinnitus suppression in hearing-impaired patients
Investigator(s):	Au DKK, Ho WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To evaluate the effectiveness of electrical tinnitus suppression in patients with sensorineural hearing loss; to compare the effectiveness of high versus low electrical stimulation rate in tinnitus suppression.

List of Research Outputs

Au D.K.K., Application and demonstration of ASSR & VEMP (Invited Lecture) , Thai Speech - Language & Hearing Association. 2007.

Au D.K.K., Common causes and their treatment (part 1): vestibular neuronitis, BPPV and Meniere’s disease (Invited Lecture) , The Federation of Medical Societies of Hong Kong. 2007.

Au D.K.K., Ear disorder can be controlled - Meniere's disease, Metro Daily. 2007.

Au D.K.K., Ho W.K. and Wei W.I., Eassr and behavioural cochlear implant aided hearing thresholds, The 6th Asia Pacific Symposium On Cochlear Implants And Related Sciences, Sydney, Australia. 2007.

Au D.K.K., Fine structure outcomes in tonal languages (Invited Lecture) , MED EL Symposium, XXIXth International Congress of Audiology. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Fundamentals of neuro-otology (Invited Lecture) , The Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Hearing: early detection, intervention and their effect on growth and development (Invited Lecture), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University . 2007.

Au D.K.K., Honorary Audiologist, Queen Mary Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Honorary Visiting Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo Tomas, The Philippines. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Member of Program Committee and Member of Organising Committee, International Congress of Audiology. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Member, Organising Committee, U21 Health Sciences Meeting. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Performance with MED-EL (Invited Lecture), 6th Asia Pacific Symposium On Cochlear Implants and Related Sciences, Sydney, Australia . 2007.

Au D.K.K., Reviewer, Ear and Hearing Journal. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Session Moderator - "Hazards to hearing", XXIXth International Congress of Audiology. 2008.

Au D.K.K., Vestibular function tests, basic principles of vestibular function testing, types of test and which one to order (Invited Lecture) , The Federation of Medical Societies of Hong Kong. 2007.

Au D.K.K., Vestibular physiology and assessment (Invited Lecture) , Master of Audiology programme, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Au D.K.K., 廣東省第一期助聽器驗配人資格認証班: 基本聽力學 (Invited Lecture) , 廣東省殘疾人康復中心. 2007.

Schatzer R., Zierhofer C., Krenmayr A., Au D.K.K., Kals M. and Grüdhammer T., Ergebnisse einer cochlea implant, Stimulationsstrategie Mit Zeitlicher Feinstruktur. 51. Öterreichischer Hno-kongress, Innsbruck, Austria, 12 - 15 September 2007.

Schatzer R., Zierhofer C., Krenmayr A., Au D.K.K., Kals M. and Grundhammer T., Results from a strategy encoding temporal fine structure, The 2007 Conference on Implantable Auditory Prostheses, Lake Tahoe, California, U.S.A. . 2007.

Schatzer R., Krenmayer A., Zierhofer C., Au D.K.K., Qiu B. and Qi B., Tonal language perception in CI users with a temporal fine structure strategy, XXIXth International Congress of Audiology, Hong Kong, 8 June 2008.

Schatzer R., Krenmayr A., Zierhofer C., Au D.K.K., Kals M., Grüdhammer T., Liu B. and Qi B., Tonal language perception with a temporal fine structure strategy, The 4th European Research Meeting, Las Palmas, Spain, November 29 - December 1, 2007.

Xiao H., Au D.K.K., Hui Y., Chow C.K., Fan Y.W. and Wei W.I., Neurofibromatosis type 2 and auditory brainstorm implantation, Chinese Medical Journal (English). 2007, 120: 1456-59.

Researcher : Au WH

List of Research Outputs

Cho K.Y., Ho K.L., Ngai H.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before radical prostatectomy: Hong Kong experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Ngai H.Y., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Radical prostatectomy: Queen Mary Hospital experience 1995 - 2007, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with Hong Kong Urological Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Wong M.H., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Reconstructive surgery for obstructive azoospermia: Single centre experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Researcher : Cai Q

List of Research Outputs

Wang X., Stanbridge E.J., Lao X., Cai Q., Fan S.T. and Redpath J.L., p53-dependent Chk1 phosphorylation is required for maintenance of prolonged G2 Arrest, Radiation Research. 2007, 168(6): 706-715.

Researcher : Cai Z

List of Research Outputs

Cai Z., Proteomic identification and characterization of proteins that associated with malignancy of esophageal cancer cells, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Researcher : Chan ACY

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y. and Law W.L., Impact of conversion on the long-term outcome of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer (abstract presentation), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007.

Chan A.C.Y. and Law W.L., Outcome of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer: a critical appraisal, Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research. 2007, 7(5): 479-489.

Researcher : Chan HLH

List of Research Outputs

Chan H.L.H., The Use of Laser and Light Source for skin rejuvenation in Asians, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy. 2008.

Researcher : Chan HM

List of Research Outputs

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Chan JKY

List of Research Outputs

Wong K.F., Chan J.K.Y., Chan K.L., Tam P.K.H., Yang D., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Immunochemical characterization of the functional constituents of tripterygium wilfordii contributing to its anti-inflammatory property, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2008, 35(1): 55-59.

Researcher : Chan KL

List of Research Outputs

Chan K.L., Chan H.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Towards a near-zero recurrence rate in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for pediatric patients of all ages, Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2007, 42: 1993-1997.

Hui P.W., Lam T.P.W., Chan K.L. and Lee C.P., Fetus in Fetu - from prenatal ultrasound and MRI diagnosis to postnatal confirmation, Prenatal Diagnosis. 2007, Issue 7, 27: 657 -661.

Luk J.M.C., Wang X., Liu P., Wong K.F., Chan K.L., Tong Y., Hui C.K., Lau G. and Fan S.T., Traditional Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer: from laboratory discovery to clinical evaluation, Liver International. 2007, 27(7): 879-890.

Wong K.F., Chan J.K.Y., Chan K.L., Tam P.K.H., Yang D., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Immunochemical characterization of the functional constituents of tripterygium wilfordii contributing to its anti-inflammatory property, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2008, 35(1): 55-59.

Wu A.K.P., Lam W.W.M. and Chan K.L., Foetus-in-foetu: imaging diagnosis by the presence of organogenetic differentiation, Journal of Hong Kong College of Radiologists. 2007, 10: 34-37.

Researcher : Chan MS

List of Research Outputs

Ho J.W.C., Ho M.Y., Ho G. and Chan M.S., Psychological outcome of Chinese subjects undergoing genetic testing for hereditary colorectal cancer: results of a longitudinal study, Familial Cancer. 2007, 6(3): 325.

Researcher : Chan SC

List of Research Outputs

Chan S.C., Chik B.H.Y., Liu C.L., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., A decade of right liver adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation - the recipients mid-term outcomes (Abstract), The 128th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association, New York City, New York, U.S.A., 24 - 26 April 2008.

Chan S.C., A decade of tacrolimus based maintenance therapy for live donor liver transplantation (Abstract), Asia Pacific Summit: Addressing the Challenges in Solid Organ Transplantation, Sapporo, Japan, 14 - 15 July 2007.

Chan S.C., A decade of tacrolimus based maintenance therapy for live donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), Asia Pacific Summit: Addressing the Challenges in Solid Organ Transplantation, Sapporo, Japan, 14 - 15 July 2007. 2007.

Chan S.C., Advisor (2004 - present), The Hong Kong Liver Transplant Patients' Association. 2008.

Chan S.C., Council Member (2007 - present), Hong Kong Transplantation Society. 2008.

Chan S.C., Entrance to medical curriculum as matured student. Debate on graduate entry to health sciences programs (Invited Lecture), Universitas 21 Health Sciences Annual Meeting, Hong Kong, 27 - 29 September 2007. 2007.

Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Historical perspective of living donor liver transplantation (Review Article), World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008, 14(1): 15-21.

Chan S.C., Member of Liver Donation Committee (2007 - 2008), Liver Foundation. 2008.

Chan S.C., Metabolic complications after liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Society of Transplantation, Hong Kong, 6 April 2008. 2008.

Chan S.C., Primacy of outflow capacity in right-liver adult-to-adult live donor liver transplantation studied by hepatovascular flowmetry (Presentation), The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, American Journal of Transplantation. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Clinical Transplantation. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Liver International. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Liver Transplantation. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Singapore Medical Journal. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, Transplantation. 2008.

Chan S.C., Reviewer, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Chan S.C., Right liver living donor liver transplantation: mid-term recipient outcomes (Invited Lecture), Asia Pacific Colloquium on Organ Transplantation, Hong Kong, 18 - 19 January 2008. 2008.

Chan S.C., Simplifying right liver living donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), Hong Kong Surgical Forum - Winter 2008, Hong Kong, 11 - 12 January 2008. 2008.

Chan S.C., Simplifying right liver living donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The 4th Joint Guangzhou/Hong Kong Surgical Convention, Guangzhou, China, 13 January 2008. 2008.

Mak C.M., Kwong Y.L., Lam C.W., Chan S.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Chang P.C.M., Lau Y.K., Lok Sun U. and Tam S., Identification of a novel TTR Gly67Glu mutant and the first case series of familial transthyretin amyloidosis in Hong Kong Chinese, Amyloid. 2007, 14(4): 293-297.

Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Poon R.T.P., Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Survival analysis of patients with transplantable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for salvage liver transplant, Archives of Surgery. 2008, 143(1): 68-74.

Researcher : Chan VSF

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Chan V.S.F., Zheng B., Chan Y.K., Xu X., To Y.F., Huang F.P., Khoo U.S. and Lin C.L., A novel subset of putative stem/progenitor CD34+Oct-4+ cells is the major target for SARS coronavirus in human lung., J Exp Med.. 2007, 204: 2529-36.

Khoo U.S., Chan Y.K., Chan V.S.F., Ching C.Y.J., Yam L., Chu C.M., Lai S.T., Wong T.Y., Tam P.K.H., Yip S.P., Leung G.M., Lin C.L. and Peiris J.S.M., Role of polymorphisms of the inflammatory response genes and DC-SIGNR in genetic susceptibility to SARS and other infections, Hong Kong Med J. 2008, 14(4)(Suppl 4): S9-12.

Researcher : Chan YC

List of Research Outputs

Chan Y.C., Durability of supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment: single centre, mid to long-term results, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008. 2008.

Chan Y.C., Hybrid procedures in aortic arch disease. , Joint Meeting of the 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Grand Epoch City, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007. 2007.

Chan Y.C., Cheng S.W.K. and Irwin M.G., Perioperative use of statins in noncardiac surgery, Vascular Health and Risk Management . 2008, 4(1): 75-81.

Chan Y.C., Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Serial serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) measurements in patients with acute aortic dissection, The 36th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, Tokyo, Japan, 16-18 April 2008.

Chan Y.C., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C., Yiu W.K. and Cheng S.W.K., Supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment for complex thoracic aortic arch disease: single centre early to mid-term results, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Lyons O.T.A., St. John E.R.C., Morales J.P., Chan Y.C. and Taylor P.R., Ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in a renal transplant patient with Alport's syndrome., Annals of Vascular Surgery . 2007, 21(6): 816-818.

Morales J.P., Taylor P.R., Bell R.E., Chan Y.C., Sabharwal T., Carrell T.W.G. and Reidy J.F., Neurological complications following endoluminal repair of thoracic aortic disease , CardioVascular & Interventional Radiology . 2007, 30(5): 833-839.

Taylor P.R. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular treatment in the management of mycotic aortic aneurysms, In: Thompson M.M., Morgan R.A., Matsumara J.S., Sapoval M. and Loftus I., Endovascular Intervention for Vascular Disease. Principles and Practice. Informa Healthcare, London, 2008.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms: observations from the first hundred cases, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair is a feasible option for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Researcher : Chen L

List of Research Outputs

Luk J.M.C., Lam B.Y.H., Lee P.Y., Ho D.W.Y., Sham P.C., Chen L., Peng J.R., Leng X.S., Day P.J. and Fan S.T., Artificial neural networks and decision tree model analysis of liver cancer proteomes, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2007, 361(1): 68-73.

Researcher : Chen Y

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Chan V.S.F., Zheng B., Chan Y.K., Xu X., To Y.F., Huang F.P., Khoo U.S. and Lin C.L., A novel subset of putative stem/progenitor CD34+Oct-4+ cells is the major target for SARS coronavirus in human lung., J Exp Med.. 2007, 204: 2529-36.

Chen Y., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., Effect of TGF-BETA receptor 1 (ALK5) blockade in mouse septic shock model, The 54th Annual International Congress of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, Edinburgh, U.K., 17-20 July 2007.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., TGF-BETA receptor I inhibitor SB431542 blockade LPS induced TNF-alpha expression in human PBMC derived macrophages, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R., Tam P.K.H. and Chen Y., Hypoxia modulates lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-alpha expression in murine macrophages, Experimental Cell Research. 2008, 314(6): 1327-1336.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Liu F., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Combined treatment with triptolide and rapamycin prolongs graft survival in a mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Transplant International. 2008, 21(5): 483-494.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., The Combination of Triptolide and rapamycin prolong heart graft survival in mouse model, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Sun Z., Liu F., Chen Y., Tam P.K.H. and Yang D., A Highly Specific BODIPY-based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, Organic Letters. 2008, 10(11): 2171-2174.

Sun Z., Yang D., Chen Y. and Liu F., Reagents for Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application (No. 12/034,670). 2008.

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Chen Y

Project Title:	Identification of macrophages subpopulations in chronic rejection in rat cardiac transplantation model
Investigator(s):	Chen Y, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Cardiac transplantation is a life saving strategy in heart failure syndromes and its success depends on the control of graft rejection. The development of immunosuppressive drugs reduced acute rejection caused graft lost lower than 10%1. However, 3 to 5 % per year of cardiac transplantation will further develop chronic rejection (CR)1. Therefore, effective control CR is crucial for long term graft survival. Pathologically, the CR is characterized by coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and parenchymal fibrosis, and CAV has thought to be the major cause of CR2. CAV was composed by fibrosis, arteritis and atheroma of blood vessels contribute to the thickening of vessels in the allograft. Eventually, intimal thickening is detectable with intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) in up to 75% of patients at first year after transplantation3. Regardless of the initiating events the pathology begins with a fibrogenesis phase, consisting of inflammatory and proliferative responses, which are regulated by cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. These processes lead to the matrix accumulation phase, due to either increased production and/or reduced degradation of matrix. Mechanism of chronic rejection: Both non-antigen-dependent and antigen-dependent factors have been implicated in CR. Antigen-dependent factors which are the primary cause of CR are divided into three main categories. (i) Alloantibody-mediated rejection. Alloantibodies production in CR has not been investigated in detail but may relate to cell-mediated rejection; (ii) Cell-mediated rejection: This occurs primarily through the activity of CD4+ (helper) T-cells and macrophages, but not CD8+ (cytotoxic) T cells and natural killer cells. (iii) Tissue remodeling is influenced by the types and levels of cytokines and growth factors present in the graft. Macrophages in transplantation and fibrosis formation: Macrophages present within the allografts are derived both from tissue macrophages of donor origin and those of recipient origin that have infiltrated the graft. The deleterious effects of macrophage in AR are well documented, and depletion of tissue macrophages reduce tissue damage. However, the functional phenotypes of macrophage in CR are unclear. Macrophages are involved in disease processes leading to fibrosis formation4 e.g. in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) rat liver fibrosis model5 depletion of macrophages reduces fibrotic changes during the induction phase. In contrast, matrix degradation is reduced and severe fibrosis is observed if macrophages are depleted during the recovery period. Taken together these data suggest that functionally distinct macrophage subpopulations are involved in injury and repair in liver fibrosis. Therefore, heterogeneous subpopulations of macrophages could play important roles in different stages of CR in which fibrosis of graft is a hallmark. Heterogeneity of the macrophages in transplantation: The functional heterogeneity of T cells is well documented and the effects of polarized T cell populations (Th1 and Th2) in acute and chronic rejection have been extensively analysed. In contrast, macrophage heterogeneity has only been recognised recently (reviewed by Gordon. S et al)6. Broadly, two categories of macrophages namely alternative activated macrophage (aa-M) and classical activated macrophage (ca-M) have been proposed depending on the modes of activation7. In ca-M, the macrophages are activated by Th1 cytokines, bacterial and fungal cell wall components, or degraded matrix, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and are predominantly lytic to matrix components8,9. In contrast, aa-M are mainly activated by Th2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-13 as well as apoptotic cells and corticosteroids, and produce anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-10 and TGF-β promoting matrix deposition10. However, these phenotypes have only been defined in culture models and may not reflect the complexity of macrophage function in vivo. Th2 cytokines include IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 have been shown to be critical in the development CR11. Immunosuppressive treatment reduces Th1 cytokines production preventing AR, but the treatment tips the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines towards Th2, which while prolonging graft survival also favours the development of CR11,12. As ca-M and aa-M are selectively activated by Th1 and Th2 cytokines, it is possible that a transit of ca-M to aa-M as predominant macrophage type may signify progression from the acute to the chronic phase of graft rejection. Such a switch of macrophage type could imply an alteration of function from tissue destruction in AR to tissue remodeling in CR. Furthermore, in the later stage of CR, an increase in ca-M could resolve fibrosis and ameliorate tissue damage through direct production of MMPs or indirectly regulation of fibroblast function. The investigation of macrophage heterogeneity will provide novel information on the mechanisms of CR and potential opportunities of selective manipulation of macrophage subsets in the treatment of CR. References: 1. Libby P, Pober JS 2001. Immunity 14:387-397 2. Kaye MP 1993. J Heart Lung Transplant 12:541-548 3. Costanzo MR, Naftel DC, Pritzker MR, et al. 1998. J Heart Lung Transplant 17:744-753 4. Wynn TA 2004. Nature reviews 4:583-594 5. Duffield JS, Forbes SJ, Constandinou CM, et al. 2005. J Clin Invest 115:56-65 6. Gordon S, Taylor PR 2005. Nature reviews 5:953-964 7. Gordon S 2003. Nature reviews 3:23-35 8. Zhang Y, McCluskey K, Fujii K, et al. 1998. J Immunol 161:3071-3076 9. Pierce RA, Sandefur S, Doyle GA, et al. 1996. J Clin Invest 97:1890-1899 10. Song E, Ouyang N, Horbelt M, et al. 2000. Cellular immunology 204:19-28 11. Shirwan H 1999. Transplantation 68:715-726 12. Mhoyan A, Wu GD, Kakoulidis TP, et al. 2003. Transpl Int 16:464-473 13. Anthony RM, Urban JF, Jr., Alem F, et al. 2006. Nature medicine 12:955-960

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Sun Z., Liu F., Chen Y., Tam P.K.H. and Yang D., A Highly Specific BODIPY-based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, Organic Letters. 2008, 10(11): 2171-2174.

Sun Z., Yang D., Chen Y. and Liu F., Reagents for Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application (No. 12/034,670). 2008.

Researcher : Chen Y

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Sun Z., Liu F., Chen Y., Tam P.K.H. and Yang D., A Highly Specific BODIPY-based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, Organic Letters. 2008, 10(11): 2171-2174.

Sun Z., Yang D., Chen Y. and Liu F., Reagents for Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application (No. 12/034,670). 2008.

Researcher : Cheng LC

List of Research Outputs

Wong M.K., Wong M.P., Lam D.C., Sihoe A.D.L., Cheng L.C., Lam B., Ip M.S.M., Nakajima T., Yasufuku K., Lam W.K. and Ho J.C.M., Endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis of synchronous primary lung cancers, Lung Cancer. 2008.

Researcher : Cheng Q

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y.X., Man K., Ling G.S., Chen Y., Sun B., Cheng Q., Wong O.H., Lo C.K., Ng I.O.L., Chan L.C., Lau G., Lin S.C.L., Huang F. and Huang F.P., A crucial role for dendritic cell (DC) IL-10 in inhibiting successful DC-based immunotherapy: superior antitumor immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma evoked by DC devoid of IL-10, Journal of Immunology. 2007, 179(9): 6009-6015.

Cheng Q., Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The significance of hepatic stellate cell activation on small-for-size fatty liver graft injury (Abstract), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Guo D., Ng T.P., Cheng Q., Lim Z.X.H., Lam T.T. and Man K., A garlic derivative S-allylcysteine suppresses liver tumor growth and metastasis by sensitizing chemotherapy (Abstract), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Researcher : Cheng SWK

Project Title:	Endovascular program for treating thoracic aortic dissections
Investigator(s):	Cheng SWK, Ting ACW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	04/2004

Abstract:

To initiate medical services for the poor and sick in the field of endovascular treatment of aortic dissections and provide equipment for such services.

Project Title:	Molecular expression of fibulin-1and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Type A aortic dissection
Investigator(s):	Cheng SWK, Cheuk LY, Cheng LC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening disease with separation of the layers within the aortic wall. Traditional treatment of Type A aortic dissection usually require surgery, but the morbidity and mortality remain unsatisfactory. Previously, most aortic dissection was diagnosed premortem or postmortem because many patients die before presentation to the emergency department. Pathological studies have demonstrated that aortic dissection is usually associated with atherosclerotic hypertensive disease of aorta and is initiated by an intimal tear followed by the rapid growth of an intramural haematoma that dissects the media. Acute aortic dissection patients are also characterized by solube elastin fragments elevated in serum probably due to the degeneration of elasin by MMPs within the aortic walls (1, 2). The freshly torn aorta is severely weakened and may rupture. Elastin, is an extracellular matrix protein found in aortas imparting elasticity to connective tissue. It is secreted as tropoelastin, a soluble protein that is cross-linked in the tissue space to form an insoluble elastin matrix. Cross-linked elastin can be found in association with several microfibril-associated proteins including fibrillin-1, fibrillin-2 and fibulin-1 suggesting that these proteins contribute to aorta structural integrity by elastic fiber assembly, structure or function. Elastin fiber is also important to permit the elastic recoil that is necessary for the aorta to absorb pulse pressure (3). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the elastolysis. `Clinical data have suggested that tissue remodelling involving metalloproteinases (MMPs) in dissection of aorta is important (1,2), but the pathological significance of degeneration of elastin within dissected aortic wall remains poorly understood. Fibulins are a newly recognized family of extracellular matrix proteins. The five known members of the family share an elongated structure and many calcium-binding sites, owing to the presence of tandem arrays of epidermal growth factor-like domains. They have overlapping binding sites for several basement-membrane proteins, tropoelastin, fibrillin, fibronectin and proteoglycans and expressed in the basement membrane of blood vessels abundantly (4). Fibulin-1 appears to be essential for polymerization of elastin that binds to tropoelastin. Thus, the tropoelastin cannot be assembled into mature elastin fibrils without the functional fibulin-1 (4). In adult blood vessels, pronounced fibulin 1 deposition occurs in the matrix that surrounds VSMCs and in the elastic laminae of arteries (5). Fibulin 1 deficiency in mice causes extensive haemorrhaging and perinatal death (6). The study has also shown that patients with unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction have significantly reduced levels of plasma fibulin 1 (7). This has led to speculation that plasma fibulin 1 may be transferred to or consumed in or around the atherosclerotic lesion. Indeed, fibulin 1 is incorporated into fibrin clots that are associated with atherosclerotic lesions (8). Findings from DNA microarray studies showed that fibulins 1 is consistently associated with matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) expression (9). Altered patterns of fibulin-1 and MMPs gene expression suggest a pre-existing structural failure of the aortic wall, may resulting in dissection. Despite a general consensus that the remodeling of the elastin and collagen is indispensable for the explanation of structure alteration of dissected aortic walls, attempts to induce such dramatic remodeling of matrix protein via fibulin-1 gene remain elusive. We propose an original study to delineate the significance of fibulin-1 and the related metalloproteinase in dissected aortic tissue using molecular biological approaches. The concept underpinning this approach is built on our preliminary work, which demonstrated that the dissected aortic walls exhibit a down-regulation of fibulin-1 mRNA (see figure 1,last page) which specifically alter the elastin assembly. In the present study, we hypothesize that fibulin-1 expression is reduced in patients with Type A aortic dissection and its reduction may correlates with fragmentation of elatic fibers due to the enhanced specific metalloproteinases, like MMP-2. We expect this study can provide information on the pathogenesis of acute Type A aortic dissection. The inhibition of aberrant expression of fibulin gene and the related proteinases may open new avenue for preventing aortic dissection. Specific objectives (1) Determine the elastin content, fibulin-1 and MMPs in Type A aortic dissection surgical samples and compare with that of control aortas (2) Localizing the fibulin-1 and MMPs immunohistochemically and (3) Investigate the relationships of expression of fibulin-1 and MMPs in diseased aortas by studying the difference of those proteins between diseased and control aorta thus may explain, at least in part, might be predisposed to develop aortic dissection. References: 1. Shinohara T, Suzuki K, Okada M, Shiigai M, Shimizu M, Maehara T, Ohsuzu F. Soluble elastin fragments in serum are elevated in acute aortic dissection. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2003; 23: 1839-1844. 2. Rao SK, Mathrubutham M, Sherman D, Cereira J, Cohen JR. Reduced capacity to inhibit elastase in abdominal aortic aneurysm. J Surg Res 1999; 36: 241-251. 3. Burton AC. Relation of structure to function of the tissues of the wall of blood vessels. Physiol Rev 1954; 34: 619-642. 4. Timpl R, Sasaki T, Kostka G, Chu ML. Fibulins: a versatile family of extracellular matrix proteins. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2003; 4: 479-453. 5. Roark E.F., Keene D.R., Haudenschild C.C., Godyna S., Little C.D. & Argraves W.S. ( 1995) The association of human fibulin-1 with elastic fibers: an immunohistological, ultrastructural, and RNA study. J. Histochem. Cytochem., 43, 401-411. 6. Kostka G., Giltay R., Bloch W., Addicks K., Timpl R., Fassler R. & Chu M.L. Perinatal lethality and endothelial cell abnormalities in several vessel compartments of fibulin-1-deficient mice. Mol. Cell. Biol 2001; 21: 7025-7034. 7. Kawata K., Tanaka A., Arai M., Argraves W.S. & Fukutake K. ( 2001) Alteration of plasma fibulin-1 concentrations in ischemic heart diseases. Jpn. J. Thromb. Hemostasis, 12, 126-132. 8. Tran H., Tanaka A., Litvinovich S.V., Medved L.V., Haudenschild C.C. & Argraves W.S. ( 1995) The interaction of fibulin-1 with fibrinogen. A potential role in hemostasis and thrombosis. J. Biol. Chem., 270, 19458-19464. 9. Hanash S, Creighton C. Making sense of microarray data to classify cancer. Pharmacogenomics J 2003; 3: 308-311.

Project Title:	A prospective randomized trial of endovascular stent graft repair versus best medical treatment for patients with acute Type B aortic dissection
Investigator(s):	Cheng SWK, Tse HF, Ting ACW, Cheng LC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

To evaluate the short term efficacy of endovascular stent grafting for acute type B aortic dissections compared to medical treatment in terms of 30-day mortality; to determine if endovascular stent graft for acute type B aortic dissection will have fewer complications compared to medical treatment; to test whether stent grafting for type B dissections will lead to early false lumen thrombosis and less aneurysm formation compared with medical treatment on the long term; to compare the effects on long term mortality between stent grafting and medical treatment for type B dissections.

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Cheng S.W.K., Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis: single institute experience, Surgical Practice. 2007, 11(3): 98-101.

Chan Y.C., Cheng S.W.K. and Irwin M.G., Perioperative use of statins in noncardiac surgery, Vascular Health and Risk Management . 2008, 4(1): 75-81.

Chan Y.C., Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Serial serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) measurements in patients with acute aortic dissection, The 36th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, Tokyo, Japan, 16-18 April 2008.

Chan Y.C., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C., Yiu W.K. and Cheng S.W.K., Supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment for complex thoracic aortic arch disease: single centre early to mid-term results, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Lam S.K., Fung S.K. and Ho J.P., A Computational Fluid Dynamic Study of Stent Graft Remodeling after Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aortic Dissections, 22nd Annual Meeting of the Western Vascular Society. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Lam S.K., Fung S.K. and Ho P., A computational fluid dynamic study of stent graft remodeling after endovascular repair of thoracic aortic dissections, The 22nd Annual Meeting of Western Vascular Society, Kohala Coast, Kona, Hawaii, 8-11 September 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Analysis of haemodynamics forces in the thoracic aorta - implications for treatment, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Aortic surgery: past, present, and future, The 50th Hong Kong Surgical Forum, Hong Kong, 12-14 July 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Are we sizing stent grafts appropriately for aortic dissections?, UCSF Vascular Symposium 2008, 10-12 April 2008, San Francisco, USA. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Chair session on "Thoracoabdominal Aorts and It's Branches" (Invited Chairman), The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Chairman, Session on "Plenary 8 Visceral & Miscellaneous", The Vascular 2007, The Australian & New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery, Melbourne, Australia, 17-22 August 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Chronic venous insufficiency in a Chinese population, Singapore Venous Forum 2007, Singapore, 20-22 September 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., EVAR in Chinese patients, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Workshop: EVAR & PTA, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 31 August 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Editor (2002 - present), Annals of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Editor-in-Chief (2003 - present), Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Endoluminal grafting of type II aortic dissection (Invited Speaker), The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular Aortic Stenting Course: Preoperative planning and imaging (Invited Course), The 16th Annual Congress of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Singapore, 14-16 March 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular aneurysm repair: treatment difficult necks and iliacs, The Vascular 2007, The Australian & New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery, Melbourne, Australia, 17-22 August 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular aortic stent grafting for thoracic diseases: current status, Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals. 2007, 15(4): 275-277.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular evolution - China & Asia, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular stenting for aortic aneurysm, 2008 Macau International Surgical Forum, Macau, 13-16 June 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular stenting for aortic dissection, Joint Meeting of the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Pattaya, Thailand, 27-30 July 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Endovascular treatment of infected aneurysms, The Vascular 2007, The Australian & New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery, Melbourne, Australia, 17-22 August 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Expanded role of endovascular stenting in management of thoracic aortic disease, Joint Meeting of the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Pattaya, Thailand, 27-30 July 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Impact of fewer hours of training on patient care in Hong Kong, The 93rd Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, New Orleans, USA, 7-11 October 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Invited Chairman, Session on "Global overview - What is happening in vascular surgery?", Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Invited Chairman, Session on "Hybrid Open/Endovascular surgery for complex aortic disease", The 16th Annual Congress of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Singapore, 14-16 March 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Invited Chairman, Session on "Keynote Lecture - Efficacy of the multidisciplinary approach to salvage limbs", Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Long term result of endovascular treatment for aortic disease, Joint Meeting of the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Pattaya, Thailand, 27-30 July 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Member (2008 - present), International Editorial Board, Annals of Vascular Diseases. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Member of Editorial Board (1996 - present), Chinese Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Member of Editorial Board (2002 - present), Cutting Edge, College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Newsletter. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Peripheral arterial disease - Recent advances in medical and endovascular management, CME Lecture presents "Peripheral Vascular Disease - A Multidisciplinary Approach", Cardiology Centre, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Pre-Congress Workshop 2: Planning for TEVAR - Essential Consideration (Invited Workshop), The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Pre-Congress Workshop of Cook Company - 2 Thoracic EVAR: Planning for TEVAR - essential requirements and processes (Invited Workshop), The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Serena Yang Professor in Vascular Surgery (April 2005 - present), Endowed Professorship, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Status of TEVAR in Asia, The 16th Annual Congress of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Singapore, 14-16 March 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Stent graft remodeling after endovascular treatment of aortic dissections, The Vascular 2007, The Australian & New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery, Melbourne, Australia, 17-22 August 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Surgery for advanced chronic venous insufficiency in Hong Kong, Singapore Venous Forum 2007, Singapore, 20-22 September 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., TEVAR for aortic dissection, The 16th Annual Congress of the Asian Society for Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, Singapore, 14-16 March 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., To attend thoraco-abdominal branched graft cases and to assist in a proprietary bifurcated-bifurcated endovascular stent graft implantation (Invited Visit), Department of Vascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, U.S.A., 8 - 11 June 2008. 2008.

Cheng S.W.K., Update in endovascular surgery, Joint Meeting of the 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Pattaya, Thailand, 27-30 July 2007. 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., VTE in Hong Kong, Singapore Venous Forum 2007, Singapore, 20-22 September 2007. 2007.

Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Can local secretion of Prostaglandin E2, Thromboxane B2, and Interleukin-6 play a role in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?, World Journal of Surgery. 2008, 32(1): 55-61.

Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Differential secretion of prostaglandin E2, thromboxane A2 and interleukin-6 in intact and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2007, 20: 391-395.

Cho K.Y., Cheng S.W.K., Ting A.C.W. and Ho P., Evaluation of a strategy of pre-operative duplex arterial study and intra-operative angiogram for the management of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease patients, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Fung S.K., Lam S.K., Cheng S.W.K. and Chow K.W., On stent graft models in thoracic aortic endovascular repair: A computational investigation of the hemodynamic factors, Computers in Biology and Medicine. 2008, 38: 484 - 489.

Ho P., Cheng S.W.K., Wu P.M., Ting A.C.W., Poon J.T.C., Cheng C.K.M., Mok J.H.M. and Tsang M.S., Ionizing radiation absorption of vascular surgeons during endovascular procedures, Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2007, 46(3): 455-459.

Lam S.K., Fung S.K., Cheng S.W.K. and Chow K.W., A Computational Investigation on the Effect of Biomechanical Factors Related to Stent-graft Models in the Thoracic Aorta, International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, in conjunction with the Biennial Conference of the French Society of Biological and Medical Engineering, Lyon, France. 2007.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms: observations from the first hundred cases, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair is a feasible option for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Yiu W.K., Cheng S.W.K. and Sumpio B.E., Direct comparison of endotheliah cell and smooth muscle cell response to supercooling and rewarming, Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2007, 46(3): 557-564.

Yiu W.K., Cheng S.W.K. and Sumpio B.E., Synergistic effect of cool/thaw cycles on vascular cells in an in vitro model of cryoplasty, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2008, 19(6): 925-930.

Researcher : Cheng WC

List of Research Outputs

Cheng W.C., Studying Hoxb5 functions in enteric nervous system development by dominant-negative repressor engrailed-Hoxb5, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Kam K.M., Cheng W.C., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Expression analysis of Hoxb5 in enteric neurons and generation of tamoxifen inducible Cre mice for neuronal Hoxb5 signaling perturbation, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Researcher : Cheng WC

List of Research Outputs

Cheng W.C., Studying Hoxb5 functions in enteric nervous system development by dominant-negative repressor engrailed-Hoxb5, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Cheuk LY

List of Research Outputs

Chan Y.C., Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Serial serum matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) measurements in patients with acute aortic dissection, The 36th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, Tokyo, Japan, 16-18 April 2008.

Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Can local secretion of Prostaglandin E2, Thromboxane B2, and Interleukin-6 play a role in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?, World Journal of Surgery. 2008, 32(1): 55-61.

Cheuk L.Y. and Cheng S.W.K., Differential secretion of prostaglandin E2, thromboxane A2 and interleukin-6 in intact and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2007, 20: 391-395.

Researcher : Cheung CM

List of Research Outputs

Cheung C.M., Tang J.C.O., Lee P.Y., Hu L., Guan X.Y., Tang W.K., Srivastava G., Wong J., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., Establishment and characterization of a new xenograft-derived human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. 2007, 178(1): 17-25.

Cheung C.M. and Law S.Y.K., Identification of differentially expressed genes in a newly established esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong, October. 2007.

Researcher : Cheung OFS

List of Research Outputs

Cheung O.F.S., Wong K.K.Y., Ho C.M., Che C.M. and Tam P.K.H., The anti-inflammatory properties of nanosilver , The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Researcher : Cheung PSY

List of Research Outputs

Kwong A. and Cheung P.S.Y., BSI Best Paper Award (Oral), Breast cancer in Chinese women younger than 40: are they different from their older counterparts?, International Surgical Week, Montreal, Canada, 26-30 August 2007. 2007.

Kwong A. and Cheung P.S.Y., Breast cancer in Chinese women younger than 40: are they different from their older counterparts?, International Surgical Week, Montreal, Canada, 26 - 30 August 2007.

Kwong A., Cheung P.S.Y., Chan S. and Lau S., Breast cancer in Chinese women younger than age 40: are they different from their older counterparts?, World Journal of Surgery. 2008, Epub ahead of print.

Kwong A., Cheung P.S.Y., Wong A.Y.W., Hung G.T.Y., Lo G., Tsao M., Chan E.W.K., Wong T. and Ma M., The acceptance and feasibility of breast cancer screening in the East, Breast. 2008, 17(1): 42-50.

Researcher : Cheung ST

Project Title:	Characterization of the granulin/epithelin precursor gene in liver cancer
Investigator(s):	Cheung ST, Fan ST, Ng IOL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To characterize the role of the granulin/epithelin precursor (GEP) gene in the development and progression of liver cancer: 1) to examine the abnormalities of the GEP gene in normal, diseased and tumor specimens of the liver; 2) to understand the clinical and pathological significance of the GEP gene: to study the growth and proliferation function of the GEP gene in liver cancer; to identify the GEP regulated genes/pathways in liver cancer.

Project Title:	Functional role of DNALI1 in liver cancer
Investigator(s):	Cheung ST, Ip YC, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2006

Abstract:

Background: Dynein, axonemal, light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1) is the human homolog of the Chlamydomonas inner dynein arm gene, p28. The precise function of this gene is not known, however, it is a potential candidate for immotile cilia syndrome (ICS). Ultrastructural defects of the inner dynein arms are seen in patients with ICS. Immotile mutant strains of Chlamydomonas, a biflagellated algae, exhibit similar defects (SOURCE, provided by Genetics Department, Stanford University at http://smd.stanford.edu/cgi-bin/source/sourceSearch). Thus, DNALI1 is a motor protein that may regulate cell migration and motility. DNALI1 expression level was found to significantly associate with disease recurrence (hazard ratio 1.7, P=0.014) from our earlier genome-wide expression study by cDNA microarray approach on hepatocellular carcinoma (Mol Biol Cell 2002). To consolidate the prognostic significance of DNALI1 expression, we have examined the second sample set (n=50) and employed quantitative RT-PCR as an independent research method to measure the transcript level in comparison to microarray quantitation with the aim to determine the DNALI1 level. The association of a higher DNALI1 expression level with early disease recurrence was again confirmed (P=0.045). From the sequence database (Ensembl at http://www.ensembl.org/), DNALI1 revealed a polymorphism at nucleotide 194 (codon 65), which either harbored the C-allele (GCA, alanine) or T-allele (GTA, valine). We then further examined this gene polymorphism in liver cancer patients and healthy individuals. The T-allele was under-represented in liver cancer patients, and the tumor DNALI1 transcript level was significantly higher in patients with T-allele compared to patients with C-allele (unpublished data). Preliminary study:We have cloned the full-length cDNA of the DNALI1 C-allele into an expression vector pcDNA3.1 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Hepatoma cells HepG2 was transfected with DNALI1/pcDNA3.1 and empty vector, and selected under G418 for stable transfectants. Migration ability of the cells were detemined with the plain uncoated migration chamber (BD Biosciences, Bedford, MA, USA). DNALI1 transfectants (HepG2 with DNALI1 expression vector) revealed enhanced migration ability compared to the control transfectants (HepG2 with empty vector). Furthermore, DNALI1 transfectants were able to form xenografts in athymic nude mice, while control transfectants were not able to form tumors in athymic nude mice which was expected as parental HepG2 was non-tumorigenic as reported in the literatures. Thus, cells with enhanced DNALI1 expression demonstrated increased migration ability in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Objectives of the present proposal: Expression of the DNALI1 C-allele transcript conferred the hepatoma cells HepG2 with enhanced migration ability in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo from our pilot study. We therefore propose further functional studies to examine the biological roles of DNALI1. The full-length DNALI1 T-allele transcript will also be cloned into the expression vector, to compare with the DNALI1 C-allele data. Hepatoma cells HepG2 and normal liver cells Hs 399.Li will be transfected with the DNALI1 constructs with C- and T-allele, and empty vector. Transfectants will be examined for cell proliferation, invasion, migration, adhesion, transformation ability, etc. Our proposed study will help to delineate the biological roles of DNALI1 in liver cancer. This may lead to a novel approach of targeted therapy for liver cancer.

Project Title:	GEP as a novel molecular target for liver cancer therapy
Investigator(s):	Cheung ST, Ho JCY, Ng IOL, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

(1) To examine the prospective of GEP as therapeutic target, and the efficacious of GEP antibody to inhibit tumor growth with cell lines: liver cancer and normal liver cell lines with different GEP levels will be studied. Cells will be treated with GEP monoclonal antibody, and examined the efficiency of inhibition on proliferation rate, invasion ability, and tumorigenicity; (2) to investigate the potential of targeted cancer therapy for liver cancer with animal models: athymic nude mice model will be used. To examine the treatment on established tumors, GEP monoclonal antibody will be applied when the tumors have reached certain size.

Project Title:	Circulating biomarkers in liver cancer: cell and cell-free fraction analysis
Investigator(s):	Cheung ST, Ip YC, Ho JCY, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

Background / Key issues / Problems being addressed: Earlier reports on circulating cancer contents were mostly assays on circulating cancer cells, and controversial data on the diagnostic and prognostic values were presented [1-4]. Recently, extracellular-based assays (circulating cell-free nucleic acid) were found to be as efficacious as, or better than, cell-based assays (circulating cancer cells) in the detection of pre-neoplastic lesions and micrometastasis [5]. We have reported the global gene expression profiles of human liver samples, and genes differentially expressed in the tumor tissues demonstrated the potential for serving as disease markers and therapeutic targets [6-13]. Recently, we have shown that one of these biomarkers, transcript AA454543 (GenBank Accession No. BC043195), is detectable in patients' plasma [9]. Similar to the findings derived from tumor tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we found that patients with a high preoperative plasma transcript AA454543 RNA levels (based on quantitative RT-PCR) were associated with poor disease-free and overall survival post-hepatectomy. By multivariate analysis, plasma transcript AA454543 RNA level was one of the independent risk factors for prediction of overall and disease-free survival for HCC patients who underwent partial hepatectomy [9]. Nonetheless, the actual loading of cancer cells in relation to the measurable quantity in the plasma (containing circulating cancer-derived nucleic acid) and blood cell (containing circulating cancer cells) fractions were not known. Futhermore, whether delay in blood processing for isolation of plasma and blood cell fractions will affect the quantitative data is not clear. Importantly, whether the quantitative data from plasma and blood cell fractions would correlate with the size of tumor burden and metastasis has not been defined. In the current study, we will perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to resolve these concerns. Objectives:1. With artificial in vitro experiments to examine the association of cancer cell loading in relation to the quantitative PCR data in plasma and blood cell fraction, in respect to the delay in blood sample processing. 2. Using animal models to examine the association of cancer cell loading in relation to the quantitative PCR data in plasma and blood cell fraction, in respect to the time-lag of cancer cell injection into the circulation. 3. Intrahepatic tumor model will be used to examined the association of tumor size and metastasis in relation to the quantitative PCR data obtained in the plasma and blood cell fractions.

List of Research Outputs

Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Lee Y.T., Chow J.P.H., Ng I.O.L., Fong D.Y.T. and Lo C.M., Albumin mRNA in plasma predicts post-transplant recurrence of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Transplantation. 2008, 85(1): 81-87.

Cheung S.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) as molecular target for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (Oral Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Cheung S.T., Invited Reviewer, Research Grants Council, Hong Kong. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Member of Editorial Board (Janurary 2006 - present), Chinese Journal of Medicine. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Member of Scientific Committee and Organizing Committee, The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Member of Scientific Committee, The 19th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Hong Kong,13 - 16 February 2009. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Applied Genomics and Proteomics. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, British Journal of Cancer. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Carcinogenesis. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Cell Proliferation. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, International Journal of Cancer. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Pathology. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Liver International. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, PLoS ONE. 2008.

Cheung S.T., Reviewer, Singapore Medical Journal. 2008.

Ho J.C.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon W.S., Lee Y.T., Ng I.O.L. and Fan S.T., Down-regulation of retinol binding protein 5 is associated with aggressive tumor features in hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2007, 133(12): 929-936.

Ho J.C.Y., Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Chan K.F., Wong S.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatology. 2008, 47: 1524-1532.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y., Lo K.K. and Fan S.T., Claudin-10 increases metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 14th European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 25 September, Spain, 2007.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion by suppression of claudin-10 in HLE cells, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007, 6(11): 2858-67.

Lee P.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Genomic and proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, Biomarkers in Medicine. 2007, 1(2): 273-284.

Tward A.D., Jones K.D., Yant S., Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Chen X., Kay M.A., Wang R. and Bishop J.M., Distinct pathways of genomic progression to benign and malignant tumors of the liver, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A.. 2007, 104(37): 14771-14776.

Researcher : Choi CY

List of Research Outputs

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, 13th Medical Research Conference, Department of Medicine, HKUHong Kong . 2008.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, Inaugural William and Elizabeth Dabies Foundation Trust International Meeting. 2008.

Researcher : Choi HK

List of Research Outputs

Law W.L., Fan J.K.M., Poon J.T.C., Choi H.K. and Lo S.H., Laparoscopic bowel resection in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(5): 1424-1428.

Law W.L., Choi H.K., Lee Y.M. and Ho J.W.C., The impact of postoperative complications on long-term outcomes following curative resection for colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(9): 2559-2566.

Researcher : Chow JPH

List of Research Outputs

Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Lee Y.T., Chow J.P.H., Ng I.O.L., Fong D.Y.T. and Lo C.M., Albumin mRNA in plasma predicts post-transplant recurrence of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Transplantation. 2008, 85(1): 81-87.

Researcher : Chow LWC

Project Title:	Chemosensitivity study using a breast cancer cell line
Investigator(s):	Chow LWC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	05/1996

Abstract:

To test the effect of combination chemotherapy on cell growth in a breast cancer cell line.

List of Research Outputs

Ho T.H., Chan C.L.W., Lee P.W.H., Sham J.S.T. and Chow L.W.C., Active Treatment with Professionals Yields Promising and Sustained Advantages for Chinese Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Psychosocial Interventions in Hong Kong, Psycho-Oncology. 2007, 16(9): S13.

Researcher : Chu ACY

List of Research Outputs

Chan K.H., Ramsden D.B., Chu A.C.Y., Kwok H.H. and Ho S.L., NMO-IgG in idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders in Hong Kong Chinese, Journal of Neurology. 2008, 255 (Suppl 2): 208 (Abstract).

Chan K.H., Chu A.C.Y., Kwok H.H., Ramsden D.B., Ho W.L., Kung M.H.W., Cheung R.T.F., Mak W. and Ho S.L., NMO-IgG in local patients with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disorders, Third International Symposium on Healthy Aging, Hong Kong. 2008.

Ho W.L., Ho W.M., Kwok H.H., Chu A.C.Y., Liu H., Kung M.H.W., Ramsden D.B. and Ho S.L., Brain uncoupling protein-2 mediates neuronal survival by leptin against mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP deficiency, 12th International Congress of Parkinson's disease and Movement Disorders, Chicago, USA. The Movement Disorder Society. 2008.

Ho W.L., Chu A.C.Y., Kwok H.H., Liu H., Kung M.H.W., Ramsden D.B. and Ho S.L., Effects of plasticisers and related compounds on the expression of the soluble form of catechol-O-methyltransferase in MCF-7 cells., Current Drug Metabolism. 2008, 9(4): 276-279.

Ho W.L., Garner C.E., Ho W.M., Leung K.C., Chu A.C.Y., Kwok H.H., Kung M.H.W., Burka L.T., Ramsden D.B. and Ho S.L., Estrogenic phenol and catechol metabolites of PCBs modulate catechol-O-methyltransferase expression via the estrogen receptor: potential contribution to cancer risk., Current Drug Metabolism. 2008, 9(4): 304-309.

Researcher : Chu KM

List of Research Outputs

Chan F.S. and Chu K.M., Predictor for endoscopic therapy in patients with Mallory-Weiss syndrome, The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007.

Chan F.S.Y. and Chu K.M., Capsule endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31: 96-99.

Chu K.M., Advances in surgical oncologic management of GIST, GIST Forum: An Integrated Approach to GIST Management, Hong Kong Society of Clinical Oncology, 26 June 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Associate Member, Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Chairman for Keynote Lecture "Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): the next 'big' thing?" by NJ Soper , 50th Hong Kong Surgical Forum, 12-14 July 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Chairman for the Session on "Advances in Surgical Oncology" , Hong Kong Surgical Forum, 11-12 January 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Chairman for the Symposium "Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery", 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and Chinese Surgical Week 2007, 19-22 October 2007, Beijing, China. 2007.

Chu K.M., Chief, Division of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Common gastrointestinal disorders in Hong Kong, Lecture for Master of Science in Nursing (Course Code 53070), (Subject SN581 "Primary Care Problems of Adults I"), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 14 November 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Council Member, Gerson Lehrman Group's Council of Healthcare Advisors, Gerson Lehrman Group, New York, USA. 2008.

Chu K.M., Council Member, Hong Kong Society of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Council Member, The Federation of Medical Societies of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Current management of gastric stromal tumour, Surgical Assembly, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, 26 November 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Current management of gastric stromal tumour, The 12th Congress of Surgery of Guangdong, Guangdong Society of Surgery, 12-14 October 2007, Guangdong, China. 2007.

Chu K.M., Current management of gastrointestinal stromal tumour, 12th Joint Shanghai/Hong Kong Surgical Convention, 15-16 July 2007, Shanghai, China. 2007.

Chu K.M., Deputy Chairman, Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong/ Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Deputy Director, Integrated Endoscopy Centre, Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Director, Endoscopy Centre, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Expert Panel in Surgery, HA's Complaint & Potential Medicolegal cases, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Expert Reviewer, UICC Fellowships Programme, International Union Against Cancer (UICC), Geneva, Switzerland. 2008.

Chu K.M., External Advisor / Reviewer, Quality Education Fund Projects, Quality Education Fund (QEF), Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., External Examiner for PhD candidate in Medicine and Pharmacology (Mr. William KK WU), Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Gastrectomy for cancer - a Hong Kong perspective, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Gastric cancer , Integrated Professional Oncology, Palliative & Elderly Care Training Course for Nurses, The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, 13 March 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Gastric cancer, Certificate Course on Cancer Nursing for Registered and Enrolled Nurses 2007, The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, 4 October 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Gastric cancer, Preparatory Course for Exit Examination in General Surgery, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong and Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, 3 September 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (Plenary Lecture), Conjoint Scientific Congress of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, 6-7 May 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Honorary Advisor, Digestive Endoscopy Workshop, The University of Hong Kong, 1-2 December 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Honorary Consultant (Gastrointestinal Surgery), Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Honorary Consultant in Surgery, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Honorary Consultant, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Chairman for "Live demonstration of endoscopic procedures", Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Chairman for Bard Lecture "Epidemiology of gastric cancer and the role of H. pylori" by Takeshi Sano, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Royal Australian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Chairman, "Gastric surgery, duodenum", International Surgical Week ISW 2007, 26-30 August 2007, Montreal, Canada. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Chairman, Symposium on Bariatric Surgery, Macau International Surgical Forum, 13-16 June 2008, Macau. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer) , Gut. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Digestive Surgery. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Endoscopy. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Endoscopy. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Gastroenterology. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited Referee (Reviewer), World Journal of Surgery. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited referee (reviewer), McMaster Online Rating of Evidence (MORE). 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited referee (reviewer), McMaster Online Rating of Evidence (MORE). 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited referee, The Lancet Oncology. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited reviewer, International Cancer Technology Transfer Fellowships (ICRETT) application. 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited reviewer, International Cancer Technology Transfer Fellowships (ICRETT) application. 2007.

Chu K.M., Invited reviewer, International Union Against Cancer (UICC). 2008.

Chu K.M., Invited reviewer, International Union Against Cancer (UICC). 2007.

Chu K.M., Laparoscopic appearance of Cruveilhier-Baumgarten syndrome, dilated Sappey's veins, and early caput medusae, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy . 2008, 67: 346-347.

Chu K.M., Laparoscopic upper GI surgery, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Course, The University of Hong Kong, 16-17 November 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Member of Editorial Board, Annals of Cancer Research and Therapy. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member of Editorial Board, Asian Journal of Surgery (Associate Editor). 2008.

Chu K.M., Member of Editorial Board, Cancer Therapy. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member of Editorial Board, Cutting Edge (The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong). 2008.

Chu K.M., Member of Editorial Board, Journal of Chinese Clinical Medicine (www.cjmed.net) (formerly Chinese Journal of Medicine). 2008.

Chu K.M., Member of Editorial Board, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member of the Scientific Committee, 12th Congress of Surgery of Guangdong, Guangdong Society of Surgery, 12-14 October 2007, Guangdong, China. 2007.

Chu K.M., Member of the Scientific Committee, Macau International Surgical Forum, 13-15 June 2008, Macau. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member, Cluster Combined Endoscopy Service Task Group, Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member, Examination Sub-Committee, Licentiate Committee, The Medical Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member, Examination Subcommittee, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member, Institutional Review Board of The University of Hong Kong / Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member, Research Committee, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Member, Task Force for Subspecialization in General Surgery, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Peptic ulcer disease and helicobacter pylori, In: Bland K.I., Buchler M.W., Csendes A., Garden O.J., Sarr M.J. and Wong J. (eds), General Surgery: Principles and International Practice . Springer, 2007.

Chu K.M., Secretary General, Asian Surgical Association. 2008.

Chu K.M., Surgery for GIST, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., The value of endoscopy in the management of gastric cancer, Digestive Endoscopy Workshop, The University of Hong Kong 1-2 December 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Chu K.M., Upper GI cancer, Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Care for Health Care Professionals, HKU SPACE, 29 April 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Chu K.M., Vice-Chairman of Local Organizing Committee, The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and the 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007. 2007.

Wei R., Chan S.Y. and Chu K.M., Patients with Helicobacter pylori positive and negative gastric ulcers have distinct clinical characteristics, The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007.

Yee Y.K., Cheung T.K., Chu K.M., Chan C.K., Fung J.Y.Y., Chan P., But D., Hung I.F.N., Chan A.O.O., Yuen R.M.F., Hsu A. and Wong B.C.Y., Levofloxacin-based quadruple therapy was inferior to traditional quadruple therapy in the treatment of resistant Helicobacter pylori infection., Aliment Pharmacol Ther . 2007, 26(7): 1063-1067.

Researcher : Chu SSM

List of Research Outputs

Cho K.Y., Ho K.L., Ngai H.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before radical prostatectomy: Hong Kong experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Chung H.Y., Lau W.H., Chu S.S.M., Collins R.J. and Tam P.C., Carcinoid tumour of the kidney in a Chinese woman presenting with loin pain, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13(5): 406-408.

Kwok S.C., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Percutaneous drainage and absolute alcohol sclerosis for post-renal transplant symptomatic lymphocele, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Law W.L. and Chu S.S.M., An unusual enterovesical fistula, American Journal of Surgery, 2008. 2008, 195(6): 814-815.

Ngai H.Y., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Radical prostatectomy: Queen Mary Hospital experience 1995 - 2007, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with Hong Kong Urological Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Wong M.H., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Reconstructive surgery for obstructive azoospermia: Single centre experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Researcher : Chu WK

List of Research Outputs

Poon R.T.P., Yang Z., Li M.L.Y., Chu W.K., Yu D.C. and Fan S.T., Blockade of therapy-induced acute recruitment of bone marrow-derived CXCR4+Flt-1+ hemangiocytes for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Researcher : Chung YMF

List of Research Outputs

Chung Y.M.F., Lam A.K.Y., Luk J.M.C., Law S.Y.K., Chan K.W., Lee P.Y. and Wong J., Altered E-cadherin expression and p120 catenin localization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(11): 3260-3267.

Researcher : Fan ST

Project Title:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation Fellowship in hepatobiliary surgery
Investigator(s):	Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	11/2000

Abstract:

To train surgeons from less developed cities in China to acquire the technique and knowledge in dealing with complex hepatobiliary problems so as to benefit patients who cannot afford the cost of receiving treatment in cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Project Title:	Differential proteomic analysis of biomarkers for primary and recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Fan ST, Luk JMC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	12/2003

Abstract:

To identify potential biomarkers for HCC in liver tissues by proteomic analysis; to detect HCC-specific protein biomarkers in serum by ProteinChip; to predict proteomic analysis of HCC patients with high-risk recurrence after surgery.

Project Title:	The significance of focal adhesion kinase and cell adhesion kinas β and their C-terminal non-kinases in liver cancer invsasion and migration
Investigator(s):	Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2005

Abstract:

The main objective of this project is to study the significance of focal adhesion kinase(FAK) and cell adhesion kinase β (CAKβ) in liver cancer progression and metastasis.

Project Title:	Strategic research theme group on Cancer
Investigator(s):	Fan ST, Ng IOL, Wan JMF, Chiu P, Siu AFM, Chan CLW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding for Strategic Research Theme
Start Date:	07/2005

Abstract:

The theme will be on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, primary liver cancer) and will focus on factors and strategic leading to long-term survivors. The ultimate aim of cancer research is to detect early tumors and to prolong survival of cancer patients. The studies will focus on biological factors, dietary factors, socio-psychological factors that determine long-term survival and possible alternative medicien that leads to prolonged survival. Tissue and blood stored in the Tissue Bank of the Department of Surgery and Pathology are available for most of the studies. Tumor and blood specimens of forthcoming patients will enhance the pool for validation studies.

Project Title:	Novel Serological Marker for Liver Cancer
Investigator(s):	Fan ST, Cheung ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common malignant cancer in Hong Kong. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for HCC, but unfortunately at the time of diagnosis, only 10-20% of primary HCCs are resectable. Therefore, serological markers specific for HCC are very important for early disease diagnosis especially for patients who are at risk of developing HCC, including patients who are suffering from liver cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. In addition, the HCC specific serological markers can also facilitate subsequent monitoring of treatment responsiveness and detection of recurrence after curative treatment. To date, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the conventional serum marker of HCC, however, it only has 60% sensitivity and 90% of specificity (at 100 ng/ml cutoff) and the sensitivity decreases to 40% for the detection of small tumors and well-differentiated HCC. A novel serological marker independent of differentiation stages for HCC is urgently required. We have performed a genome-wide expression study, in an effort to identify novel serological markers with high sensitivity and specificity for HCC. From this study, we have shown that a secretory protein - Granulin-Epithelin Precursor (GEP) is significantly up-regulated in 76% HCC tumor tissue (30% of these patients are AFP negative). GEP up-regulation is associated with large HCCs, venous infiltration and early intrahepatic recurrence (P < 0.05). Our study has shown that GEP is a novel growth factor and that it is capable of stimulating HCC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis suggesting that GEP is a very important factor in HCC (Clinical Cancer Research 2004).

Project Title:	Focal adhesion kinase and cell adhesion kinase β as the potential therapeutic targets of tumor recurrence and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Fan ST, Man K, Liu CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	07/2006

Abstract:

To investigate the therapeutic strategies for HCC recurrence and metastasis by targeting at FAK/CAKβ in orthotopic liver cancer nude mice models with different local and distant metastatic potentials by various treatment modalities; to explore the underlying precise molecular mechanisms related to the cell signaling pathways of migration, invasion and angiogenesis.

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., Changing paradigm in management of hepatocellular carcinoma improves the survival benefit of early detection by screening, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(4): 666-673.

Chan F.S., Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Duodenalpleural fistula formation after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007, 30(4): 278-282.

Chan S.C., Chik B.H.Y., Liu C.L., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., A decade of right liver adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation - the recipients mid-term outcomes (Abstract), The 128th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association, New York City, New York, U.S.A., 24 - 26 April 2008.

Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Historical perspective of living donor liver transplantation (Review Article), World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008, 14(1): 15-21.

Chan S.Y., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C. and Fan S.T., Management of carcinoma of the gallbladder: a single-institution experience in 16 years, Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 97(2): 156-164.

Cheng Q., Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The significance of hepatic stellate cell activation on small-for-size fatty liver graft injury (Abstract), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Lee Y.T., Chow J.P.H., Ng I.O.L., Fong D.Y.T. and Lo C.M., Albumin mRNA in plasma predicts post-transplant recurrence of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Transplantation. 2008, 85(1): 81-87.

Cheung S.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) as molecular target for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (Oral Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Fan S.T., A decade experience of 252 adult-to-adult right Liver living donor liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Abstract), 2008 American Transplant Congress, the 8th Joint American Transplant Meeting, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 31 May – 4 June 2008.

Fan S.T., A decade experience of 252 adult-to-adult right liver living donor liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Oral Presentation), 2008 American Transplant Congress, the 8th Joint American Transplant Meeting, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 31 May - 4 June 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., A decade experience of right liver living donor liver transplantation (Abstract), The 7th Sino-Japanese Symposium on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Beijing, China, 18 - 20 April 2008.

Fan S.T., A decade experience of right liver living donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The 7th Sino-Japanese Symposium on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Beijing, China, 18 - 20 April 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Acute on chronic liver failure perspective from liver transplant service (Abstract), APASL Working Party on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure, Live-Data Share and Consensus Development Meeting, New Delhi, India, 22 - 23 January 2008.

Fan S.T., Acute on chronic liver failure perspective from liver transplant service (Invited Lecture), APASL Working Party on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure, Live-Data Share and Consensus Development Meeting, New Delhi, India, 22 - 23 January 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Adult-to-adult donor liver transplantation - triumphs and challenges (Abstract), Falk Symposium, Chronic Inflammation of Liver and Gut, Hangzhou, China, 14 - 15 March 2008.

Fan S.T., Adult-to-adult donor liver transplantation - triumphs and challenges (Invited Lecture), Falk Symposium, Chronic Inflammation of Liver and Gut, Hangzhou, China, 14 - 15 March 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., An update of liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), The William and Elizabeth Davies Foundation Trust International Meeting, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Hong Kong College of Physicians, Hong Kong, 10 - 11 May 2008.

Fan S.T., An update of liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma (Invited Lecture), The William and Elizabeth Davies Foundation Trust International Meeting, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Hong Kong College of Physicians, Hong Kong, 10 - 11 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Anterior approach - hanging maneuver (Video Debate), The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chair - Keynote Lecture, The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chair - Session 3 - Innovation in Organ Donation 2, The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chairman - Master Video Symposium 2: Liver Transection Techniques: I, The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chairman - Session 5 - Surgical oncology: state of the art – Chin Lan Hong lecture, The 50th Hong Kong Surgical Forum, Hong Kong, 12 - 14 July 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Chairman - Session II, Advances in Liver Transplantation 2008: A Western and Eastern Perspective Conference, the International Liver Transplantation Society, Hong Kong, 5 - 6 April 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chairman - Symposium 6: Challenges in Hepatic Resection, The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chief, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Fan S.T., Chief, Division of Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Fan S.T., Consultant (July 2006 - June 2010), Central South China Academic Association of General Surgery (中南地區普外科學術委員會). 2008.

Fan S.T., Consultant (November 2007 - present), Chinese Medical Doctor Association. 2007.

Fan S.T., Consultant Surgeon, Queen Mary Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Fan S.T., Consultant of Editorial Board (April 2007 - present), 中華消化外科雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Controlling hemorrhage during liver resection (Breakfast Session Lecture), The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Council Member (January 1998 - present), Hong Kong Chapter, American College of Surgeons. 2008.

Fan S.T., Current status of live donor liver transplantation (Cheng Si Yuan Memorial Lecture), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Deceased donor liver transplantation vs. living donor liver transplantation (Abstract), The 8th Annual Congress of the Pakistan Society of Hepatology, Lahore, Pakistan, 26 - 27 January 2008.

Fan S.T., Deceased donor liver transplantation vs. living donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The 8th Annual Congress of the Pakistan Society of Hepatology, Lahore, Pakistan, 26 - 27 January 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Differentiation of AoCLF by pathology of explants (Abstract), APASL Working Party on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure, Live-Data Share and Consensus Development Meeting, New Delhi, India, 22 - 23 January 2008.

Fan S.T., Differentiation of AoCLF by pathology of explants (Invited Lecture), APASL Working Party on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure, Live-Data Share and Consensus Development Meeting, New Delhi, India, 22 - 23 January 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Discussant - James IV Association of Surgeons Inc. 50th Anniversary Symposium: Transplantation, The 93rd Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A., 7 - 11 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Donor/recipient issues in right lobe transplant (Abstract), Advances in Liver Transplantation 2008: A Western and Eastern Perspective Conference, the International Liver Transplantation Society, Hong Kong, 5 - 6 April 2008.

Fan S.T., Donor/recipient issues in right lobe transplant (Invited Lecture), Advances in Liver Transplantation 2008: A Western and Eastern Perspective Conference, the International Liver Transplantation Society, Hong Kong, 5 - 6 April 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Expert Clinician, Phoenix Alliance, U.S.A.. 2008.

Fan S.T., Extending the limits of liver resection (Invited Lecture), The 17th National Conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, New Delhi, India, 28 September - 2 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Follow-up of China liver transplant recipients in Hong Kong (Abstract), Advances in Liver Transplantation 2008: A Western and Eastern Perspective Conference, the International Liver Transplantation Society, Hong Kong, 5 - 6 April 2008.

Fan S.T., Follow-up of China liver transplant recipients in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), Advances in Liver Transplantation 2008: A Western and Eastern Perspective Conference, the International Liver Transplantation Society, Hong Kong, 5 - 6 April 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Invited Guest - Meet the Experts: Breakfast Session: Liver, The 17th National Conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, New Delhi, India, 28 September - 2 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., LDLT in the world: the development and current status (Abstract), The China Organ Transplantation Forum, Beijing, China, 18 August 2007.

Fan S.T., LDLT in the world: the development and current status (Invited Lecture), The China Organ Transplantation Forum, Beijing, China, 18 August 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Lessons learnt from liver resectional surgery in cirrhotics (Abstract), The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008.

Fan S.T., Lessons learnt from liver resectional surgery in cirrhotics (Invited Lecture), The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Live donor liver transplantation for HCC (Review Article), Hepatology Research. 2007, 37(Suppl 2): S275-S276.

Fan S.T., Liver Transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), 2007 Chinese Surgical Week in conjunction with the 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 20 - 21 October 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplant service - current status and future development (Invited Lecture), Strategic Clinical Programmes Sharing Forum, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, 23 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation - Who live? Who die? (Invited Lecture), Grand Round of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 26 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), The 11th General Meeting of Japan Society of Hepatology in Japanese Digestive Disease Week, Kobe, Japan, 18 - 21 October 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Invited Lecture), 2007 Chinese Surgical Week in conjunction with the 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 20 - 21 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Invited Lecture), The 11th General Meeting of Japan Society of Hepatology in Japanese Digestive Disease Week, Kobe, Japan, 18 - 21 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation for patients with acute on chronic failure (Abstract), APASL Working Party on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure, Live-Data Share and Consensus Development Meeting, New Delhi, India, 22 - 23 January 2008.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation for patients with acute on chronic failure (Invited Lecture), APASL Working Party on Acute on Chronic Liver Failure, Live-Data Share and Consensus Development Meeting, New Delhi, India, 22 - 23 January 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), North District Hospital, Hong Kong, 9 November 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, 12 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, 14 September 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, 25 July 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong, 4 December 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Liver transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), Seminar on Organ Donation and Transplantation, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, 27 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Free access: http://www.ldlt.hk/, Shenzhen, Takungpao Publishing, 2007.

Fan S.T., Living donor liver transplantation (Abstract), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Fan S.T., Living donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Living donor liver transplantation for HBV and HCV (Abstract), The 7th Sino-Japanese Symposium on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Beijing, China, 18 - 20 April 2008.

Fan S.T., Living donor liver transplantation for HBV and HCV (Invited Lecture), The 7th Sino-Japanese Symposium on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Beijing, China, 18 - 20 April 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member at Large, Executive Committee, International Gastro-Surgical Club. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Central Committee on Transplant Services, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (1991 - present), Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (1995 - present), Hepato-Gastroenterology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (1998 - present), Archives of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (2001 - present), 中國肝癌雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (December 2002 - present), 中國普外基礎與臨床雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (December 2003 - present), 中華外科治療學雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (December 2003 - present), 移植雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (January 1993 - present), Hong Kong Practitioner. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (January 1999 - present), 中華普通外科雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (January 2000 - present), 中華醫學雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (January 2008 - present), Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (July 1999 - present), HPB. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (July 2001 - present), 中國實用外科雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (March 2008 - present), Hepatology International. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (May 1998 - present), 中華肝膽外科雜誌, 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Editorial Board (October 1999 - present), Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Member of Subcommittee, Service Development in Surgery, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Fan S.T., Panel Discussion - Liver transplantation for HCC, The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Partial hepatectomy vs. liver transplantation for HCC (Abstract), The 8th Annual Congress of the Pakistan Society of Hepatology, Lahore, Pakistan, 26 - 27 January 2008.

Fan S.T., Partial hepatectomy vs. liver transplantation for HCC (Invited Lecture), The 8th Annual Congress of the Pakistan Society of Hepatology, Lahore, Pakistan, 26 - 27 January 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Precise hepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein (Abstract), The 12th Joint Shanghai/Hong Kong Surgical Convention, The 100th Anniversary of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China, 15 - 16 July 2007.

Fan S.T., Precise hepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein (Keynote Lecture), The 12th Joint Shanghai/Hong Kong Surgical Convention, The 100th Anniversary of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China, 15 - 16 July 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Precise hepatectomy guided by the middle hepatic vein, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International. 2007, 6(4): 430-434.

Fan S.T., Resection of HCC in cirrhotics: special considerations (Invited Lecture), The 17th National Conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, New Delhi, India, 28 September - 2 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, American Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, American Journal of Transplantation. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Annals of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Archives of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, British Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Gut. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, HBP Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Hepatology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Intensive Care Medicine. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Journal of Surgical Research. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Journal of the Pancreas. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Liver Transplantation. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Nutrition. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, Transplantation. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Fan S.T., Reviewer, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Fan S.T. and Liu C.L., Right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: is the anterior approach superior to the conventional approach? (Response to the Letter to the Editor), Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(2): 391-392.

Fan S.T., Selection of HCC patients for liver transplantation: the Milan criteria, Hangzhou criteria and beyond (Editorial), Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International. 2008, 7(3): 233-234.

Fan S.T., Standard of liver surgery: contribution from Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), The 50th Hong Kong Surgical Forum, Hong Kong, 12 - 14 July 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., The middle hepatic vein: with the donor or the graft (Invited Lecture), The 17th National Conference of the Indian Association of Surgical Gastroenterology, New Delhi, India, 28 September - 2 October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., Transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Fan S.T., Transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Invited Lecture), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Transplantation in Hong Kong (Abstract), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Fan S.T., Transplantation in Hong Kong (Invited Lecture), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., Vascular reconstruction in liver transplantation (Abstract), 2007 Chinese Surgical Week in conjunction with the 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 20 - 21 October 2007.

Fan S.T., Visiting Professor, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical Center, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, October 2007. 2007.

Fan S.T., What is new from Hong Kong Center (Invited Lecture), The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008. 2008.

Fan S.T., 右半肝活體肝移植的長期結果, 中國中西部第二屆肝移植高峰論壇, 中國武漢, 2007年10月102日. 2007.

Fan S.T., 肝細胞癌外科治療及遠期療效 (Abstract), 中國工程院醫藥衛生學部及深圳巿衛生局、深圳中國工程院院士活動基地主辦之“腫瘤”專題學術交流活動，2007年12月20日, 2007.

Fan S.T., 肝切除手術極限的擴展 (Invited Lecture), 中國醫師協會外科醫師分會成立大會暨第十二屆全國普通外科學術會議，中國上海，2007年11月17日, 2007.

Fan S.T., 肝移植膽道併發症 (Invited Lecture), 二零零八年中華醫學會第十一屆中華肝膽胰脾外科專業學術論壇 (年會), 中國寧廈回族自治區銀川巿, 2008年6月27~30日, 2008.

Fan S.T., 活體肝移植現狀 (Invited Lecture), 2007年浙江省器官移植學術會議，中國杭州，2007年9月21日, 2007.

Fan S.T., 肝移植膽道併發症 (Abstract), 二零零八年中華醫學會第十一屆中華肝膽胰脾外科專業學術論壇（年會）演講摘要, 2008年6月27~30日, 2008.

Fan S.T., 活體肝臟移植 (Invited Lecture), 活體肝移植若干熱點問題專家座談會，中國北京，2007年12月28 - 29日, 2007.

Fan S.T., 以肝中靜脈為標誌的精確肝切除, 中國現代普通外科進展, 2008, 11(2): 93-96.

Fan S.T., 活體肝移植－供體評估 (Invited Lecture), 中國西部肝移植論壇，中國青島，2007年11月25日, 2007.

Fan S.T., 肝細胞癌外科治療及遠期療效 (Invited Lecture), 中國工程院醫藥衛生學部及深圳巿衛生局、深圳中國工程院院士活動基地主辦之“腫瘤”專題學術交流活動，中國深圳，2007年12月20日, 2007.

Fan S.T., 肝切除手術極限的擴展 (Invited Lecture), 二零零八國際肝膽胰外科上海論壇暨第二十一屆全國肝膽胰外科學術交流會, 中國上海, 2008年6月7~8日, 2008.

Fan S.T., 肝臟移植的血管重建 (Invited Lecture), 2007中國外科週暨第16屆亞洲外科年會，中國北京，2007年10月21日, 2007.

Ho D.W.Y., Yang Z., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Targeting cancer stem cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Ho J.C.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon W.S., Lee Y.T., Ng I.O.L. and Fan S.T., Down-regulation of retinol binding protein 5 is associated with aggressive tumor features in hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2007, 133(12): 929-936.

Ho J.C.Y., Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Chan K.F., Wong S.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatology. 2008, 47: 1524-1532.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Zhang H., Luk J.M.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Changes in liver histology as a surrogate endpoint of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV can predict progression to liver complications, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2008, 42(5): 533-538.

Hui C.K., Zhang H.Y., Lee P.Y., Chan W., Yueng Y.H., Leung K.W., Lu L., Leung N., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Xu A., Lam K.S.L., Kwong Y.L. and Lau G., Serum adiponectin is increased in advancing liver fibrosis and declines with reduction in fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B, Journal of Hepatology. 2007, 47(2): 191-202.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Yao H., Lee W.K., Lai J.Y., Lai S.T., Wong W.M., Lai S.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Sustained disease remission after spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion is associated with reduction in fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis B Chinese patients , Hepatology. 2007, 46(3): 690-698.

Hung I.F.N., Poon R.T.P., Lai C.L., Fung J.Y.Y., Fan S.T. and Yuen R.M.F., Recurrence of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with high viral load at the time of resection., American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008, 103(7): 1663-1673.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y., Lo K.K. and Fan S.T., Claudin-10 increases metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 14th European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 25 September, Spain, 2007.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion by suppression of claudin-10 in HLE cells, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007, 6(11): 2858-67.

Khan M.R., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Chan A.C., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tsang J. and Fan S.T., Comparison of percutaneous and surgical approaches for radiofrequency ablation of small and medium hepatocellular carcinoma, Archives of Surgery. 2007, 142(12): 1136-1143.

Lam V.W.T., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tso W.K., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Incomplete ablation after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of risk factors and prognostic factors, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(3): 782-790.

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Lee P.Y., Leung K.W., Cheung N., Lam B.Y., Xu Z., Sham P.C., Lau G., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Comparative proteomic analysis of mouse livers from embryo to adult reveals an association with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, Proteomics. 2008, 8(10): 2136-2149.

Lee P.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Genomic and proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, Biomarkers in Medicine. 2007, 1(2): 273-284.

Luk J.M.C., Lam B.Y.H., Lee P.Y., Ho D.W.Y., Sham P.C., Chen L., Peng J.R., Leng X.S., Day P.J. and Fan S.T., Artificial neural networks and decision tree model analysis of liver cancer proteomes, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2007, 361(1): 68-73.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Liver cancer biomarkers ready, Pharma Asia. 2008, January.

Luk J.M.C., Wang X., Liu P., Wong K.F., Chan K.L., Tong Y., Hui C.K., Lau G. and Fan S.T., Traditional Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer: from laboratory discovery to clinical evaluation, Liver International. 2007, 27(7): 879-890.

Luk J.M.C., Wong K.F., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Uses of recombinant integrin betaA peptides for neutralization and blockage of bacterial endotoxins in biological fluids, US Provisional Patent. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Xu M., Yao T.J., Ng I., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., YAP is an independent prognostic marker associated with tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Ma J.K., Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Pancreatic-induced intramural duodenal haematoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(2): 83-86.

Mak C.M., Kwong Y.L., Lam C.W., Chan S.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Chang P.C.M., Lau Y.K., Lok Sun U. and Tam S., Identification of a novel TTR Gly67Glu mutant and the first case series of familial transthyretin amyloidosis in Hong Kong Chinese, Amyloid. 2007, 14(4): 293-297.

Mak C.M., Lam C.W., Tam S., Lai C.L., Chan L.Y., Fan S.T., Lau Y.L., Lai J.Y., Yuen P., Hui J., Fu C.C., Wong K.S., Mak W.L., Tze K., Tong S.F., Lau A., Leung N., Hui A., Cheung K.M., Ko C.H., Chan Y.K., Ma O., Chau T.N., Chiu A. and Chan Y.W., Mutational analysis of 65 Wilson disease patients in Hong Kong Chinese: identification of 17 novel mutations and its genetic heterogeneity, Journal of Human Genetics. 2008, 53(1): 55-63.

Man K., Ng T.P., Xu A., Cheng Q., Guo D.Y., Lim Z., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Angiopoietin-like protein 4 suppresses liver tumor growth and metastases by inhibition of angiogenesis and cell invasion (Oral Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Man K., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Sun B., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The impact of small-for-size syndrome on tumor recurrence after LDLT for HCC (Oral Presentation), The 1st Congress of International Liver Cancer Association, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Ng D.S.C., Chok K.S.H., Law W.L., Collins R.J. and Fan S.T., Long-term survival after resection of extrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma at the right colon (Letter to the Editor), International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2007, 22(11): 1411-1412.

Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on survival outcome after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008, 12(1): 183-191.

Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Poon R.T.P., Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Survival analysis of patients with transplantable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for salvage liver transplant, Archives of Surgery. 2008, 143(1): 68-74.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Outstanding Poster Presentation Award - "Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma", The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Tso W.K., Pang R.W.C., Ng K.K.C., Woo R., Tai K.S. and Fan S.T., A phase I/II trial of chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel intra-arterial drug-eluting bead, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2007, 5(9): 1100-1108.

Poon R.T.P., Yang Z., Li M.L.Y., Chu W.K., Yu D.C. and Fan S.T., Blockade of therapy-induced acute recruitment of bone marrow-derived CXCR4+Flt-1+ hemangiocytes for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Li J.C., Chen H.X., Liu C.C., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Sze K.H., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., The Kringle 1 Domain of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Has Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Cell Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2008, 68: 404-414.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Sun S., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He Q., Lau G. and Luk J.M.C., Oncoproteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma: from cancer markers' discovery to functional pathways (Review Article), Liver International. 2007, 27(8): 1021-1038.

Tward A.D., Jones K.D., Yant S., Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Chen X., Kay M.A., Wang R. and Bishop J.M., Distinct pathways of genomic progression to benign and malignant tumors of the liver, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A.. 2007, 104(37): 14771-14776.

Wang X., Poon R.Y.C. and Fan S.T., Human EC cells have an enhanced S and G2 cell cycle checkpoint in response to ionizing irradiation (Abstract), The 5th International Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Meeting, Cairns, Australia, 17 - 20 June 2007.

Wang X., Stanbridge E.J., Lao X., Cai Q., Fan S.T. and Redpath J.L., p53-dependent Chk1 phosphorylation is required for maintenance of prolonged G2 Arrest, Radiation Research. 2007, 168(6): 706-715.

Wong K.F., Luk J.M.C., Cheng R.H., Klickstein L.B. and Fan S.T., Characterization of two novel LPS-binding sites in leukocyte integrin bA domain, FASEB Journal. 2007, 21(12): 3231-3239.

Wong K.F., Chan J.K.Y., Chan K.L., Tam P.K.H., Yang D., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Immunochemical characterization of the functional constituents of tripterygium wilfordii contributing to its anti-inflammatory property, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2008, 35(1): 55-59.

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ng M.N., Ho D.W.Y., Lau C.K., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The effects of heat and hypoxia on liver cancer stem cells (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Yang Z., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., mTOR inhibition enhances chemo-cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma through both p53 dependent and independent pathways (Poster Presentation), The 1st International Liver Cancer Association Conference, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Yau T., Chan P., Wong H., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Lam V.W.T., Epstein R., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Efficacy and tolerability of low-dose thalidomide as first-line systemic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, Oncology. 2007, 72 Suppl 1: 67-71.

Yi X., Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Peng J., Leng X., Guan X.Y., Lau G., Beretta L. and Fan S.T., Association of mortalin (HSPA9) with liver cancer metastasis and prediction for early tumor recurrence, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics. 2008, 7(2): 315-325 (corresponding author).

Researcher : Fan YW

List of Research Outputs

Xiao H., Au D.K.K., Hui Y., Chow C.K., Fan Y.W. and Wei W.I., Neurofibromatosis type 2 and auditory brainstorm implantation, Chinese Medical Journal (English). 2007, 120: 1456-59.

Yung A.W.Y., Hung K.N., Khong P.L., Ho W.Y., Fung C.W., Leung C.S.Y., Fan Y.W. and Wong V.C.N., Comprehensive Paediatric Epilepsy Program in Hong Kong West Cluster: Queen Mary Hospital/Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital - Development of Paediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program 1997-2007, 12th National Child Neurology Congress (第十二届全國小兒神經學術會議), Wuyishan, China, 27-29 October, 2007.

Researcher : Gandhi A

List of Research Outputs

Gandhi A., Leung G.K.K., Patil N.G. and Wong J., Clinical Undergraduate Examination; Voluntary Patient's Perspective, 5th Asia Pacific Medical Education Abstract Book. Singapore, 2008, 144.

Gandhi A., Laparoscopy Surgery Trainig; catch Them Young, Inaugural Conference of Society of Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of India (SELSI) International Minimal Access Surgery Conference, CME cum Live Workshop . 2008.

Gandhi A., Laparoscopy Training - Catch them Young, Inaugural Conference of Endoscopic & Laparoscopic Surgeons of India And ENDOSURG 2008. 2008.

Researcher : Ganster RW

List of Research Outputs

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Researcher : Garcia-Barcelo MM

Project Title:	RET regulatory polymorphisms and susceptibility to Hirschsprung's disease
Investigator(s):	Garcia-Barcelo MM, Tam PKH, Ganster RW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To study the effect of the RET promoter SNPs on transcription, independently and in conjection with other 5' cis-regulatory elements; to identify the transcription factor functioning at the SNPs site; to investigate whether there is functional and/or physical interactions between PHOX2B and the RET promoter; to test our genetic observations on a larger sample of Chinese HSCR patients; to investigate whether there is association between the transmission of HSCR-susceptibility RET haplotypes and PHOX2B-associated polymorphisms in affected individuals.

Project Title:	Study of the molecular basis of anorectal malformations
Investigator(s):	Garcia-Barcelo MM, Lui VCH, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

To evaluate in patients with isolated ARM and/or VACTERL those genes known to be implicated in ARM according to data provided by i)mutant mice studies and, ii) their role in syndromes that include ARM as part of their spectrum (SHH, GLI3, HOXD12, HOXD13, SALL1, HLXB9, EPHB2); to investigate the gene expression profile during the development of the anorectal region in both, normal and teratogen (ethylenethiourea, ETU)-induced ARMs rat fetuses; to evaluate the genes differentially expressed in the control and in the teratogen ARM-induced embryos as candidates for ARM in humans.

Project Title:	Evaluation of PHOX2B mutations in neuroblastoma patients
Investigator(s):	Garcia-Barcelo MM, Tam PKH, Miao X
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of PHOX2B mutations in Chinese neuroblastoma patients There is a need to clarify the involvement of PHOX2B in both familial and sporadic NB cases, and assess its role in the genetic network underlying NB. Therefore, we propose to conduct a large-scale PHOX2B mutation screening in the Chinese population. We will also perform functional analysis of the mutations found. This study will be conducted on 150 NB patients of Chinese origin and will be the first study ever conducted on Chinese at such relatively large scale. Background and key issues: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid tumor of childhood. The only known risk factor is the inheritance of mutations in the PHOX2B gene and still obscure genetic predisposition. The hallmark of NB is its heterogeneous clinical behavior, which correlates with somatic genetic changes in the tumor. These changes have proved useful as prognostic markers and represent the result to a cancer initiation process governed by the constitutive DNA endowment of the patient. There are several lines of evidence indicating the complexity of the genetics underlying this disease: i) PHOX2B germ-line mutations are not present in all hereditable NB cases; ii) predisposing loci identified so far differ in families. Neuroblastoma occasionally arises in patients with genetically determined congenital neural crest disorders such as HSCR and CCHS (PHOX2B association with HSCR was described by the PI) (1,2). The recent identification of PHOX2B as the major disease-causing gene in CCHS pointed to PHOX2B as a candidate gene for both familial and syndromic neuroblastoma (3). Trochet et al. (3) reported missense PHOX2B mutations in both a familial case of neuroblastoma and a patient with neuroblastoma and HSCR. In a study of families with neuroblastoma, Mosse et al. (4) identified a frameshift PHOX2B mutation in one family but found no evidence for mutations in this gene in eight other families. These data suggest that PHOX2B mutations may be involved in neuroblastoma tumorigenesis but that germline mutational events in this gene may not be present in all hereditary neuroblastoma cases. Studies in larger numbers of patients will help to determine the frequency of PHOX2B mutations in genetic and sporadic forms of neuroblastoma. Further work is needed to clarify whether 1) PHOX2B mutations in patients with neuroblastoma result in gain or loss of function and 2) PHOX2B is a partner of alternative genetic events that predispose to tumorigenesis. 1.Garcia-Barcelo M, Sham MH, Lui VC, Chen BL, Ott J, Tam PK 2003 Association study of PHOX2B as a candidate gene for Hirschsprung's disease. Gut 52:563–567 2.Rohrer T, Trachsel D, Engelcke G, Hammer J 2002 Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome associated with Hirschsprung's disease and neuroblastoma: case of multiple neurocristopathies. Pediatr Pulmonol 33:71–76 3.Trochet D, Bourdeau F, Janoueix-Lerosey I, Deville A, de Pontual L, Schleiermacher G, Coze C, Philip N, Frebourg T, Munnich A, Lyonnet S, Delattre O, Amiel J 2004 Germline mutations of the paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) gene in neuroblastoma. Am J Hum Genet 74:761–764

Project Title:	Functional analysis of RET coding region mutations
Investigator(s):	Garcia-Barcelo MM, Miao X, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2007

Abstract:

Key issues Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder in which there is an absence of ganglion cells in variable portions of the lower digestive tract. HSCR has a complex pattern of inheritance and manifests with low, sex-dependent penetrance and variability in the length of the aganglionosis. Its incidence varies among populations, being more frequent in Asians. HSCR is oligogenic, always requiring RET (major gene) and other interacting susceptibility alleles. HSCR mostly presents sporadically although it can be familial (≈5-20%)(1). The RET gene, encoding a tyrosine kinase receptor, is the major HSCR gene and HSCR-associated germ-line variations/mutations are found in coding (CDS) and non-coding (NCDS) sequences. The normal development of the enteric nervous system depends on the integrity or/and stoichiometric levels of the RET protein(2), which reflect the CDS and/or non-CDS composition of RET. While HSCR RET-NCDS mutations/variants affect regulatory sites and may affect RET expression(3-5), CDS mutations/variants are spread throughout the gene and mainly cause loss-of function of the protein. Critically, RET gain-of function CDS mutations (exons 10, 11 and 13-16) are directly implicated in hereditary thyroid cancers (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2, and Familiar Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma)(6). Importantly, some of these have been found in families segregating both HSCR and thyroid cancer and may have a dual effect in the RET protein. For obvious reasons, an elementary but essential task of The International Hirschsprung’s Disease Consortium (of which we are participants) is to establish a RET-genotype-phenotype correlation(7). This is one of the few cases in which a gene identified as causal has been fully analyzed from a sufficient number of individuals of different ethnic groups from whom relevant phenotypic and genotypic information is available. Despite the overwhelming evidence implicating RET variants (CDS and NCDS) in HSCR, not many have been functionally tested and it is of note that the identification of RET-dependent modifiers as additional susceptibility factors in HSCR may depend on the classification of the families by mutational type in RET(8). Assessment of the functional significance of HSCR-associated CDS variants/mutations in RET is essential for understanding i) phenotypic differences, ii) penetrance and recurrence risk estimations, iii) the mechanistic of the disease. Objectives to be achieved To analyse the functional significance of 28 CDS RET variations/mutations found in Chinese HSCR patients. We are particularly interested in R114H since it is found in 10% of the Chinese patients and never been found in the general population, neither Caucasians nor Chinese. R114H is inherited from unaffected parents and its high frequency in our population suggests a founder effect. RET-CDS mutations that appear de novo in sporadic cases are of particular relevance since its pathogenicity may be determining its penetrance and therefore, their segregation in future generations. Investigating the mechanisms of pathogenicity of those HSCR RET mutations located in “cancer” specific domains of the RET protein are crucial. References 1. Amiel J, Lyonnet S 2001 Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes, and genetics: a review. J Med Genet 38:729-739 2. Pachnis V, Durbec P, Taraviras S, Grigoriou M, Natarajan D 1998 III. Role Of the RET signal transduction pathway in development of the mammalian enteric nervous system. Am J Physiol 275:G183-G186 3. Emison ES, McCallion AS, Kashuk CS, Bush RT, Grice E, Lin S, Portnoy ME, Cutler DJ, Green ED, Chakravarti A 2005 A common sex-dependent mutation in a RET enhancer underlies Hirschsprung disease risk. Nature 434:857-863 4. Garcia-Barcelo M, Ganster RW, Lui VC, Leon TY, So MT, Lau AM, Fu M, Sham MH, Knight J, Zannini MS, Sham PC, Tam PK 2005 TTF-1 and RET promoter SNPs: regulation of RET transcription in Hirschsprung's disease. Hum Mol Genet 14:191-204 5. Burzynski GM, Nolte IM, Osinga J, Ceccherini I, Twigt B, Maas S, Brooks A, Verheij J, Menacho IP, Buys CH, Hofstra RM 2004 Localizing a putative mutation as the major contributor to the development of sporadic Hirschsprung disease to the RET genomic sequence between the promoter region and exon 2. Eur J Hum Genet 12:604-612 6. Manie S, Santoro M, Fusco A, Billaud M 2001 The RET receptor: function in development and dysfunction in congenital malformation. Trends Genet 17:580-589 7. Burzynski GM, Amiel J, Antinolo G, Borrego S, Ceccherini I, Emison ES, Eng C, Fernandez RM, Garcia-Barcelo M, Griseri P, Hofstra R, Kashuk C, Lantieri F, Lyonnet S, Tam P, Tullio-Pelet A, West A, Chakravart A, Differential liabilities of RET coding and non-coding mutations in Hirschsprung's disease. (Abstract) 8. Bolk S, Pelet A, Hofstra RM, Angrist M, Salomon R, Croaker D, Buys CH, Lyonnet S, Chakravarti A 2000 A human model for multigenic inheritance: phenotypic expression in Hirschsprung disease requires both the RET gene and a new 9q31 locus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 97:268-273

List of Research Outputs

Amiel J., Sproat-Emison E., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lantieri F., Burzynski G., Borrego S., Pelet A., Arnold S., Miao X., Griseri P., Brooks A.S., Antinolo G., de Pontual L., Clement-Ziza M., Munnich A., Kashuk C., West K., Wong K.K.Y., Lyonnet S., Chakravarti A., Tam P.K.H., Ceccherini I., Hofstra R.M.W. and Fernandez R., Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes and genetics: a review, Journal of Medical Genetics. 2008, 45: 1-14.

Cherny S.S., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Tang S.M., Sham P.C. and Tam P.K.H., Genome-wide association study of Hirschsprung’s disease, 38th Annual meeting of the Behavior Genetics Association (abstract appears in Volume 38 of Behavior Genetics). 2008, 38.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Tang S.M., Cherny S.S., Sham P.C. and Tam P.K.H., Genome-wide association study of Hirschsprung's disease, 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. 2007.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Ngan E.S.W., Lui V.C.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis (Invited Lecture), 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece, 10 - 13 October 2007. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Shum K.Y., Poon H.C., Sham M.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin-1 (Prok-1) works coordinately with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to mediate proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2008, 1783: 467-478.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Best Presentation, 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Outstanding Award - "Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis", International Journal of Molecular Medicine . 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Tang S.M., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Cherny S.S. and Sham P.C., Genome-wide association analysis of Hirschsprung's disease, The 9th International Meeting on Human Genome Variation and Complex Genome Analysis. 2007.

Researcher : Guo D

List of Research Outputs

Guo D., Ng T.P., Cheng Q., Lim Z.X.H., Lam T.T. and Man K., A garlic derivative S-allylcysteine suppresses liver tumor growth and metastasis by sensitizing chemotherapy (Abstract), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Researcher : He Q

Project Title:	Proteomic approach to study metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator(s):	He Q
Department:	Chemistry
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	06/2006

Abstract:

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the fourth most common malignancy and still represents a great health concern in China. Most of the patients cannot survive more than one year after presenting at healthcare centers and the 5-year survival rate for ESCC remains as low as 10 percent or even less. One of the main reasons for the ominous phenomena is that neoplasms in esophagus are not detected until they have invaded the surrounding tissues or spread throughout the body (metastasis) at advanced stages. The early detection and diagnosis of esophageal malignancy is critical for its therapy and management. Tumor metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body. It is a very complex and multi-step process and often referred to as a cascade. The process of metastasis formation begins with some tumor cells breaking adhesions with neighboring cells and detaching from the primary tumor. Those cells then dissolve the extracellular matrix, migrate and invade surrounding tissues, and/or travel via the circulatory system, invade, survive and proliferate at distant new sites. Metastasis is by far the leading cause of death in cancer patients including ESCC, responsible for more than 90% of all cancer mortality. Lymph node metastasis is a strong and dominant prognostic aspect for ESCC. Lymphatic invasion represents a physiological predictor of lymph node metastasis in patients with ESCC and is a factor significantly influencing overall survival rate. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the lymphatic invasion of cancer cells in ESCC is still unclear. Several proteins such as HIF-1α and VEGF family have been individually studied and their expression was reported to correlate with the depth of tumor invasion, tumor stage, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. However, there is still lacking systematic data showing the molecular factors and their interactions in the process of lymphatic metastasis of ESCC. Proteomics is a systematic research approach aiming to provide the global characterization of protein expression and function under given conditions. Proteomics provides an effective methodology to globally examine the different protein expressions and protein interactions in disease. Proteomic technology has been widely used in biomarker discovery, target identification and pathogenetic studies including tumor metastasis. We have used 2D-gel based proteomics to compare the protein profiles between ESCC tumor and matched surrounding tissues and to identify differently expressed proteins in the esophageal cancer. A number of tumor-associated proteins including SCCA1, transgelin, TPM, prohibitin, PRX, aB-Cryst and MnSOD was detected with altered expressions, corresponding to a complicated multi-step process involved in the initiation, formation and progression of esophageal carcinoma (Proteomics, 2005, 5:2960-2971). However, ESCC metastasis has not been investigated by proteomic approach up today. Objectives: The main objective of this proposal is to study ESCC metastasis by proteomic technology. Using our established 2DE-based proteomics, we plan to profile and compare the proteomes and sub-fractions extracted from cultured esophageal cancer cells with one bearing proved metastatic potential. We will systematically characterize the differently expressed proteins in metastatic cells and identify the molecular factors correlated to the tumor invasion and metastasis.

Researcher : Ho ACW

List of Research Outputs

Johr M., Ho A.C.W., Wagner C.S. and Linder T., Ear surgery in infants under one year of age: its risks and implications for cochlear implant surgery, Otology & Neurotology. 2008, 29: 310-313.

Wong T.S., Liu X., Ho A.C.W., Yuen P.W., Ng W.M. and Wei W.I., Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 123: 251-257.

Researcher : Ho DWY

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.W.Y., Yang Z., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Targeting cancer stem cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Lam B.Y.H., Lee P.Y., Ho D.W.Y., Sham P.C., Chen L., Peng J.R., Leng X.S., Day P.J. and Fan S.T., Artificial neural networks and decision tree model analysis of liver cancer proteomes, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2007, 361(1): 68-73.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ng M.N., Ho D.W.Y., Lau C.K., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The effects of heat and hypoxia on liver cancer stem cells (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Researcher : Ho JCY

List of Research Outputs

Cheung S.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor (GEP) as molecular target for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (Oral Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Ho J.C.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon W.S., Lee Y.T., Ng I.O.L. and Fan S.T., Down-regulation of retinol binding protein 5 is associated with aggressive tumor features in hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2007, 133(12): 929-936.

Ho J.C.Y., Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Chan K.F., Wong S.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatology. 2008, 47: 1524-1532.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y., Lo K.K. and Fan S.T., Claudin-10 increases metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 14th European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 25 September, Spain, 2007.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion by suppression of claudin-10 in HLE cells, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007, 6(11): 2858-67.

Researcher : Ho JWC

Project Title:	The Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Registry - a programme for the people of Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Ho JWC, Yuen ST, Chung LP, Kwan KYM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Terry Fox Fellowship
Start Date:	06/2000

Abstract:

To achieve colorectal cancer prevention in high risk families through early detection and timely treatment; to raise awareness of hereditary colorectal cancer through education of the public and the health care profession so as to ensure proper referral of these families to our Registry for the delivery of proper preventive service; to establish support services to improve psychosocial well beings of affected individuals and their at-risk family members; to improve the understanding of hereditary colorectal cancer and its management.

List of Research Outputs

Choi C.K., Chan T.T., Tung S.Y., Lui L., Siu S., Au G.K.H., Ho J.W.C. and Law W.L., Efficacy of combination chemotherapy with irinotecan (CPT-11) plus capecitabine in patients with metastatic or advanced colorectal carcinoma - a dual-centre phase II study: the MAC-6, Clinical Oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)). 2008, 20(2): 168-175.

Ho J.W.C., Chief, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Ho J.W.C., Seto W.H., Shum N.F., Wong S.M. and Choi K.Y., Clinical management pathway for elective colonic resection: the Queen Mary Hospital's experience, 2nd International Conference of the Asia Pacific Society for Healthcare Quality 2008, Singapore, 17-19 January 2008. 2007.

Ho J.W.C., Ho M.Y., Ho G. and Chan M.S., Psychological outcome of Chinese subjects undergoing genetic testing for hereditary colorectal cancer: results of a longitudinal study, Familial Cancer. 2007, 6(3): 325.

Ho J.W.C., Ulcerative colitis: pelvic pouch or ileoanal anastomosis, First International Enterostomal Therapy Convention, Caring for Children October 2007, Montreal, Canada, 1-3 October 2007.

Law W.L., Choi H.K., Lee Y.M. and Ho J.W.C., The impact of postoperative complications on long-term outcomes following curative resection for colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(9): 2559-2566.

Tomlinson I.P., Webb E., Carvajal-Carmona L., Broderick P., Howarth K., Pittman A.M., Spain S., Lubbe S., Walther A., Sullivan K., Jaeger E, Fielding S, Rowan A, C.O.R.G.I. .C.O.N.S., Ho J.W.C., cheng K.K. and Sham P.C., Luk J.M.C., Dunlop M.G., Houlston R.S., A genome-wide association study identifies colorectal cancer susceptibility loci on chromosomes 10p14 and 8q23.3, Nature Genetics. 2008, 40: 623-630.

Researcher : Ho JWY

List of Research Outputs

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Researcher : Ho KL

List of Research Outputs

Au W.Y., Tam S., Fong B.M., Ho K.L., Tam P.C. and Kwong Y.L., Prolonged oral arsenic trioxide therapy and neprholithiasis, Leukemia and Lymphoma . 2007, 48(11): 2233-2234.

Cho K.Y., Ho K.L., Ngai H.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before radical prostatectomy: Hong Kong experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Ngai H.Y., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Radical prostatectomy: Queen Mary Hospital experience 1995 - 2007, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with Hong Kong Urological Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Tam P.C. and Ho K.L., Does extended prostate biopsy protocol improve cancer detection in Chinese patients?, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery & 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 21 October 2007.

Wong M.H., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Reconstructive surgery for obstructive azoospermia: Single centre experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Researcher : Ho P

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Cheng S.W.K., Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis: single institute experience, Surgical Practice. 2007, 11(3): 98-101.

Chan Y.C., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C., Yiu W.K. and Cheng S.W.K., Supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment for complex thoracic aortic arch disease: single centre early to mid-term results, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Cheng S.W.K., Lam S.K., Fung S.K. and Ho P., A computational fluid dynamic study of stent graft remodeling after endovascular repair of thoracic aortic dissections, The 22nd Annual Meeting of Western Vascular Society, Kohala Coast, Kona, Hawaii, 8-11 September 2007.

Cho K.Y., Cheng S.W.K., Ting A.C.W. and Ho P., Evaluation of a strategy of pre-operative duplex arterial study and intra-operative angiogram for the management of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease patients, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ho P., Cheng S.W.K., Wu P.M., Ting A.C.W., Poon J.T.C., Cheng C.K.M., Mok J.H.M. and Tsang M.S., Ionizing radiation absorption of vascular surgeons during endovascular procedures, Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2007, 46(3): 455-459.

Ho P., Surrogate marker for aneurysm size monitoring after endovascular repair: maximal diameter, aneurysm volume or thrombus volume, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms: observations from the first hundred cases, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair is a feasible option for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Researcher : Ho WK

Project Title:	Effect of chemotherapy on cochlear function
Investigator(s):	Ho WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	06/1996

Abstract:

To assess the severity of cochlear damage in patient receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

Project Title:	Evaluation of a novel electronic device in screening for obstructive sleep syndrome in snore
Investigator(s):	Ho WK, Chung KF
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	03/2002

Abstract:

To evaluate the accuracy of the SleepStrip as a tool for obstructive sleep apnea screening insnorers.

Project Title:	Study of changes in upper airway pressure in patients before and after upper airway surgery for sleep-related breathing disorders: identification of levels of collapse and prediction of surgical response
Investigator(s):	Ho WK, Wei WI
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To evaluate the using of multi-level pressure measurements to correlate with the result of surgical treatment.

List of Research Outputs

Au D.K.K., Ho W.K. and Wei W.I., Eassr and behavioural cochlear implant aided hearing thresholds, The 6th Asia Pacific Symposium On Cochlear Implants And Related Sciences, Sydney, Australia. 2007.

Ho A.C., Ho W.K., Lam P.K.Y., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Thyroid dysfuction in laryngectomees - 10 years after treatment, Head and Neck. 2007, 30: 336-40.

Wei W.I. and Ho W.K., Management of Neck Metastases of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Pearls and Pitfalls, Volume 1. S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 104-105.

Researcher : Hui KC

List of Research Outputs

Hui K.C., Chan K.W., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., The roles of survivin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, The University of Hong Kong, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2008. 2007.

Researcher : Hui Y

List of Research Outputs

Wong B.Y.H., Ng Y.W. and Hui Y., A 10 year review of tonsillectomy in a tertiary centre, HK J Paediatr (new series). Hong Kong, 2007, 12: 297-299.

Xiao H., Au D.K.K., Hui Y., Chow C.K., Fan Y.W. and Wei W.I., Neurofibromatosis type 2 and auditory brainstorm implantation, Chinese Medical Journal (English). 2007, 120: 1456-59.

Researcher : Hung KN

List of Research Outputs

Chua D.T.T., Wei W.I., Sham J.S.T., Hung K.N. and Au G.K.H., Stereotactic radiosurgery versus gold grain implantation in salvaging local failures of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics. 2007, 69: 469-74.

Hung K.N., Chief, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Yung A.W.Y., Hung K.N., Khong P.L., Ho W.Y., Fung C.W., Leung C.S.Y., Fan Y.W. and Wong V.C.N., Comprehensive Paediatric Epilepsy Program in Hong Kong West Cluster: Queen Mary Hospital/Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital - Development of Paediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program 1997-2007, 12th National Child Neurology Congress (第十二届全國小兒神經學術會議), Wuyishan, China, 27-29 October, 2007.

Researcher : Ip YC

Project Title:	Characterization of claudin-10 in liver cancer
Investigator(s):	Ip YC, Cheung ST, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

Background:Claudin-10 (CLDN-10) gene encodes a 20-kD protein with four transmembrane domains. From our previous genome-wide expression study by cDNA microarray approach on heptocellular carcinoma (Mol Biol Cell 2002), the CLDN-10 RNA expression level in primary liver tumour was correlated with disease recurrence. The prognostic significance of CLDN-10 was consolidated using a second set of primary HCC (n=53) by quantitative RT-PCR as an independent research method. Results indicated that the transcript level of CLDN-10 was siginificantly associated with recurrence (P=0.011). Thus, two sample sets examined by different techniques both indicated that a higher expression level of CLDN-10 in primary HCC associated with poor prognosis (Clin Cancer Res 2005).Preliminary study:This gene belongs to the claudin family in which they are integral membrane protein and was proposed to be tight junction components. However, the exact function of CLDN-10 gene in carcinogenesis has not been characterized. Interestingly, other claudin family members have been shown to facilitate cell invasion and migration. We have cloned the full length CLDN-10 cDNA into a mammalian expression vector, pcDNA3.0 and established stable HCC transfectants overexpressing CLDN-10. The stable transfectants were tested for capability of matrix substrate invasion. CLDN-10 expression caused an 12-fold increase of invasion compared to the vector control (P=0.001), indicating this gene has a functional role in HCC metastasis.Objectives of the present proposal:Claudin family member expression varied in many malignancies, but the functional role of individual claudins in each type of cancer remain controversial. We therefore propose further functional studies to examine the biological roles of CLDN-10 in contribution to HCC disease recurrence, targeting to provide a more complete picture on cancer progression for better disease for disease management. The full length CLDN-10 cDNA has been cloned for construction of stable transfectant overexpressing CLDN-10. The CLDN-10 transfectant will be further tested for cell transformation ability, migration, and adhesion ability and compared with the vector control transfectant. The metastastic potential of transfectant will also be tested in vivo by injection into nude mice. The proposed study will help to delineate the biological roles of CLDN-10 in liver cancer. The function annotation of CLDN-10 will provide an insight into the underlying biological mechanism leading to cancer recurrence. This may lead to a novel approach of targeted therapy of liver cancer.

List of Research Outputs

Ho J.C.Y., Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Chan K.F., Wong S.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatology. 2008, 47: 1524-1532.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y., Lo K.K. and Fan S.T., Claudin-10 increases metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 14th European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 25 September, Spain, 2007.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion by suppression of claudin-10 in HLE cells, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007, 6(11): 2858-67.

Researcher : Kam KM

List of Research Outputs

Kam K.M., Cheng W.C., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Expression analysis of Hoxb5 in enteric neurons and generation of tamoxifen inducible Cre mice for neuronal Hoxb5 signaling perturbation, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Researcher : Kam SKC

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., TGF-BETA receptor I inhibitor SB431542 blockade LPS induced TNF-alpha expression in human PBMC derived macrophages, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Kam S.K.C., The role of TGF-b signaling in the initiation of TNF-a expression in human PBMC derived macrophages, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Khan MR

List of Research Outputs

Khan M.R., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Chan A.C., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tsang J. and Fan S.T., Comparison of percutaneous and surgical approaches for radiofrequency ablation of small and medium hepatocellular carcinoma, Archives of Surgery. 2007, 142(12): 1136-1143.

Researcher : Koh AJH

List of Research Outputs

Koh A.J.H., Ng W.M., Lee R. and Lui W.M., Radiation ulcers of the neck should not be neglected: a case of vertebral artery blowout, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007, 30: 230-2.

Researcher : Kok TW

List of Research Outputs

Kok T.W., Blockade of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 for the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Kok T.W., Yang Z. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Researcher : Kwong A

List of Research Outputs

Choi C.L.Y., Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion in Chinese women with invasive breast cancer (Poster), 10th Milan Breast Cancer Conference, Milan, 18 - 20 June 2008.

Chok S.H., Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Factors affecting false-negativerates of sentinel lymph node biopsy in Chinese patients with invasive breast cancer, ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2007, 77(10): 866-869.

Kwong A., Active Member, American Association for Cancer Research. 2008.

Kwong A., Ad hoc Reviewer (2006 - present), Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Kwong A., Ad hoc Reviewer (2006 - present), Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008.

Kwong A. and Ford J.M., BRCA mutation in Chinese population: Preliminary results from The Hong Kong Hereditary and High Risk Breast Cancer Programme (Poster), San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antionio, Texas, U.S.A., 13 - 16 December 2007.

Kwong A. and Ford J.M., BRCA mutation in Chinese population: preliminary results from The Hong Kong Hereditary and High Risk Breast Cancer Programme (Oral Presentation), The 4th International Think Tank Forum, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007.

Kwong A. and Cheung P.S.Y., BSI Best Paper Award (Oral), Breast cancer in Chinese women younger than 40: are they different from their older counterparts?, International Surgical Week, Montreal, Canada, 26-30 August 2007. 2007.

Kwong A., Breast and ovarian cancer genetics (Invited Lecture), Preservation of Fertility in Cancer Patients Symposium, Hong Kong Society for Reproductive Medicine, Hong Kong, 20 January 2008. 2008.

Kwong A., Breast and ovarian cancer genetics (Invited), Preservation of Fertility in Cancer Patients Symposium, Hong Kong Society for Reproductive Medicine, Hong Kong, 20 January 2008.

Kwong A. and Cheung P.S.Y., Breast cancer in Chinese women younger than 40: are they different from their older counterparts?, International Surgical Week, Montreal, Canada, 26 - 30 August 2007.

Kwong A., Cheung P.S.Y., Chan S. and Lau S., Breast cancer in Chinese women younger than age 40: are they different from their older counterparts?, World Journal of Surgery. 2008, Epub ahead of print.

Kwong A. and Suen D.T.K., Breast cancer treatment choices in Hong Kong Chinese women (Poster), The American Society of Breast Surgeons 9th Annual Meeting, New York, U.S.A., 30 April - 4 May 2008.

Kwong A., Chairman and Founder, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry. 2007.

Kwong A., Wong L.P., Ma E.S.K., Khoo U.S. and Ford J.M., Characterization of the pathogenic mechanism of a novel BRCA2 variant in a Chinese family, Fam Cancer. 2007.

Kwong A., Characterization of the pathogenic mechanism of a novel BRCA2 variant in a Chinese family, Familial Cancer. 2007.

Kwong A., Chief, Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Kwong A., Committee Member, Breast Strategic & Clinical Genetics Group, HK Hospital Authority. 2007.

Kwong A., Consultant, Global Chinese Breast Cancer Groups Alliance. 2008.

Kwong A., Consultant, Kerry Group Kuok Foundation Ltd.. 2008.

Kwong A. and Kwong A., Coordinator, Women's Chapter, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Kwong A., Director (2007 - present), Breast Cancer, Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Kwong A., Director, The Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry. 2008.

Kwong A., Director, The Hong Kong Hereditary and High Risk Breast Cancer Programme. 2008.

Kwong A., Emerging promise of a novel targeted agent for breast cancer patients in Hong Kong, Medical Summit in Clinical Oncology 2008. The Hong Kong Cancer Therapy Society, Hong Kong, 5 April 2008. 2008.

Kwong A., Genetic counselling in breast cancer, Breast Care Nursing module, Institute of Advanced Nursing Studies, Hong Kong, 14 September 2007. 2007.

Kwong A., Hereditary breast cancer: updates, Tung Wah Hospital Public Forum, Hong Kong, 8 March 2008. 2008.

Kwong A., Honorary Consultant (2007 - present), Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. 2008.

Kwong A., How can radiologists help surgeons, College of Radiology, Hong Kong, 8 March 2008. 2008.

Kwong A., Bloom J.R., Bloom J.R., Pal S., Birdwell R.L., Mariscal C. and Ikeda D.M., Mammographic screening in women at increased risk of breast cancer after treatment of Hodgkin's disease, The Breast Journal. 2008, 14(1): 39 - 48.

Kwong A., Medical Advisor, The Hong Kong Cancer Fund. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, American Society Breast Disease. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, American Society of Breast Surgeons. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Asian Surgical Association. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Breast Surgery International. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, British Medical Association, United Kingdom and Hong Kong. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, College of Surgeons, Hong Kong. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, European Society of Mastology. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Hong Kong Medical Association. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, International Society of Surgery. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, National Consortium of Breast Centers, Inc. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Scotland. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Royal College of Surgeons England. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, Society of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Kwong A., Member, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong CME Committee. 2008.

Kwong A., New advances in early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer, Goldman Sachs (Hong Kong & Beijing), Hong Kong, 19 August 2007. 2007.

Kwong A., New advances in early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer, Hong Kong Doctors Union, Hong Kong, 19 August 2007. 2007.

Kwong A., Patient advocacy in Hong Kong, China Breast Cancer Advocacy Summit, Susuan Komen Foundation, Shanghai, China, 19 March 2008. 2008.

Kwong A., Predictors of local recurrence and disease-free survival with the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or hormonal therapy in Hong Kong breast cancer patients (Poster), 10th Milan Breast Cancer Conference, Milan, 18 - 20 June 2008.

Kwong A. and Suen D.T.K., Sentinel lymph node biopsy in ductal carcinoma in-situ: is it necessary? (Poster), 2007 Breast Cancer Symposium, San Francisco, U.S.A., 7 - 8 September 2007.

Kwong A., Cheung P.S.Y., Wong A.Y.W., Hung G.T.Y., Lo G., Tsao M., Chan E.W.K., Wong T. and Ma M., The acceptance and feasibility of breast cancer screening in the East, Breast. 2008, 17(1): 42-50.

Kwong A. and Suen D.T.K., The breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women age below 40 (Poster), The American Society of Breast Surgeons 9th Annual Meeting, New York, U.S.A., 30 April to 4 May 2008.

Kwong A. and Ford J.M., The importance of ethnic diversity in BRCA mutation testing: an initial experience in two Hong Kong Chinese families (Poster Discussion), International Surgical Week, Montreal, Canada, 26 - 30 August 2007.

Kwong A. and Ford J.M., The importance of ethnic diversity in BRCA mutation testing: an initial experience in two Hong Kong Chinese families (Poster), International Surgical Week, Montreal, Canada, 26 - 30 August 2007.

Kwong A., What's new in the management of breast cancer., Ming Pao Newspaper Public Forum, Hong Kong, 6 March 2008. 2008.

Kwong A., What's new in the management of breast cancer, St. Teresa's Hospital CME programme, Hong Kong, 2 February 2008. 2008.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract) (Oral), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast cancer treatment choices in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract) (Poster), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast cancer treatment choices in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract), ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78 (Suppl 1): Abstract BS23P.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast conserving surgery in Hong Kong Chinese women, World Journal of Surgery. 2008, Epub ahead of print.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Bresat cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract), ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78 (Suppl 1): BS12.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Is Her2-overexpression associated with breain metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients? (Oral), Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and hormonotherapy in Chinese women with breast cancer, American Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007, 30(4): 444-460.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., To improve the outcome of wire localized breast conserving surgery for treatment of impalpable breat cancer in Chinese women (Oral) , Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Young Investigator Award (Oral), Is Her2-overexpression associated with brain metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients?, Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007. 2007.

Wong T.Y., Leung R. and Kwong A., The role of traditional Chinese medicine in breast cancer, American Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007, 30(4): 444-460.

Researcher : Lam BYH

List of Research Outputs

Luk J.M.C., Lam B.Y.H., Lee P.Y., Ho D.W.Y., Sham P.C., Chen L., Peng J.R., Leng X.S., Day P.J. and Fan S.T., Artificial neural networks and decision tree model analysis of liver cancer proteomes, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2007, 361(1): 68-73.

Researcher : Lam CM

List of Research Outputs

Kwan T.L., Lam C.M., Yuen A.W.C. and Lo C.Y., Adrenalectomy in Hong Kong: a critical review of adoption of laparoscopic approach, American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194: 153-158.

Researcher : Lam CT

List of Research Outputs

Lam C.T., Identification of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a novel angiogenic factor in tumor angiogenesis, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ng M.N., Ho D.W.Y., Lau C.K., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Researcher : Lam CT

List of Research Outputs

Lam C.T., Identification of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a novel angiogenic factor in tumor angiogenesis, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Lam PKY

List of Research Outputs

Ho A.C., Ho W.K., Lam P.K.Y., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Thyroid dysfuction in laryngectomees - 10 years after treatment, Head and Neck. 2007, 30: 336-40.

Lam P.K.Y. and Wei W.I., Medicalisation thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13: 327-9.

Yuen P.W., Ng W.M., Lam P.K.Y. and Ho A., Preoperative measurement of tumour thickness of oral tongue carcinoma with intraoral ultrasonography, Head Neck. 2007, 30: 230-4.

Researcher : Lam SP

List of Research Outputs

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Researcher : Lam TT

List of Research Outputs

Guo D., Ng T.P., Cheng Q., Lim Z.X.H., Lam T.T. and Man K., A garlic derivative S-allylcysteine suppresses liver tumor growth and metastasis by sensitizing chemotherapy (Abstract), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Researcher : Lam VWT

List of Research Outputs

Lam V.W.T., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tso W.K., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Incomplete ablation after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of risk factors and prognostic factors, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(3): 782-790.

Yau T., Chan P., Wong H., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Lam V.W.T., Epstein R., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Efficacy and tolerability of low-dose thalidomide as first-line systemic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, Oncology. 2007, 72 Suppl 1: 67-71.

Researcher : Lamb JR

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R., Tam P.K.H. and Chen Y., Hypoxia modulates lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-alpha expression in murine macrophages, Experimental Cell Research. 2008, 314(6): 1327-1336.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Liu F., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Combined treatment with triptolide and rapamycin prolongs graft survival in a mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Transplant International. 2008, 21(5): 483-494.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., The Combination of Triptolide and rapamycin prolong heart graft survival in mouse model, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Researcher : Lang BHH

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.K., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring might be better at predicting complete parathyroidectomy than incomplete parathyroidectomy in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78(5): Supplement 1: A46.

Chow L.Y., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Preoperative vocal cord palsy predicts poor survival in locally advanced pT4a differentiated thyroid carcinoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): 89.

Chow L.Y., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Unusual causes of primary adrenal insufficiency and bilateral adrenal masses - a report of two cases, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): 89.

Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Changes in health-related quality of life after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism - a pilot study, ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78(5): Supplement 1: A45.

Lang B.H.H., Chief, Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Annals of Surgery. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf.). 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Endoscopy. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Southern Medical Journal. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Surgery. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, Surgical Practice. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Co-reviewer, World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Invited Examiner, The FRCS/FHKAM Exit Examination in Hong Kong. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., Invited Faculty, The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007. 2007.

Lang B.H.H., Pre-operative vocal palsy predicts poor survival in locally advanced pT40 differential thyroid carcinoma (Poster), 42nd World Congress of Surgery of ISS/SIC, Montreal, Canada, 26 - 30 August 2007.

Lang B.H.H., Preoperative localization studies in primary hyperparathyroidism (Invited Lecture), The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007. 2007.

Lang B.H.H., Preoperative localization studies in primary hyperparathyroidism (Invited Speaker), The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007.

Lang B.H.H., Preoperative localization studies in primary hyperparathyroidism, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): Sym 6.4.

Lang B.H.H., Chow S.M., Lo C.Y., Law S.C. and Lam P.Y., Staging systems for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a study of 2 tertiary referral centers, Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246: 114-121.

Lang B.H.H., The case for total thyroidectomy for PTC < 1 cm (Invited Lecture), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 May 2008. 2008.

Lang B.H.H., The case for total thyroidectomy for PTC The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 May 2008.

Law T.T., Lang B.H.H., Lo C.Y. and Ng K.F., A comparative study of local block anesthesia versus general anesthesia for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): FP 6.0.

Ng A.T.L., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Predictive factors for normalization of blood pressure after surgery for primary hyperaldosteronism, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): FP 6.12.

Researcher : Lau CK

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.W.Y., Yang Z., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Targeting cancer stem cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Lau C.K., Blockade of hypoxia inducible factor-1a by YC-1 sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma to hypoxia and chemotherapy, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ng M.N., Ho D.W.Y., Lau C.K., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The effects of heat and hypoxia on liver cancer stem cells (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Zhang X., Ling M.T., Wang Q., Lau C.K., Leung C.L., Lee T.K., Cheung A., Wong Y.C. and Wang X., Identification of a novel inhibitor of differentiation-1 (ID-1) binding partner, caveolin-1, and its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and resistance to apoptosis in prostate cancer cells, The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2007, 282(46): 33284-33294.

Researcher : Lau H

List of Research Outputs

Lau H., Loong F., Yuen W.K. and Patil N.G., Management of herniated retroperitoneal adipose tissue during endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty, Surgical Endoscopy. 2007, 21(9): 1612-1616.

Researcher : Lau KC

List of Research Outputs

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Researcher : Lau KP

List of Research Outputs

Lau K.P., Clinicopathological roles of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFa) in papillary thyroid carcinoma, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Law SYK

Project Title:	The use of combined Lutetium Oxyorthosilicate (LSO) Positron Emission Scan and CT scan in staging of esophageal cancer.
Investigator(s):
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	03/2002

Abstract:

To analysis the use of combined Lutetium Oxyorthosilicate (LSO) Positron Emission Scan and CT scan in staging of esophageal cancer.

Project Title:	Potential Roles of RON and Its Ligand Macrophage Stimulating Protein (MSP) as Prognostic Markers in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)
Investigator(s):	Law SYK, Luk JMC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most frequent cause of cancer death in the world. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the commonest histological cell type in Asia and in Hong Kong. Advances in operative techniques and peri-operative care have made esophagectomy a safe procedure in specialized centers. In spite of this and recent advances in multimodality treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer remains poor because of late diagnosis, the propensity of early spread of disease, and its occurrence in a group of elderly patients with co-morbid illnesses. The identification of a sensitive and specific disease marker is important for prognostication and to guide appropriate treatment. RON (Récepteur d’Origine Nantais) is a 185kDa tyrosine kinase receptor in the MET family. It is a transmembrane protein consists of a 150kDa β-subunit and a 40kDa α-subunit which are disulfide-linked. The receptor is normally expressed on epithelial cells, macrophages, bone marrow stem cells, and osteoclasts. It mediates a broad range of biological activities including cell proliferation, cellular adhesion, invasion, motility, metastasis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and inhibitions of apoptosis as well as anoikis. Many of these processes are involved in carcinogenesis. Binding of RON to its ligand macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and subsequent signal transduction, such as the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and PI3-K/Akt or Ras signaling pathways (1). MSP belongs to the plasminogen-related kringle protein family. Inactive 78kDa single-chain pro-MSP is synthesized in hepatocytes and secreted into the circulating blood. Cleavage and activation of pro-MSP in the extravascular compartments result in the formation of disulfide-linked 53kDa α chain and 25kDa β chain, which contains the kringle domains and serine protease domain respectively. MSP was recently named hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-like protein because of its up to 45% homology to HGF (2). We have shown that serum level of HGF correlates with tumor stage and metastasis in ESCC. It may participate in tumor angiogenesis via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Upon binding to c-Met, HGF might play a role in promoting ESCC cell invasion, migration and tumour metastasis. Normal epithelial cells are not affected (3). We hypothesize that MSP could be detected in serum and it may have a prognostic value in ESCC. Currently, commercially available MSP antibody is not well established for the specific detection of the MSP antigen. None has been shown to be efficient and reliable. The first objective of the present proposal is to establish specific monoclonal antibodies against MSP for developing immunoassay(s) for measurement of MSP serum levels in normal subjects and ESCC patients in order to evaluate the potential usefulness of MSP as a prognostic marker. RON, together with c-Met, which is a proto-oncogene, are the only MET family members that exist in humans (4). c-Met is a receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and is found in high levels in esophageal tumour cells (3). Co-expression of RON and c-Met has been observed in node-negative breast cancers and ovarian cancers (5,6). Over-expression of RON alone was also found to associate with tumor development and metastasis. RON over-expression and constitutive activation were observed in breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian carcinomas, colorectal adenocarcinomas, and hepatocellular carcinomas (6-11). The increased expression of RON on cell surface favors homodimerization and receptor activation which is sufficient to induce subsequent signal transductions. Persistent RON expression and activation leading to the loss of epithelial phenotypes also correlates with cancer cells’ abilities to invade and migrate (12). In addition to the wild-type RON, splicing variants (RONΔ165, RONΔ160, RONΔ155) were detected in various malignancies including colon and gastric cancers. All the variants have the ability to induce cell scatter in a ligand-independent way (9). We hypothesize that dysregulated RON or its splicing variants’ expressions might be involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis in ESCC in a similar manner to that of c-Met, and has a potential role as a disease and prognostic marker in ESCC. Thus, the second objective of the present study is to assess the expression of RON and its variants in patients with ESCC and to correlate their levels with clinicopathological data. References: 1. Leonard EJ, Danilkovitch A. Macrophage stimulating protein. Ad Cancer Res 2000; 77: 139-67. 2. Danilkovitch-Miagkova A, Leonard EJ. Anti-apoptotic action of macrophage stimulating protein (MSP). Apoptosis 2001; 6(3): 183-90. 3. Ren Y, Cao B, Law S, et al. Hepatocyte growth factor promotes cancer cell migration and angiogenic factors expression: a prognostic marker of human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11(17): 6190-7. 4. Wang MH, Wang D, Chen YQ. Oncogenic and invasive potentials of human macrophage-stimulating protein receptor, the RON receptor tyrosine kinase. Carcinogenesis 2003; 23(8): 1291-300. 5. Lee WY, Chen HHW, Chow NH, et al. Prognostic significance of co-expression of RON and MET receptors in node-negative breast cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11: 2222-8. 6. Maggiora P, Lorenzato A, Fracchioli S, et al. The RON and MET oncogenes are co-expressed in human ovarian carcinomas and cooperate in activating invasiveness. Exp Cell Res 2003; 288: 382-9. 7. Maggiora P, Marchio S, Stella MC, et al. Overexpression of the RON gene in human breast carcinoma. Oncogene 1998; 16: 2927-33. 8. Willett CG, Wang MH, Emanuel RL, et al. Macrophage-stimulating protein and its receptor in non-small-cell lung tumors: Induction of receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and cell migration. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 1998; 18: 489-96. 9. Zhou YQ, He C, Chen YQ, et al. Altered expression of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase in primary human colorectal adenocarcinomas: generation of different splicing RON variants and their oncogenic potential. Oncogene 2003; 22: 186-97. 10. Chen YQ, Zhou YQ, Fisher JH, et al. Targeted expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase RON in distal lung epithelial cells results in multiple tumor formation: Oncogenic potential of RON in vivo. Oncogene 2002; 21: 6382-6. 11. Persons DA, Paulson RF, Loyd MR, et al. Fv2 encodes a truncated form of the Stk receptor tyrosine kinase. Nat Genet 1999; 23: 159-65. 12. Wang D, Shen Q, Chen YQ, et al. Collaborative activities of macrophage-stimulating protein and transforming growth factor-β1 in induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition: roles of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase. Oncogene 2004; 23: 1668-80.

List of Research Outputs

Cheung C.M., Tang J.C.O., Lee P.Y., Hu L., Guan X.Y., Tang W.K., Srivastava G., Wong J., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., Establishment and characterization of a new xenograft-derived human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. 2007, 178(1): 17-25.

Cheung C.M. and Law S.Y.K., Identification of differentially expressed genes in a newly established esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong, October. 2007.

Chung Y.M.F., Lam A.K.Y., Luk J.M.C., Law S.Y.K., Chan K.W., Lee P.Y. and Wong J., Altered E-cadherin expression and p120 catenin localization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(11): 3260-3267.

Fan J.K.M., Tong D.K.H., Law W.L. and Law S.Y.K., Transrectal peritoneal access with transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) device in a pig model, SAGES 2008 Surgical Spring Week, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 9-12 April. 2008.

Hui K.C., Chan K.W., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., The roles of survivin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, The University of Hong Kong, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2008. 2007.

Ko J.M.Y., Chan P.L., Yau W.L., Chan H.K., Chan K.C., Yu Z.Y., Kwong F.M., Miller L.D., Liu E.T., Yang L.C., Lo P.H.Y., Stanbridge E.J., Tang J.C.O., Srivastava G., Tsao G.S.W., Law S.Y.K. and Lung M.L., Monochromosome transfer and microarray analysis identify a critical tumor-suppressive region mapping to chromosome 13q14 and THSD1 in esophageal carcinoma, Molecular Cancer Research. 2008, 6(4): 592-603.

Law F.B.F., Chen W.Y.W., Wong K.Y., Ying J., Tao Q., Langford C., Lee P.Y., Law S.Y.K., Cheung R.W.L., Chui C.H., Tsao G.S.W., Lam A.K.Y., Wong J., Srivastava G. and Tang J.C.O., Identification of a novel tumor transforming gene GAEC1 at 7q22 which encodes a nuclear protein and is frequently amplified and overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Oncogene. 2007, 26(40): 5877-5888.

Law S.Y.K., Adjuvant therapies for esophageal cancer: different treatment strategies, same outcome?, The 60th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery, Sendai, Japan, 17-20 October. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Ca oesophagus, Post-registration Certificate Course in Intensive Care Nursing, The Institute of Advanced Nursing Studies, Hospital Authority, 24 April. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Ca oesophagus, Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing Practice (Intensive Care Nursing), HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong, 13 November. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Cancer of the esophageal-gastric junction: current status of treatment, VI International Meeting of Esophageal and Gastric Surgery, Porto, Portugal, 12-13 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Chapter 42: Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma, In: Patterson G.A., Cooper J.D., Deslauriers J., Lerut A.E.M.R., Luketich J.D. and Rice T.W., (eds) , Pearson's Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery. Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, 2008, 3(2): 464-485.

Law S.Y.K., Chief, Division of Esophageal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Combined thoracoscopic-laparoscopic two field esophagectomy (Video Presentation), The 42nd World Congress of the International Society of Surgery ISS/SIC, Montreal, Canada, 26-30 August. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Esophageal cancer: endoscopy to laparoscopy, Frontiers of Gastrointestinal & Cardiothoracic Surgery, Macau International Surgical Forum, Macau, 13-16 June. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Esophageal cancer, Post-registration Certificate Course in Intensive Care Nursing, The Institute of Advanced Nursing Studies, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong, 1 August. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Esophagectomy without mortality; Advances in morbidity & mortality, Tom R. DeMeester Festschrift, Los Angeles, USA, 16-17 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Evolution of esophageal cancer management, 50th Hong Kong Surgical Forum, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital and Hong Kong Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Hong Kong, 12-14 July. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Evolving strategies in treating esophageal cancer (Abstract), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19-22 October. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Evolving strategies in treating esophageal cancer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): A9.

Law S.Y.K., Extent and role of surgery for esophageal cancer, 2008 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, Orlando, Florida, USA, 25-27 January. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Gastroesophageal junction cancer: current management, The Surgical Assembly, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong, 30 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Is the addition of chemotherapy or radiotherapy beneficial for patients with esophageal cancer? (Abstract), 12th Joint Shanghai / Hong Kong Surgical Convention, Shanghai, China, 15-16 July. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia, Session on: "Come and drink a glass of Port and have a chat about techniques", VI International Meeting of Esophageal and Gastric Surgery, Porto, Portugal, 12-13 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Tong D.K.H. and Wong K.H., Minimally invasive esophagectomy (Video presentation) (Abstract), SAGES 2008 Surgical Spring Week, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 9-12 April. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Minimally invasive esophagectomy for cancer (Abstract), AsianAmerican MultiSpecialty Summit III: Laparoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Hawaii, USA, 6-9 February. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Minimally invasive esophagectomy, Session on: "Come and drink a glass of Port and have a chat about techniques", VI International Meeting of Esophageal and Gastric Surgery, Porto, Portugal, 12-13 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Neo-adjuvant chemo-irradiation versus surgery alone for oesophageal cancer, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons AND The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer: should it be the standard-of-care treatment?, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 31 October. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer: should it be the standard-of-care treatment?, Erasmus Medical Centre, University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2 November. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Nodal dissection in esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, Esophageal Cancer Symposium, Malaysian Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Conference, Port Dickson, Malaysia, 8-9 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Post-operative care following esophagectomy, Esophageal Cancer Symposium, Malaysian Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Conference, Port Dickson, Malaysia, 8-9 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Prognostic factors to esophageal cancer, The 42nd World Congress of the International Society of Surgery ISS/SIC, Montreal, Canada, 26-30 August. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Wong K.H., Tong D.K.H. and Wong J., Standardized uptake value (SUV) in PET / CT for esophageal cancer correlates with pathological stage and predicts R-category of resection, Gut. 2007, 56(Suppl III): A223.

Law S.Y.K., Wong K.H., Tong D.K.H. and Wong J., Standardized uptake value (SUV) in PET / CT for oesophageal cancer correlates with pathological stage and predicts R-category of resection (Abstract), 15th United European Gastroenterology Week "UEGW 2007", Paris, France, 27-31 October. 2007.

Law S.Y.K., Surgical treatment for achalasia: how do I do it?, Esophageal Cancer Symposium, Malaysian Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Conference, Port Dickson, Malaysia, 8-9 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., The association of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of esophageal cancer: should this be the standard of care?, VI International Meeting of Esophageal and Gastric Surgery, Porto, Portugal, 12-13 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., The current management of esophageal cancer, Advances in Surgery. 2007, 41: 93-119.

Law S.Y.K., The esophageal anastomosis: simple is best, Session on: "Come and drink a glass of Port and have a chat about techniques", VI International Meeting of Esophageal and Gastric Surgery, Porto, Portugal, 12-13 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., The goal towards zero mortality after esophagectomy: what can surgeons do?, VI International Meeting of Esophageal and Gastric Surgery, Porto, Portugal, 12-13 May. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., Treatment of cancer in esophagus and gastroesophageal reflux, Medical Series, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Radio Programme at Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), 6 June. 2008.

Law S.Y.K., What can surgeons do to improve morbidity and mortality rates after esophagectomy, Research Meeting, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, 23 May. 2008.

Leung A.C.C., Wong V.C.L., Yang L.C., Chan P.L., Daigo Y., Nakamura Y., Qi R.Z., Miller L.D., Liu E.T.B., Wang L.D., Li J.L., Law S.Y.K., Tsao G.S.W. and Lung M.L., Frequent decreased expression of candidate tumor suppressor gene, DEC1, and its anchorage-independent growth properties and impact on global gene expression in esophageal carcinoma, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 122(3): 587-594.

Lo O.S.H., Law S.Y.K., Wei W.I., Ng W.M., Wong K.H., Tong K.H. and Wong J., Esophageal cancers with synchronous or antecedent head and neck cancers: a more formidable challenge?, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(6): 1750-1756.

Lo P.H.Y., Xie D., Chan K.C., Xu F.P., Kuzmin I., Lerman M.I., Law S.Y.K., Chua D.T.T., Sham J.S.T. and Lung M.L., Reduced expression of RASSF1A in esophageal and nasopharyngeal carcinomas significantly correlates with tumor stage, Cancer Letters. 2007, 257(2): 199-205.

Tong D.K.H., Law S.Y.K., Wong K.H. and Wong J., Cervical nodal metastasis from intrathoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is not necessarily an incurable disease (Abstract), 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, USA, 17-21 May. 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Minimally invasive esophagectomy, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19-22 October. 2007.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Minimally invasive esophagectomy, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): A31.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Palliation of recurrent tumour after esophagogastrectomy for esophageal or gastric cardia cancer using self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS): efficacy and safety evaluation (Abstract), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19-22 October. 2007.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Palliation of recurrent tumour after esophagogastrectomy for esophageal or gastric cardia using self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS): efficacy and safety evaluation, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): A15.

Tong D.K.H., Fan J.K.M., Law S.Y.K. and Law W.L., Systemic inflammatory response after natural orifice translumenal surgery: transvaginal cholecystectomy in porcine model (Poster Abstract), 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, USA, 17-21 May. 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Fan J.K.M., Fan P., Law S.Y.K. and Law W.L., Transgastric and transvaginal peritoneoscopy and report of a new approach of gastrostomy closure method in animal models (Abstract), SAGES 2008 Surgical Spring Week, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 9-12 April. 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Fan J.K.M., Law S.Y.K. and Law W.L., Two layer closure of gastrotomy following transvaginal and transgastric peritoneoscopy in an animal model, SAGES Annual Meeting 2008, Philadelphia, USA, 9-12 April 2008.

Yuen H.F., Chan Y.P., Chan K.K., Chu Y.Y., Wong M.L.Y., Law S.Y.K., Srivastava G., Wong Y.C., Wang X. and Chan K.W., Id-1 and Id-2 are markers for metastasis and prognosis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Br J Cancer. 2007, 97(10): 1409-15.

Researcher : Law WL

Project Title:	Self-expanding metallic stents for the poor patients with malignant colorectal obstruction
Investigator(s):	Law WL, Chu KW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	04/2004

Abstract:

To provide the insertion of self-expanding metallic stents to the poor patients who cannot afford the devices.

List of Research Outputs

Au W.Y., Lo S.H., Law W.L., Khong P.L., Shek T.W.H., Lau W.H. and Chan E.M.C., Concomitant EBER+ve lymphomatoid papulosis and malignant transformation of colonic polyposis in a heart transplant recipient, Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. 2008, 27: 575-576.

Chan A.C.Y. and Law W.L., Impact of conversion on the long-term outcome of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer (abstract presentation), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007.

Chan A.C.Y., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J.K.M. and Lo S.H., Impact of conversion on the outcome and survival following laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer, SAGES Annual Meeting 2008, Philadelphia, USA, 9-12 April 2008.

Chan A.C.Y. and Law W.L., Outcome of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer: a critical appraisal, Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research. 2007, 7(5): 479-489.

Chan M.K. and Law W.L., Use of chewing gum in reducing postoperative ileus after elective colorectal resection: a systematic review , Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. 2007, 50(12): 2149-2157.

Choi C.K., Chan T.T., Tung S.Y., Lui L., Siu S., Au G.K.H., Ho J.W.C. and Law W.L., Efficacy of combination chemotherapy with irinotecan (CPT-11) plus capecitabine in patients with metastatic or advanced colorectal carcinoma - a dual-centre phase II study: the MAC-6, Clinical Oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)). 2008, 20(2): 168-175.

Chok K.S. and Law W.L., Prognostic factors affecting survival and recurrence of patients with pT1 and pT2 colorectal cancer, World Journal of Surgery. 2007, 31(7): 1485-1490.

Chok S.H., Fan J.K.M. and Law W.L., Laparoscopic repair of a strangulated epigastric hernia (Abstract Presentation), The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007.

Fan J.K.M., Law W.L. and Chok S.H., Emergency laparoscopic repair for incarcerated. Epigastric hernia using composite mesh (abstract presentation), 3rd International Congress of Aisa Pacific Hernia Society, Singapore, 25-27 October 2007.

Fan J.K.M. and Law W.L., Laparoscopic rectopexy for rectal prolapse (video presentation), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007.

Fan J.K.M. and Law W.L., Total extraperitoneal repair for recurrent inguinal hernia (video presentation), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007.

Fan J.K.M., Tong D.K.H., Law W.L. and Law S.Y.K., Transrectal peritoneal access with transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) device in a pig model, SAGES 2008 Surgical Spring Week, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 9-12 April. 2008.

Law W.L. and Chu S.S.M., An unusual enterovesical fistula, American Journal of Surgery, 2008. 2008, 195(6): 814-815.

Law W.L., Associate Editor, Asian Journal of Surgery . 2008.

Law W.L., Cavernous hemangioma: uncommon cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Journal of American College of Surgeons. 2007, 205(3): 511.

Law W.L., Collaboration for stoma rehabilitation, 11th Asian Federation of Coloproctology, Tokyo, Japan, 20-22 September 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Colonic perforation, SSAT Postgraduate Course at DDW 2008, San Diego, USA, 17 May 2008. 2008.

Law W.L., Current management of rectal prolapse, Lunch symposium on update on the management of benign anorectal diseases, College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 6 August 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Editor, Surgical Practice. 2008.

Law W.L., Faculty Teaching Award 2007, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong . 2007.

Law W.L., Iatrogenic colonic perforation, Symposium on Colorectal Trauma, International Surgical Week 2007, Montreal, Canada, 26-30 August 2007 . 2007.

Law W.L., Impact of postoperative morbidity on long term outcome following colorectal cancer surgery, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery & 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Improving outcome of colorectal cancer with laparoscopic resection , ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons, 3rd International Meeting, Singapore, 19-22 November 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Ischaemic colitis, Symposium on Fulminant Colitis, International Surgical Week 2007, Montreal, Canada, 26-30 August 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Fan J.K.M., Poon J.T.C., Choi H.K. and Lo S.H., Laparoscopic bowel resection in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(5): 1424-1428.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic colectomy using standardized medial approach, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Course, Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, 16-17 November 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic colectomy: An evaluation of oncologic outcome, 12th Joint Hong Kong/Shanghai Surgical Convention, Shanghai, China, 15-16 July 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic colectomy: To start and to ascend the learning curve, Advanced Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Course 2007, United Christain Hospital, Hong Kong, 3 August 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer: An evaluation of oncologic outcomes, SLS 3rd Aisan American Congress, Hawaii, USA, 6-9 February 2008. 2008.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic colorectal resection: An appraisal of outcome, 2007 Chinese Forum in General Surgery, Chinese Medical Journal (English Edition), Guangzhou, China, 4 August 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic colorectal surgery: tricks of the trade, 12th SGH Colorectal Week, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, 15-16 May 2008. 2008.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic rectal surgery, 15th Postgraduate Course of the IASGO, Athens, Greece, 13-15 December 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Laparoscopic treatment for rectal cancer, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress 2008 - Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008. 2008.

Law W.L., Management of obstructing left-sided colon cancer, International College of Surgeon, Pacific Region Meeting, Townsville, Australia, 21-23 March 2008. 2008.

Law W.L., Member of Editorial Board, Chinese Journal of Medicine. 2008.

Law W.L., Optimal treatment of rectal cancer surgery with laparoscopic resection, Asian Pacific Digestive Week 2007, Kobe, Japan, 15-18 October 2007. 2007.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Annals of Surgery. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Archives of Internal Medicine. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, BMC Surgery. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, British Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Digestive Disease and Science. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum . 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Endoscopy. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Gut. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Journal of Clinical Research and Clinical Oncology. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Proceedings of SGH. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Surgery, Laparoscopy, Endoscopy and Percutaneous Technieques . 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, Surgical Practice (previously Annals of College of Surgeons of Hong Kong). 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, The Lancet Oncology. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Law W.L., Reviewer, World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Law W.L., Choi H.K., Lee Y.M. and Ho J.W.C., The impact of postoperative complications on long-term outcomes following curative resection for colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(9): 2559-2566.

Law W.L., Total pelvic exenteration, International College of Surgeon, Pacific Region Meeting, Townsville, Australia, 21-23, March 2008. 2008.

Lee S.I., Kim S.H., Wang H.M., Choi G.S., Zheng M.H., Fukunaga M., Kim J.G., Law W.L. and Chen J.B., Local recurrence after laparoscopic resection of T3 rectal cancer without preoperative chemoradiation and a risk group analysis: an Asian collaborative study, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008, 12(5): 933-938.

Leung M., Fan J.K.M. and Law W.L., Laparoscopic colectomy for octagarians (abstract presentation), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007.

Leung M., Fan J.K.M. and Law W.L., Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer in octogenarians, SAGES Annual Meeting 2008, Philadelphia, USA, 9-12 April 2008.

Ng D.S.C., Chok K.S.H., Law W.L., Collins R.J. and Fan S.T., Long-term survival after resection of extrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma at the right colon (Letter to the Editor), International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2007, 22(11): 1411-1412.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, 13th Medical Research Conference, Department of Medicine, HKUHong Kong . 2008.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, Inaugural William and Elizabeth Dabies Foundation Trust International Meeting. 2008.

Poon J.T.C., Law W.L., Fan J.K.M. and Lo S.H., Laparoscopic colectomy: the impact on surgical site infection (abstract presentation), ASCRS Annual Meeting and Tripartite Meeting 2008, Boston, USA, 7-11 June 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Fan J.K.M., Law S.Y.K. and Law W.L., Systemic inflammatory response after natural orifice translumenal surgery: transvaginal cholecystectomy in porcine model (Poster Abstract), 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, USA, 17-21 May. 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Fan J.K.M., Fan P., Law S.Y.K. and Law W.L., Transgastric and transvaginal peritoneoscopy and report of a new approach of gastrostomy closure method in animal models (Abstract), SAGES 2008 Surgical Spring Week, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 9-12 April. 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Fan J.K.M., Law S.Y.K. and Law W.L., Two layer closure of gastrotomy following transvaginal and transgastric peritoneoscopy in an animal model, SAGES Annual Meeting 2008, Philadelphia, USA, 9-12 April 2008.

Researcher : Lee KW

List of Research Outputs

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Wo Y.H., Ma S.K.Y., Guan X.Y., Myers J.N., Altevogt P. and Yuen P.W., Lupeol suppresses cisplatin induced NFkB activation in HNSCC cells and inhibits local invasion and nodal metastasis in orthotopic nude mouse model of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2007, 67(18): 8800-8809.

Lee K.W., The study of molecular mechanism of HCC metastasis and its therapeutics (Invited Lecture) , National Institute of Health (NIH, NICHD, Bethesda), 1 December, 2007. 2007.

Ma S.K.Y., Guan X.Y., Lee K.W. and Chan K.W., Clinicopathological significance of missing in metastasis B expression in hepatocellular carcinoma, Hum Pathol. 2007, 38(8): 1201-6.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Researcher : Lee KY

List of Research Outputs

Ma S.K.Y., Lee K.Y., Zheng B. and Chan K.W., CD133(+) HCC cancer stem cells confer chemoresistance by preferential expression of the Akt/PKB survival pathway., Oncogene. 2008, 27: 1749-1758.

Researcher : Lee PY

List of Research Outputs

Cheung C.M., Tang J.C.O., Lee P.Y., Hu L., Guan X.Y., Tang W.K., Srivastava G., Wong J., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., Establishment and characterization of a new xenograft-derived human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. 2007, 178(1): 17-25.

Chung Y.M.F., Lam A.K.Y., Luk J.M.C., Law S.Y.K., Chan K.W., Lee P.Y. and Wong J., Altered E-cadherin expression and p120 catenin localization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(11): 3260-3267.

Hui C.K., Zhang H.Y., Lee P.Y., Chan W., Yueng Y.H., Leung K.W., Lu L., Leung N., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Xu A., Lam K.S.L., Kwong Y.L. and Lau G., Serum adiponectin is increased in advancing liver fibrosis and declines with reduction in fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B, Journal of Hepatology. 2007, 47(2): 191-202.

Law F.B.F., Chen W.Y.W., Wong K.Y., Ying J., Tao Q., Langford C., Lee P.Y., Law S.Y.K., Cheung R.W.L., Chui C.H., Tsao G.S.W., Lam A.K.Y., Wong J., Srivastava G. and Tang J.C.O., Identification of a novel tumor transforming gene GAEC1 at 7q22 which encodes a nuclear protein and is frequently amplified and overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Oncogene. 2007, 26(40): 5877-5888.

Lee P.Y., Leung K.W., Cheung N., Lam B.Y., Xu Z., Sham P.C., Lau G., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Comparative proteomic analysis of mouse livers from embryo to adult reveals an association with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, Proteomics. 2008, 8(10): 2136-2149.

Lee P.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Genomic and proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, Biomarkers in Medicine. 2007, 1(2): 273-284.

Lee P.Y. and Cheng C.Y., Nitric oxide and cyclic nucleotides: their roles in junction dynamics and spermatogenesis , Molecular Mechanisms in Spermatogenesis . Landes Bioscience, 2007.

Lee P.Y. and Luk J.M.C., Tumor biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, In: D.H. Chang, Tumor Markers Research Focus . New York, NY, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2007, Chapter 12.

Luk J.M.C., Lam B.Y.H., Lee P.Y., Ho D.W.Y., Sham P.C., Chen L., Peng J.R., Leng X.S., Day P.J. and Fan S.T., Artificial neural networks and decision tree model analysis of liver cancer proteomes, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2007, 361(1): 68-73.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Liver cancer biomarkers ready, Pharma Asia. 2008, January.

Sun S., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He Q., Lau G. and Luk J.M.C., Oncoproteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma: from cancer markers' discovery to functional pathways (Review Article), Liver International. 2007, 27(8): 1021-1038.

Yi X., Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Peng J., Leng X., Guan X.Y., Lau G., Beretta L. and Fan S.T., Association of mortalin (HSPA9) with liver cancer metastasis and prediction for early tumor recurrence, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics. 2008, 7(2): 315-325 (corresponding author).

Researcher : Lee PY

Project Title:	Tight-junction claudin-19 in kidney development and renal disease
Investigator(s):	Lee PY, Luk JMC, Tam PC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To isolate, identify and characterize a novel tight-junction molecule, claudin 19, which was initially found highly expressed in kidney.

Project Title:	Molecular analysis of a novel signaling molecule VAD1.2 highly conseved in mammalian germ cells
Investigator(s):	Lee PY
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

Germ cells are "stem-like" cell types capable of self-renewal and differentiation into highly specialized fertilizing cell types, resulting in the formation of spermatozoa during spermatogenesis (Cheng and Mruk, 2002). Haploid germ cells are initially resided on the basal lamina of the seminiferous epithelium in the testes and they migrate towards the lumens after passing through the tight junctions for further developments and maturations (Cheng and Mruk, 2002). In this process, the cell-cell associations and dissociations, the restructurings of the junctions and their linked underlying cytoskeletons, and the regulations of gene expressions are noted. As such, different gene expression profiles can be observed at different stages of germ cell development, making it interesting to study the arrays of gene expressions. However, it will be techically difficult and tedious to isolate germ cells originated in different stages. For instance, one can manually isolate different spermatogenic stages based on their distinct transillumination properties under stereomicroscope (Chen et al, 2003; Parvinen and Vanha-Perttula, 1972). In order to simplify the procedure for the study of gene regulations in different germ cell types in the testis, vitamin A-deficiency (VAD) and post-vitamin A replenishment (PVA) rat model and differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are used to isolate and identify stage- or cell type-specific genes in the testis (Luk et al, 2003). In this model, adult rats are first fed with vitamin A-deficient diets, which leads to the spermatogenesis arrest and subsequent germ cell depletion from the epithelium (Luk et al, 2003; Lee et al, 2004). At that time, spermatogonia and preleptotene spermatocytes are the only two germ cell types found in the seminiferous tubules (Luk et al, 2003; Lee et al, 2004). Spermatogenesis is resumed in these rats by treating them with retinol, which can stimulate the proliferative activity of spermatogonia and their development to advanced germ cell types, resulting in the synchronization of the spermatogenic stages (van Pelt and de Rooij, 1990, 1991). Testes were isolated from different post-treatment days and subjected for differential display (Luk et al, 2003). As such, a number of differentially expressed genes, such as VAD 1.2, VAD 1.3, VAD 3.4, and VAD 28, were identified (Luk et al, 2003). Among those genes, VAD 1.2 was selected for further characterization, since it was found largely in advanced germ cell types (Luk et al, 2003). Advanced germ cells take part in several important cellular processes, such as spermiogenesis and spermiation, making them as one of the most essential cell types in coordinating these processes for turning germ cells into mature spermatozoa. The production of a mature and functional spermatozoan will be a critical step for successful fertilization. As such, the understanding of genes associated with these advanced germ cells and their functions are one of the important preliminary parameters for further understanding infertility and for the development of the its diagnosis and treatment. References:Chen YM, Lee NP, Mruk DD, Lee WM, Cheng CY (2003) Fer kinase/FerT and adherens junction dynamics in the testis: an in vitro and in vivo study. Biol Reprod 69: 656-672Cheng CY, Mruk DD (2002) Cell junction dynamics in the testis: Sertoli-germ cell interactions and male contraceptive development. Physiol Rev 82: 825-874 Lee KF, Yeung WS, Chow JF, Shum CK, Luk JM (2004) Different testicular gene expression patterns in the first spermatogenic cycle of postnatal and vitamin A-deficient rat testis. Biol Reprod 70: 1010-1017Luk JM, Mok BW, Shum CK, Yeung WS, Tam PC, Tse JY, Chow JF, Woo J, Kam K, Lee KF (2003) Identification of novel genes expressed during spermatogenesis in stage-synchronized rat testes by differential display. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 307: 782-790Parvinen M, Vanha-Perttula T (1972) Identification and enzyme quantitation of the stages of the seminiferous epithelial wave in the rat. Anat Rec 174: 435-449van Pelt AM, de Rooij DG (1990) Synchronization of the seminiferous epithelium after vitamin A replacement in vitamin A-deficient mice. Biol Reprod 43: 363-367van Pelt AM, de Rooij DG (1991) Retinoic acid is able to reinitiate spermatogenesis in vitamin A-deficient rats and high replicate doses support the full development of spermatogenic cells. Endocrinology 128: 697-704

List of Research Outputs

Lee P.Y. and Cheng C.Y., Nitric oxide and cyclic nucleotides: their roles in junction dynamics and spermatogenesis , Molecular Mechanisms in Spermatogenesis . Landes Bioscience, 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Liver cancer biomarkers ready, Pharma Asia. 2008, January.

Researcher : Lee YM

List of Research Outputs

Law W.L., Choi H.K., Lee Y.M. and Ho J.W.C., The impact of postoperative complications on long-term outcomes following curative resection for colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(9): 2559-2566.

Researcher : Lee YT

List of Research Outputs

Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Lee Y.T., Chow J.P.H., Ng I.O.L., Fong D.Y.T. and Lo C.M., Albumin mRNA in plasma predicts post-transplant recurrence of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Transplantation. 2008, 85(1): 81-87.

Ho J.C.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon W.S., Lee Y.T., Ng I.O.L. and Fan S.T., Down-regulation of retinol binding protein 5 is associated with aggressive tumor features in hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2007, 133(12): 929-936.

Ho J.C.Y., Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Chan K.F., Wong S.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatology. 2008, 47: 1524-1532.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y., Lo K.K. and Fan S.T., Claudin-10 increases metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 14th European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 25 September, Spain, 2007.

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion by suppression of claudin-10 in HLE cells, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007, 6(11): 2858-67.

Researcher : Leon YY

List of Research Outputs

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Leon Y.Y., Functional analysis of RET mutations in Chinese Hirschsprung's Disease patients, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Researcher : Leung GKK

Project Title:	A prospective study on platelet functions in neurosurgical patients receiving acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
Investigator(s):	Leung GKK, Ng JKF, Fan YW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE To assess platelet functions in hospitalized neurosurgical patients who receive aspirin immediately prior to admission. BACKGROUND Acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, is commonly used for the treatment of thrombotic vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular diseases. Aspirin-users may sometimes present with concurrent neurosurgical conditions, such as brain tumours and intracranial haemorrhages. Aspirin, by impairing platelet functions, may cause clinical deterioration or severe intra-operative haemorrhages in these patients. [1-2] In stable patients, it is current neurosurgical practice to withhold aspirin and to post-pone surgery until platelet functions normalize. In unstable patients, it may be necessary to proceed with immediate surgery despite impaired platelet functions. Attempts would be made in the latter situation to improve haemostasis by means of platelet transfusion. [3] Patients on aspirin, however, represent a heterogeneous population. Although the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of aspirin have been well studied, the actual clinical effect within and between individuals may vary widely due to differences in dosage, individual response, treatment duration and compliance. For an individual taking aspirin who presents with a neurosurgical condition, there is no reliable clinical method to assess platelet functions, or to ascertain if it is safe to proceed with immediate surgery, or for how long surgery should be withheld. The clinical effects of empirical corrective measures such as platelet transfusion are also unknown. Platelet functions can be assessed quantitatively using PFA-100® analyzer, which is a newly developed and validated method for the monitoring of various platelet dysfunctions. It requires venous whole blood samples only, and unlike the template bleeding-time method, PFA-100® analysis is more accurate and reproducible, and do not leave any extra scars. Actual aspirin consumption in patients who give a drug history of aspirin usage can be verified using serum thromboxaneB2 level analysis. [4-6] We therefore design this study to address the following questions, using PFA-100® and thromboxaneB2 level analysis as quantitative assessment of platelet functions and consumption: QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED • To what extent do PFA-100® results vary amongst patients who give history of aspirin consumption immediately prior to hospital admission? • How do PFA-100® results change after cessation of aspirin consumption? And can the changes be formulated using clinically applicable parameters such as body size, age and aspirin dosage? • To what extent does platelet transfusion alter PFA-100® results in aspirin- users. REFERENCES 1. Palmer JD, Sparrow OC, Iannotti F. Postoperative Hematoma: A 5-Year Survey and Identification of Avoidable Risk Factors. Neurosurgery 1994;36:1061-1065. 2. Stroobandt G, Fransen P, Thauvoy C, Menato hospital enetic factors in chronic subdural haematoma and causes of recurrence after drainage. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 1995;137:6-14. 3. Harder S, Klinkhardt U, Alvarez JM. Avoidance of bleeding during surgery in patients receiving anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations. Clin Pharmacokinet 2004; 43:963-981.- 4. Goh KY, Tsoi WC, Feng CS, Wickham N, Poon WS. Haemostatic changes during surgery for primary brain tumours. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1997; 63: 334-338. 5. Favaloro EJ. Clinical application of the PFA-100. Curr Opin Hematol 2002; 9:407-415. 6. Jacoby RC, Owings JT, Holmes J, Battistella FD, Gosselin RC, Paglieroni TG. Platelet activation and function after trauma. J Trauma 2001; 51:639-647.

List of Research Outputs

Chan D.C.W., Fong D.H.F., Leung J.Y.Y., Patil N.G. and Leung G.K.K., Maggot debridement therapy in chronic wound care, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13(5): 382-386.

Gandhi A., Leung G.K.K., Patil N.G. and Wong J., Clinical Undergraduate Examination; Voluntary Patient's Perspective, 5th Asia Pacific Medical Education Abstract Book. Singapore, 2008, 144.

Guo J., Pu J.K.S., Wu W. and Leung G.K.K., Self-assembling peptide promotes the recovery of acute injured brain, The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, The Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2007.

Leung G.K.K., Cancer of brain and central nervous system, Diploma in Oncology and Palliative Care for Health Care Professionals (Unit II: General Oncology for Health Care Professionals), HKU SPACE, 13 May 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Leung G.K.K., Development of the trauma system in Hong Kong, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery & 2007 Chinese Surgical Week, 21 October 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Leung G.K.K., Education Booklet on Brain Tumour, The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society. 2007.

Leung G.K.K., Extended subcutaneous tunnelling technique for external ventricular drainage, British Journal of Neurosurgery. 2007, 21(4): 359-364.

Leung G.K.K. and Wong S.S.N., Injury Severity Score (ISS) vs. ICD-derived Injury Severity Score (ICISS) in a patient population treated in a designated Hong Kong trauma centre, McGill Journal of Medicine. 2008, 11(1): 9-13.

Leung G.K.K., Outcome of head injury patients at trauma centers in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, Nov 30 - 1 Dec 2007, Hong Kong. 2007.

Leung G.K.K., Lee C.K. and Nicholls J.M., Radiation-induced rhabdomyosarcomatous transformation of a recurrent meningeal haemangiopericytoma. , Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2007, Epub ahead of print.

Leung G.K.K., Self Assembling Peptide Nanofiber Scaffold (SAPNS) Promotes the Reconstruction of the Acutely Injured Brain, The 5th Asia Pacific Multidisciplinary Meeting for Nervous System Diseases - Brain 2008, Jan 18 - 19, 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Leung G.K.K., Chan S.K. and Hung K.N., Trilogy of neurosurgical complications after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma , Surgical Neurology. 2007, 68: 466.

Mak W.K., Leung G.K.K. and Hung K.N., Neurological improvement after cranioplasty: correlation with vascular study by transcranial doppler sonography, The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, the Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2007.

Sin S.L., Lui V.C.H., Pu J.K.S. and Leung G.K.K., The effect of cholorotoxin on glioma cell invasion, The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, The Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2007.

Wong P.H.D. and Leung G.K.K., Infection related to external ventriculostomy: a retrospective review, The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, the Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2007.

Researcher : Leung KW

List of Research Outputs

Hui C.K., Zhang H., Bowden S., Locarnini S., Luk J.M.C., Leung K.W., Yueng Y.H., Wong A., Rousseau F., Yuen K.Y., Naoumov N.N. and Lau G., 96 weeks combination of adefovir dipivoxil plus emtricitabine vs. adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, Journal of Hepatology. 2008, 48(5): 714-720.

Lee P.Y., Leung K.W., Cheung N., Lam B.Y., Xu Z., Sham P.C., Lau G., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Comparative proteomic analysis of mouse livers from embryo to adult reveals an association with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, Proteomics. 2008, 8(10): 2136-2149.

Researcher : Li GKH

List of Research Outputs

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V. and Li G.K.H., Clinical use of a pedicle anterolateral thigh flap, Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. 2007, 61: 158-64.

Ng W.M., Li G.K.H., Chan J.Y. and Mak J.Y., Posterior chest wall reconstruction with a free anterolateral thigh flap, The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2007, 134: 537-8.

So K.W., Marsh G., Ling W.M., Leung F.Y., Lo J.C.K., Yeung M. and Li G.K.H., The Quality of Life of Chinese Women undergoing Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer, 2008 Asian Chinese Quality of Life Conference (Invited speaker). 2008.

So K.W., Marsh G., Ling W.M., Leung F.Y., Lo J.C.K., Yeung M. and Li G.K.H., The quality of life of Chinese women undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for breast cancer (Invited Lecture), 2008 Asian Chinese Quality of Life Conference, Guangzhou, China, 15 - 18 May 2008. 2008.

Researcher : Li MLY

List of Research Outputs

Poon R.T.P., Yang Z., Li M.L.Y., Chu W.K., Yu D.C. and Fan S.T., Blockade of therapy-induced acute recruitment of bone marrow-derived CXCR4+Flt-1+ hemangiocytes for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Researcher : Li W

List of Research Outputs

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Li X

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Researcher : Lim ZXH

List of Research Outputs

Guo D., Ng T.P., Cheng Q., Lim Z.X.H., Lam T.T. and Man K., A garlic derivative S-allylcysteine suppresses liver tumor growth and metastasis by sensitizing chemotherapy (Abstract), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Researcher : Lin C

Project Title:	The role of DC-SIGN in the regulation of dendritic cell function and T cell responses: from HIV immunopathology to the induction of peripheral T cell tolerance
Investigator(s):	Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2002

Abstract:

The project attempts to characterize the role of DC-DIGN in the regulation of dendritic cell function, and to evaluate the inhibitory effect of DC-SIGN-modulated DC on T cell responses to primary and recall antigens in vitro and in vivo. This study will provide critical insights into the molecular mechanisms whereby DC-SIGN contributes to immunosuppression or peripheral tolerance, which may allow us to design more effective strategies for antiviral therapies and the induction of transplantation tolerance.

Project Title:	The effect of SARS-associated coronavirus Spike protein on immune regulation of SARS
Investigator(s):	Lin CL, Chan VSF
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	VCO SARS Research Fund
Start Date:	07/2003

Abstract:

To delineate the immune regulatory mechanisms in the afferent and efferent phases of immune responses against SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) infection.

Project Title:	Development of DNA and viral vector vaccines against Epstein-Barr virus-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To design and parpare DNA vaccine encoding EBNA1 and LMP2, and the MVA vaccine encoding the cytokine GM-CSF, the chemokine RANTES, the EBV- specific lytic antigen EBNA-1, and EBV-specific latent antigen LMP2; to identify the efficacy of these vaccines in vitro on their capacity in attracting dendritic cells and also in the induction of EBNA-1 specific CD4+T cell response and LMP2-specific CTL immunity; to verify the efficacy of these vaccines in a mouse NPC and a B cell lymphoma model, including the potency of CD4+ and CTL immunity, and also to test the effect of the dosage, route, and the effect of combinational use of both the DNA and MVA vaccines.

Project Title:	Development and clinical evaluation of peptide vaccines for immunotherapy of Epstein-Barr virus-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Lin CL, Tam PKH, Che CM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	12/2004

Abstract:

To design and prepare peptide vaccines composed of novel peptide analogues of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antigen latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2), EBV-specific nuclear antigen type 1 (EBNA1), the DC-specific monocyte-derived chemokine (MDC), and the dendritic cell (DC) activator CD40 ligand; to assess the efficacy of this peptide vaccine in vitro and in vivo in a NOD/SCID mouse model in terms of the capacity in attracting DCs and inducing LMP2- and EBNA1-specific T cell immunity; to conduct a phase I clinical trial to verify in vivo the efficacy of peptide vaccine in human subjects, including the safety and toxicity, the EBV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responsiveness, and the effect of the dosage and regimen in boosting and maintaining the longevity of effective T cell immunity.

Researcher : Lin CL

Project Title:	The role of DC-SIGN in the regulation of dendritic cell function and T cell responses: from HIV immunopathology to the induction of peripheral T cell tolerance
Investigator(s):	Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2002

Abstract:

Project Title:	The effect of SARS-associated coronavirus Spike protein on immune regulation of SARS
Investigator(s):	Lin CL, Chan VSF
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	VCO SARS Research Fund
Start Date:	07/2003

Abstract:

To delineate the immune regulatory mechanisms in the afferent and efferent phases of immune responses against SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) infection.

Project Title:	Development of DNA and viral vector vaccines against Epstein-Barr virus-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

Project Title:	Development and clinical evaluation of peptide vaccines for immunotherapy of Epstein-Barr virus-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Lin CL, Tam PKH, Che CM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	12/2004

Abstract:

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Chan V.S.F., Zheng B., Chan Y.K., Xu X., To Y.F., Huang F.P., Khoo U.S. and Lin C.L., A novel subset of putative stem/progenitor CD34+Oct-4+ cells is the major target for SARS coronavirus in human lung., J Exp Med.. 2007, 204: 2529-36.

Khoo U.S., Chan Y.K., Chan V.S.F., Ching C.Y.J., Yam L., Chu C.M., Lai S.T., Wong T.Y., Tam P.K.H., Yip S.P., Leung G.M., Lin C.L. and Peiris J.S.M., Role of polymorphisms of the inflammatory response genes and DC-SIGNR in genetic susceptibility to SARS and other infections, Hong Kong Med J. 2008, 14(4)(Suppl 4): S9-12.

Researcher : Liu CL

Project Title:	The significance of intra-graft expression profile and ultrastructural features at early phase after liver transplantation-a prospective study of liver transplantation using cadaver and live donors
Investigator(s):	Liu CL, Man K
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To investigate the gene expression profiles of the donor and graft at the early phase after liver transplantation associated with hepatic ultrastructural features in liver transplantation using cadaver and live donors; to study the correlation of graft status, gene expression patterns with early and late clinical outcome functionally and morphologically.

Project Title:	Portal vein embolization before major right hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective randomized study
Investigator(s):	Liu CL, Fan ST, Tso WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

To evaluate the role of preoperative PVE in patients undergoing major right hepatic resection for HCC, and to determine whether the treatment can result in reduction of postoperative morbidities of these patients by a prospective randomized trial.

List of Research Outputs

Au W.Y., Liu C.L., Tam S., Fong B.M., Shek T.W.H., Hui C.K. and Kwong Y.L., Oral arsenic trioxide therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia before and after liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus-related liver failure, Annals of Hematology. 2007, 86(10): 771-2.

Chan S.C., Chik B.H.Y., Liu C.L., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., A decade of right liver adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation - the recipients mid-term outcomes (Abstract), The 128th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association, New York City, New York, U.S.A., 24 - 26 April 2008.

Fan S.T. and Liu C.L., Right hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: is the anterior approach superior to the conventional approach? (Response to the Letter to the Editor), Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(2): 391-392.

Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Poon R.T.P., Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Survival analysis of patients with transplantable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for salvage liver transplant, Archives of Surgery. 2008, 143(1): 68-74.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Researcher : Liu F

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., Effect of TGF-BETA receptor 1 (ALK5) blockade in mouse septic shock model, The 54th Annual International Congress of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, Edinburgh, U.K., 17-20 July 2007.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., TGF-BETA receptor I inhibitor SB431542 blockade LPS induced TNF-alpha expression in human PBMC derived macrophages, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R., Tam P.K.H. and Chen Y., Hypoxia modulates lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-alpha expression in murine macrophages, Experimental Cell Research. 2008, 314(6): 1327-1336.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Liu F., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Combined treatment with triptolide and rapamycin prolongs graft survival in a mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Transplant International. 2008, 21(5): 483-494.

Sun Z., Liu F., Chen Y., Tam P.K.H. and Yang D., A Highly Specific BODIPY-based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, Organic Letters. 2008, 10(11): 2171-2174.

Sun Z., Yang D., Chen Y. and Liu F., Reagents for Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application (No. 12/034,670). 2008.

Researcher : Liu T

List of Research Outputs

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Liu T., Thyroid transcription factor 1 gene (TITIF1), a potential heritable determinant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Liu T

List of Research Outputs

Liu T., Thyroid transcription factor 1 gene (TITIF1), a potential heritable determinant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Liu X

List of Research Outputs

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Man K., Guan X.Y., Ma S.K.Y., Liu X., Myers J.N. and Yuen P.W., Fascin over-expression is associated with aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Letters. 2007, 254(2): 308-315.

Liu X., Dysregulation of microRNAs in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Wong T.S., Liu X., Ho A.C.W., Yuen P.W., Ng W.M. and Wei W.I., Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 123: 251-257.

Researcher : Liu X

List of Research Outputs

Liu X., Dysregulation of microRNAs in tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Liu Y

Project Title:	A study of the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitor PTK 787/ZK222584 on liver fibrosis
Investigator(s):	Liu Y, Poon RTP
Department:	Centre for the Study of Liver Disease
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To investigate the effect of this drug on the development of liver fibrosis, which could potentially make a great contribution to the treatment of human liver fibrosis.

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R., Tam P.K.H. and Chen Y., Hypoxia modulates lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-alpha expression in murine macrophages, Experimental Cell Research. 2008, 314(6): 1327-1336.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Liu F., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Combined treatment with triptolide and rapamycin prolongs graft survival in a mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Transplant International. 2008, 21(5): 483-494.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., The Combination of Triptolide and rapamycin prolong heart graft survival in mouse model, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Liu Y., The immunosuppressive effects of triptolide and rapamycin on mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Researcher : Liu Y

List of Research Outputs

Liu Y., The immunosuppressive effects of triptolide and rapamycin on mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Researcher : Lo CM

Project Title:	Post-operative adjuvant therapy with recombinant interferon-[alpha] following curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised dose-response controlled trial
Investigator(s):	Lo CM, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	02/1999

Abstract:

To assess the efficacy and safety of interferon [alpha]-2b in reducing the incidence of recurrence after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Project Title:	Development of anti-HBsAb in patients with chronic hepatitis B after liver transplantation using lamivudine prophylaxis: the possible role of adoptive immunity
Investigator(s):	Lo CM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/2000

Abstract:

To investigate effects of donor immune status on the development of anti-HBsAb in patients with chronic hepatitis B after liver transplantation.

Project Title:	Hepatitis B virus-specific immune response after liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B using lamivudine prophylaxis
Investigator(s):	Lo CM, Fan ST, Lau G
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2002

Abstract:

The project attempts to prospectively study the serial changes in HBV-specific immune response after liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B. This HBV-specific immune response will be correlated with the donor's HBV immune status to clarify the possibility of adoptive immunity transfer through the liver graft.

Project Title:	Occult Hepatitis B Virus Reinfection In Liver Transplant Recipient
Investigator(s):	Lo CM, Lau G
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects more than 350 million people worldwide(1). In Hong Kong, around 10% of the local populations had chronic HBV infection and tested positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)(2). It has been shown that chronic HBV infection accounts for 66.3% of patients with cirrhosis and 85% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Hong Kong(3,4). HBV-related liver disease is the most common indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in Hong Kong (5). Although OLT is the most effective treatment for HBV-related end-stage liver disease, recurrent graft infection is the primary concern. Both hepatitis B immunogolbulin (HBIg) and nucluoside analogs such as lamivudine have been shown to be effective in preventing graft reinfection and improving graft survival (6). With the use of HBIg monoprophylaxis, long term studies have demonstrated the persistence of occult HBV infection in liver graft more than 10 years after transplantation suggesting that life-long prophylaxis is necessary (7). At Queen Mary Hospital, the current protocol for HBV prophylaxis consisted of a highly cost-effective regimen of lamivudine monoprophylaxis with adefovir rescue (8,9). Under such a protocol, around 10% of the patients developed recurrent graft infection with viral breakthrough due to emergence of HBV mutants and were treated with adefovir rescue. Another 20-30% of the patients tested positive for HBsAg but remained negative for HBVDNA and HBV mutants. Over 60% of the recipient cleared HBsAg from serum and had no serologic marker for HBV infection. Furthermore, we have observed the spontaneous seroconverion to anti-HBs positivity in some patients during the post-transplant period (10). Nonetheless, it remains unknown whether these patients who cleared HBsAg in serum had “occult” HBV infection in the liver graft. The identification of any residual HBV infection would have important implication for the need for continuation of antiviral prophylaxis and the possibility of emergence of viral mutants in future. In this study we will seek evidence of residual HBV and quantify the amount of cccDNA present in the hepatic allograft of liver transplant recipients with continuous nucleoside analogs prophylaxis, to identify factors that contribute to the clearance or persistence of HBV cccDNA in the liver and to determine the therapeutic end point of antiviral therapy. 1.Lee WM. Hepatitis B virus infection. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1733-1745. 2.Public Health Report No.3. Viral Hepatitis & Liver Cancer and Unintentional Injuries in Children. Hong Kong Department of Health; 1998. 3.Lam KC, Lai CL, Wu PC, Todd D. Etiological spectrum of liver cirrhosis in the Chinese. J Chronic Dis. 1980;33:375-381. 4.Lai CL, Lam KC, Wong KP, Wu PC, Todd D. Clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma: review of 211 patients in Hong Kong. Cancer. 1981;47:2746-2755. 5.Lo CM, Fan ST, Liu CL, Yong BH, Lai CL, Lau GKK, Wei WI, Tam PKH, Tsoi NS, Ng IOL, Young K, Chan JKF, Tso WK, Yuen KY, Wong J. Ten-year experience with liver transplantation at Queen Mary Hospital: retrospective study. Hong Kong Medical Journal 2002;8:240-244. 6.Mutimer D. Review article: hepatitis B and liver transplantation Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006;23:1031-1041. 7.Roche B, Feray C, Gigou M, Roque-Afonso AM,Arulnaden JL, Delvart V, Dussaix E, Guettier C, Bismuth H, Samuel D. HBV DNA persistence 10 years after liver transplantation despite successful anti-HBS passive immunoprophylaxis. Hepatology 2003;38:86-95. 8.Lo CM, Cheung ST, Lai CL, Liu CL, Ng IO, Yuen MF, Fan ST, Wong J. Liver transplantation in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B using lamivudine prophylaxis. Ann Surg. 2001;233:276-81. 9.Dan YY, Wai CT, Yeoh KG, Lim SG. Prophylactic strategies for hepatitis B patients undergoing liver transplant: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Liver Transpl 2006;12:736-746. 10.Lo CM, Fung J.T.K., Lau G.K.K., Liu C.L., Cheung S.T., Lai C.L., Fan S.T. and Wong J. Development of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen after liver transplantation for chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology, 2003, 37:36-43.

Project Title:	The impact of acute phase liver graft injury on tumor recurrence after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Lo CM, Man K, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

To study the significance of early phase liver graft injury related to graft size on late phase tumor recurrence and metastasis after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma; to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., Changing paradigm in management of hepatocellular carcinoma improves the survival benefit of early detection by screening, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(4): 666-673.

Chan S.C., Chik B.H.Y., Liu C.L., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., A decade of right liver adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation - the recipients mid-term outcomes (Abstract), The 128th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association, New York City, New York, U.S.A., 24 - 26 April 2008.

Chan S.Y., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C. and Fan S.T., Management of carcinoma of the gallbladder: a single-institution experience in 16 years, Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 97(2): 156-164.

Cheng Q., Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The significance of hepatic stellate cell activation on small-for-size fatty liver graft injury (Abstract), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Cheung S.T., Fan S.T., Lee Y.T., Chow J.P.H., Ng I.O.L., Fong D.Y.T. and Lo C.M., Albumin mRNA in plasma predicts post-transplant recurrence of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, Transplantation. 2008, 85(1): 81-87.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Zhang H., Luk J.M.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Changes in liver histology as a surrogate endpoint of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV can predict progression to liver complications, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2008, 42(5): 533-538.

Hui C.K., Zhang H.Y., Lee P.Y., Chan W., Yueng Y.H., Leung K.W., Lu L., Leung N., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Xu A., Lam K.S.L., Kwong Y.L. and Lau G., Serum adiponectin is increased in advancing liver fibrosis and declines with reduction in fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B, Journal of Hepatology. 2007, 47(2): 191-202.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Yao H., Lee W.K., Lai J.Y., Lai S.T., Wong W.M., Lai S.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Sustained disease remission after spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion is associated with reduction in fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis B Chinese patients , Hepatology. 2007, 46(3): 690-698.

Lo C.M., Asian experience (Invited Lecture), The 5th International Meeting on Living Donor Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Barcelona, Spain, 21 - 22 November 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., Asian experience (Keynote Lecture), Asia Pacific Summit: Addressing the Challenges in Solid Organ Transplantation, Sapporo, Japan, 14 - 15 July 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., Asian perspective of liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The 10th Congress of Asian Society of Transplantation, Pattaya, Thailand, 1 - 4 December 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., Associate Director (1994 - present), Liver Transplant Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Associate Editor (2001 - present), Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Associate Editor (2005 - present), World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Associate Editor (2006 - present), American Journal of Transplantation. 2007.

Lo C.M., Associate Editor (2007 - present), 中華消化外科雜誌, 2008.

Lo C.M., Associate Editor (2007 - present), Liver Transplantation. 2008.

Lo C.M., Bile duct. To stent or not to stent (Invited Lecture), The 5th International Meeting on Living Donor Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Barcelona, Spain, 21 - 22 November 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., Biliary complications - endoscopic treatment (Invited Lecture), The 5th International Meeting on Living Donor Liver and Kidney Transplantation, Barcelona, Spain, 21 - 22 November 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., Chairman - Video Symposium, The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Council Member (2005 - present), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Council Member (July 2005 - present), International Liver Transplantation Society. 2008.

Lo C.M., Donor hepatectomy and recipienit's hepatic vein reconstruction for extended right lobe graft (Video Presentation), The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Editorial on "A revised scoring system utilizing serum alphafetoprotein levels to expand candidates for living donor liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma" (Invited Editorial), Surgery. 2007, 142(1): 119-120.

Lo C.M., Examiner in Licentiate Examination, the Licentiate Committee (1995 - present), Medical Council of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Examiner, MRCS Examination, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Executive Committee Member (1998 - present), International Society for Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Guest Professor (2002 - present), The Peking University Health Science Centre, Peking University First Hospital, China. 2008.

Lo C.M., Guest Professor (2004 - present), Army Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, China . 2008.

Lo C.M., HCC in LDLT (Invited Lecture), The 3rd Seoul National University Hospital Transplant Center Symposium, Seoul, Korea, 15 February 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Hepatitis B in liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The 3rd Seoul National University Hospital Transplant Center Symposium, Seoul, Korea, 15 February 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Honorary Consultant (1998 - present), Queen Mary Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Honorary Consultant (2002 - present), King Faisal Hospital & Research Centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 2008.

Lo C.M., Honorary Consultant (2005 - present), Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Honorary Senior Consultant (2002 - present), Tung Wah Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Liver donor liver transplantation (Invited Lecture), The 10th Congress of Asian Society of Transplantation, Pattaya, Thailand, 1 - 4 December 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., Living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Invited Lecture), The 26th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Liver Transplantation Society, Yokohama, Japan, 19 - 20 June 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Living donor liver transplantation: the Asian experience (Invited Lecture), The American Transplant Congress, Toronto, Canada, 30 May - 4 June 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of Editorial Board (2002 - present), Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of Editorial Board (2002 - present), Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of Editorial Board (2006 - present), Annals of Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - 2009), World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - present), 中華普通外科雜誌, 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of Scientific Committee (1998 - present), Cheng Si Yuan China-International Hepatitis Research Foundation . 2008.

Lo C.M., Member of the International Relations Committee's Executive Committee (October 2007 - September 2010), American College of Surgeons. 2007.

Lo C.M., Member of the Regional Advisory Committee, Hong Kong Islands (April 2008 - March 2010), Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member, Board of Examiners (2002 - present), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member, Committee of Hong Kong Medical Advisory Board (Jan 2006 - July 2007), Cheng Si Yuan China-International Hepatitis Research Foundation. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member, Exemptions Sub-Committee, the Licentiate Committee (2003 - present), Medical Council of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member, Panel of Assessors (2004 - present), Medical Council of Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Member, Technology and Therapeutics Subcommittee (2001 - present), Queen Mary Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Lo C.M., Moderator - Debate Session: "Should live donor transplant be performed for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma outside of Milan criteria?", Asia Pacific Summit: Addressing the Challenges in Solid Organ Transplantation, Sapporo, Japan, 14 - 15 July 2007. 2007.

Lo C.M., National Delegate (1998 - present), International Society for Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., National Editor (2005 - present), Hepato-Gastroenterology. 2008.

Lo C.M., Program Committee Member (1997 - present), International Society for Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Program Committee Member (2006 - present), International Liver Transplantation Society. 2007.

Lo C.M., Queen Mary Hospital - donor and recipient (Video Presentation), The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Reviewer, UICC Fellowship Selection Committee (1997 - present), Internaional Union Against Cancer. 2008.

Lo C.M., Reviewer, British Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Lo C.M., Reviewer, Endoscopy. 2008.

Lo C.M., Reviewer, Hepatology. 2008.

Lo C.M., Steering Committee Member (2002 - present), Asian Pacific Digestive Week. 2008.

Lo C.M., Strategies for viral hepatitis in transplant recipients (Invited Lecture), The Taipei International Organ Transplantation Forum, Taipei, Taiwan, 25 - 26 April 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., The strategy for recurrent of HCV hepatitis after OLT patients with HCV (Invited Lecture), The 26th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Liver Transplantation Society, Yokohama, Japan, 19 - 20 June 2008. 2008.

Lo C.M., Vice President (Internal Affairs) (2007 - present), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Mak C.M., Kwong Y.L., Lam C.W., Chan S.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Chang P.C.M., Lau Y.K., Lok Sun U. and Tam S., Identification of a novel TTR Gly67Glu mutant and the first case series of familial transthyretin amyloidosis in Hong Kong Chinese, Amyloid. 2007, 14(4): 293-297.

Man K., Ng T.P., Xu A., Cheng Q., Guo D.Y., Lim Z., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Angiopoietin-like protein 4 suppresses liver tumor growth and metastases by inhibition of angiogenesis and cell invasion (Oral Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Man K., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Sun B., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The impact of small-for-size syndrome on tumor recurrence after LDLT for HCC (Oral Presentation), The 1st Congress of International Liver Cancer Association, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on survival outcome after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008, 12(1): 183-191.

Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Poon R.T.P., Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Survival analysis of patients with transplantable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for salvage liver transplant, Archives of Surgery. 2008, 143(1): 68-74.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

de Villa M.V.H. and Lo C.M., Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in Asia, Oncologist. 2007, 12(11): 1321-1331.

Researcher : Lo CY

Project Title:	Establishment of a comprehensive service and registry for hereditary familial endocrinopathy syndromes in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Lo CY, Lam KSL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To provide a comprehensive clinical, genetic and counseling services for the diagnosis, management, screening and education of familial endocrinopathy syndromes; to establish a registry on all index patients as well as their family members with familial endocrinopathy syndromes in Hong Kong with respect to detailed information including the type of endocrinopathy sydromes, familial pedigrees, patients' demographics, presentation, surgical treatment, pathology of tumours, genetic changes, outcome and follow-up; to improve the standard of care for patients with familial endocrinopathy syndromes through this program; to educate the public and the medical professions advance and the role of genetics in management of these hereditary conditions; to conduct on-going research on familial endocrine diseases by establishing a tissue and serum bank from patients and relatives with familial endocrinopathy sydromes.

List of Research Outputs

Chan W.K., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring might be better at predicting complete parathyroidectomy than incomplete parathyroidectomy in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78(5): Supplement 1: A46.

Chow L.Y., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Preoperative vocal cord palsy predicts poor survival in locally advanced pT4a differentiated thyroid carcinoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): 89.

Chow L.Y., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Unusual causes of primary adrenal insufficiency and bilateral adrenal masses - a report of two cases, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): 89.

Kwan T.L., Lam C.M., Yuen A.W.C. and Lo C.Y., Adrenalectomy in Hong Kong: a critical review of adoption of laparoscopic approach, American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194: 153-158.

Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Changes in health-related quality of life after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism - a pilot study, ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78(5): Supplement 1: A45.

Lang B.H.H., Chow S.M., Lo C.Y., Law S.C. and Lam P.Y., Staging systems for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a study of 2 tertiary referral centers, Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246: 114-121.

Law T.T., Lang B.H.H., Lo C.Y. and Ng K.F., A comparative study of local block anesthesia versus general anesthesia for minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): FP 6.0.

Masters R.S.W., Lo C.Y., Maxwell J.P. and Patil N.G., Implicit motor learning in surgery: Implications for multi-tasking, In: Warshaw, A.L., Sarr, M.G., Surgery. Elsevier, 2008, 143: 140-145.

Ng A.T.L., Lang B.H.H. and Lo C.Y., Predictive factors for normalization of blood pressure after surgery for primary hyperaldosteronism, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): FP 6.12.

Noordzij J.P., Lee S.L., Bernet V.J., Payne R.J., Cehen S.M., McLeod J.K., Hier M.P., Black M.J., Kerr P.D., Richards M.L., Lo C.Y., Raffaeli M., Bellantone R., Lombardi C.P., Cohen J.I. and Dietrich M.S., Early prediction of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy using parathyroid hormone: an analysis of pooled individual patient data from nine observational studies, Journal of American College of Surgeons. 2007, 205(6): 748-754.

Tse M.A., Masters R.S.W., McManus A.M. and Lo C.Y., The influence of trunk endurance training on postural fatigue during a simulated laparoscopic surgical task, 5th International Conference of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Atlanta, Georgia, 2007.

Tse M.A., Masters R.S.W., McManus A.M., Lo C.Y. and Patil N.G., The influence of trunk endurance training on postural fatigue during laparoscopic surgery , Journal of Endourology. Mary Anne Liebert, 2008, 22: 1053-1058.

Yu X., Lo C.Y., Lam A.K., Leung P. and Luk J.M.C., Serum vascular endothelial growth factor C correlates with lymph node metastases and high-risk profiles in papillary thyroid carcinoma , Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(3): 483-489.

Researcher : Lo KK

List of Research Outputs

Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Ho J.C.Y., Lo K.K. and Fan S.T., Claudin-10 increases metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 14th European Cancer Conference, Barcelona, 25 September, Spain, 2007.

Lo K.K., Characterization of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) in hepatocellular carcinoma, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Lui ELH

List of Research Outputs

Lui E.L.H., Anti-tumor effect of AMN107 on hepatocellular carcinoma, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Researcher : Lui LHE

List of Research Outputs

Lui L.H.E., The effect of AMN107 on hepatocellular carcinoma, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Researcher : Lui VCH

Project Title:	Cre-inducible disruption of Hedgehog signaling in neural crest cell: a novel approach to study roles of Hedgehog in enteric nerous system development
Investigator(s):	Lui VCH, Tam PKH, Sham MH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To generate a DNA construct for Cre-inducible expression of a Ptc1^[Delta]loop2 protein; to generate transgenic mice carrying the Ptc1^[Delta]loop2 DNA construct by microinjection; transgenic mice will be crossed with a vagal NCC specific Cre mouse strain; to analysis of abnormal phenotypes in the devleoping ENS of the transgenic mutant mice.

Project Title:	Conditional knockout of Patched gene in enteric neural crest cells: functional study of the role of Hedgehog signaling in enteric nervous system development
Investigator(s):	Lui VCH, Tam PKH, Sham MH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2004

Abstract:

To cross floxed Ptc1 mice with a vagal NCC specific Cre mouse strain (b3-IIIa-cre); to analyze the abnormal phenotypes in the developing ENS of the transgenic mutant mice; to analyze the effects of mesenchyme-derived factors on NCCs of the transgenic mutant mice.

Project Title:	Investigation of Hoxb5 functions in enteric neurons in late gestation and neonatal period
Investigator(s):	Lui VCH, Sham MH, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To investigate the functions of Homeobox gene Hoxb5 in enteric neurons.

Project Title:	Functional analysis of Hoxb5 in enteric neurons in mice
Investigator(s):	Lui VCH, Sham MH, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

To analyse the expression pattern of Hoxb5 protein in enteric neurons in postnatal and adult mice; to induce the expression of en-hoxb5 in enteric neurons in late stage of ENS development and shall analyse the phenotypic consequence of the perturbation of hoxb5 function in the ENS of postnatal and adult mice.

Project Title:	Investigation of cell autonomous function of Hedgehog signaling on vagal neural crest cells by conditional knockout of Smoothened in mice
Investigator(s):	Lui VCH, Ngan ESW, Tam PKH, Sham MH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) Cross floxed Smo mice with a vagal NCC specific cre mouse strain (b3-IIIa-cre); (2) analyze the abnormal phenotypes in the developing ENs of the transgenic mutant mice; (3) analyze the effects of mesenchyme-derived factors on NCCs of the transgenic mutant mice.

Project Title:	Investigation of the moleular interactions of HOXB5 and RET gene promoter
Investigator(s):	Lui VCH, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

PURPOSE: To investigate the HOXB5 regulation on the expression of RET receptor tyrosine kinase gene. KEY ISSUES: The enteric nervous system (ENS) is composed of interconnecting ganglia of neurons and glia within the gut wall, controlling the intestinal peristalsis. In mammals, vagal neural crest cells (NCCs) migrate from the neural tube, enter the foregut and colonize the entire length of the intestine rostro-caudally, differentiating into neurons and glia(1-5). Defective ENS development could result in fewer (hypoganglionosis), and/or absence of enteric ganglia (aganglionosis) affecting the distal intestine as seen in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). Patients with abnormal ENS develop intestinal obstruction due to defective intestinal peristalsis. HSCR displays strong racial variation in the incidence, with the highest frequency among Asians (2.8 per 10,000 life births)(6). Homeobox (Hox) genes represented the clustered group of homoebox genes crucial to embryo patterning and cell fate. In mammals, 39 Hox genes located in 4 chromosomal clusters (A, B, C and D) are organized in 13 paralogous groups(7). Hox protein functions as transcriptional activators by binding to target DNA via its homeodomain and activates target genes transcription. HOXB5 displays a distinct pattern of expression in mouse and human embryonic gut, suggesting a unique role of HOXB5 in ENS and gut musculature development(8-11). We have recently shown that perturbation of HOXB5 pathway in vagal NCCs in transgenic mouse resulted in hypoganglionosis and slow peristalsis, and occasionally in aganglionosis and intestinal obstruction, which were reminiscence of human HSCR(12). NCCs with defective HOXB5 pathway were retarded in the colonization of the distal intestine, leading to insufficient number of NCCs to populate the entire gut, giving rise to the observed ENS phenotypes. Interestingly, immuno-reactivity for RET was either absent or very weak at the enteric ganglia of HOXB5 pathway defective transgenic mice (Lui VCH et al., manuscript in preparation). In RET-/- mice, NCCs failed to colonize the distal intestine(13). Furthermore, we have shown that HOXB5 induced the transcription of luciferase driven by the human RET promoter in NCC derived neuroblastoma cell HTB11. Multiple putative HOX protein consensus binding sites are identified in the human RET promoter region by bioinformatics. Taken together these data suggest RET a potential downstream target gene of HOXB5, and failure of HOXB5 pathway defective NCCs to colonize the distal intestine could be explained at least partly by the down-regulation of RET. The RET is the major HSCR gene(14-16), which encodes a transmembrane receptor for glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor and is crucial for the ENS development(13,17-19). Loss of function mutations in RET account for up to 50% of the familial cases and between 7%-35% of the sporadic cases of HSCR. The penetrance of HSCR could be affected by combinations of mutations and/or SNPs in RET and in other HSCR genes(20,21) or other yet unidentified modifier loci(22,23). Two SNPs at the RET promoter in LD with the RET coding region haplotype have been shown associated with HSCR(24-26), and these SNPs consistently decrease transcriptional activity of the RET promoter(26). Therefore, cis- and/or trans-regulatory defects in the activation of RET gene by transcription factors functioning at the RET promoter SNPs could lead to RET haploinsufficiency and HSCR disease. Induction of RET gene promoter by HOXB5 and the resemblance of ENS defects in transgenic mice with defective HOXB5 pathway to HSCR, raising a possible implication of HOXB5 gene in HSCR and prompt us to hypothesize that HOXB5 activates RET gene expression and defects in the activation of RET gene by HOXB5 could lead to RET haploinsufficiency and HSCR disease. PROBLEMS BEING ADDRESSED: To test our hypothesis, we propose to characterize the molecular interactions of HOXB5 on RET promoter by (i) dissecting the HOXB5 binding site(s) on RET promoter, and (ii) testing the influences of our previously identified HSCR associated RET promoter SNPs on HOXB5 induction of RET promoter. REFERENCES 1. Burns, A.J., Champeval, D. & Le Douarin, N.M. Dev Biol 219, 30-43 (2000). 2. Burns, A.J. & Le Douarin, N.M. Anat Rec 262, 16-28 (2001). 3. Gershon, M.D., Chalazonitis, A. & Rothman, T.P. J Neurobiol 24, 199-214 (1993). 4. Le Douarin, N.M. & Teillet, M.A. J Embryol Exp Morphol 30, 31-48 (1973). 5. Pisano, J.M. & Birren, S.J. Development 126, 2855-68 (1999). 6. Torfs, C. Third International Meeting: Hirschsprung's disease and related neurocristopathies, Evian, France, 1998. (2004). 7. Krumlauf, R. Cell 78, 191-201 (1994). 8. Fu, M., Lui, V.C.H., Sham, M.H., Cheung, A.N.Y. & Tam P.K.H. Dev Dyn 228, 1-10 (2003). 9. Kuratani, S.C. & Wall, N.A. Dev Dyn 195, 15-28 (1992). 10. Pitera, J.E., Smith, V.V., Thorogood, P. & Milla, P.J. Gastroenterology 117, 1339-51 (1999). 11. Wall, N.A., Jones, C.M., Hogan, B.L. & Wright, C.V. Mech Dev 37, 111-20 (1992). 12. Lui, V.C.H., Cheng, W.C., Chen, Y., Sham, M.H. & Tam, P.K.H. Mech Dev 122, S93 (2005). 13. Schuchardt, A., D'Agati, V., Larsson-Blomberg, L., Costantini, F. & Pachnis, V. Nature 367, 380-3 (1994). 14. Angrist, M. et al. Nat Genet 4, 351-6 (1993). 15. Edery, P. et al. Nature 367, 378-80 (1994). 16. Romeo, G. et al. Nature 367, 377-8 (1994). 17. Iwashita, T., Kruger, G.M., Pardal, R., Kiel, M.J. & Morrison, S.J. Science 301, 972-6 (2003). 18. Natarajan, D., Marcos-Gutierrez, C., Pachnis, V. & de Graaff, E. Development 129, 5151-60 (2002). 19. Pachnis, V., Durbec, P., Taraviras, S., Grigoriou, M. & Natarajan, D. Am J Physiol 275, G183-6 (1998). 20. Carrasquillo, M.M. et al. Nat Genet 32, 237-44 (2002). 21. McCallion, A.S., Stames, E., Conlon, R.A. & Chakravarti, A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 100, 1826-31 (2003). 22. Bolk, S. et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 97, 268-73 (2000). 23. Gabriel, S.B. et al. Nat Genet 31, 89-93 (2002). 24. Fitze, G. et al. Hum Mol Genet 12, 3207-14 (2003). 25. Sancandi, M. et al. J Med Genet 40, 714-8 (2003). 26. Garcia-Barcelo, M. et al. Hum Mol Genet 14, 191-204 (2005).

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Kam K.M., Cheng W.C., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Expression analysis of Hoxb5 in enteric neurons and generation of tamoxifen inducible Cre mice for neuronal Hoxb5 signaling perturbation, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R., Tam P.K.H. and Chen Y., Hypoxia modulates lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-alpha expression in murine macrophages, Experimental Cell Research. 2008, 314(6): 1327-1336.

Lui V.C.H., Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Cell context dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Ngan E.S.W., Lui V.C.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis (Invited Lecture), 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece, 10 - 13 October 2007. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Shum K.Y., Poon H.C., Sham M.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin-1 (Prok-1) works coordinately with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to mediate proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2008, 1783: 467-478.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Best Presentation, 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Outstanding Award - "Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis", International Journal of Molecular Medicine . 2007.

Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W., Sit Y.L.F., Hui C.C., Wainwright B.J., Sham M.H., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Conditional Ptc1 knockout in vagal neural crest cells causes a reduced proliferation of enteric nervous system progenitors and intestinal hypoganglionosis, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Sin S.L., Lui V.C.H., Pu J.K.S. and Leung G.K.K., The effect of cholorotoxin on glioma cell invasion, The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, The Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2007.

Researcher : Lui WM

List of Research Outputs

Koh A.J.H., Ng W.M., Lee R. and Lui W.M., Radiation ulcers of the neck should not be neglected: a case of vertebral artery blowout, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007, 30: 230-2.

Researcher : Luk JMC

Project Title:	Prevention of endotoxin-mediated liver injury by recombinant integrin subunit (RIS), Anti-CD18 Fv and TW-PS22
Investigator(s):	Luk JMC, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2002

Abstract:

The project attempts to exploit new approaches for preventing endotoxin-mediated liver injury in experimental sepsis and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) animal models.

Project Title:	Investigating Liver Intestine-Cadherin Function In Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Luk JMC, Lee PY, Ng IOL, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

Purpose: - The purpose of this study is to investigate the functions and pathogenic roles of a novel cadherin, CDH17, recently identified in HCC, which is found to be a potential disease marker and correlated with poor prognosis. Key issues: - Cadherins are a superfamily of Ca2+-dependent cell adhesion molecules, which are important in mediating adherent junction formation and maintaining tissue integrity. LI-cadherin (CDH17) is involved in the embryonic development of liver and gastrointestinal tract, and functions as an intestinal peptide transporter. However, CDH17 is not detectable in normal adult liver. Our earlier observations, however, have shown that over-expression of LI-cadherin is found in over 80% of HCC, but not in non-cancerous tissues or normal liver tissues from these patients. Moreover, our group has identified an alternative splicing form with exon 7 skipped in the LI-cadherin gene among 50% of the HCC tumors. Expression of the LI-cadherin splice variant in HCC is significantly associated with venous infiltration and early intra-hepatic recurrence of tumor as well as shorter overall survival of HCC patients. Because of its high prevalence and association with poor clinical outcomes, LI-cadherin is suggested to be a potential disease marker for HCC. More interestingly, we did not observe the splice variant in over 100 gastric adenocarcinoma specimens that were tested, indicating that the splice variant is HCC specific. Problems to be addressed: - The functions of the LI-cadherin wild-type form or exon 7-skipped splice variant in HCC remain unknown. Will over-expression of LI-cadherin affect classical E-cadherin expression and function? Does the splice variant have a dominant-negative function to cause cell-cell disintegration, thereby promoting tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis? Our future goal is to establish a mouse model to determine what will happen if CDH17 is forcibly expressed in postnatal and adult liver, when transcription of the gene is normally repressed or silenced in these stages? To address these issues, there is a need to obtain specific antibodies that could differentiate the wild type and splicing forms of LI-cadherin, since the current commercial antibodies failed to detect the exon 7-spliced variant in HCC. The proposed study will also investigate the expression pattern and biological functions of LI-cadherin molecule in HCC using both in vitro culture and xenograft mouse models, to confirm our hypothesis of its pathogenic roles in mediating tumor invasiveness and enhancing the metastatic potentials. Specific Aims: 1. To generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies that could differentiate wild-type and exon 7-spliced form of LI-cadherin molecules; 2. To study and correlate the expression patterns of LI-cadherin and E-cadherin/catenin complexes in HCC specimens of different clinical stages and features; 3. To establish stable transfectants expressing wild-type and splice variants of LI-cadherin, and examine the tumorigenic properties in experimental invasion and intra-hepatic metastasis animal models; 4. To design and characterize anti-sense oligonucleotides to block LI-cadherin function in high metastatic HCC cell lines.

Project Title:	Proteomics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Biomarkers discovery and validation
Investigator(s):	Luk JMC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

In recent years, our group has employed gene expression profiling and proteome analysis to investigate cancer signatures and differential biomarkers/patterns in predicting disease outcomes and treatment responses. The primary objective is to establish a panel of biomarkers for early detection and better prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Also this would allow us to identify new therapeutic targets for HCC treatments. To date, an array of proteins markers (stress-response heat shock protein markers, specifically HSP27, HSP70 and glucose-regulated protein 78, mortalin-2, cadherin-17) has been identified in association with HCC development, and many show promises to become useful in medical practice. However, a large gap still exists between the ability to discover potential biomarkers and the ability to assess the real value of these genes/proteins in cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is prudent to validate these promising biomarkers for their intended use. Objectives:1. To research on the development and validation of promising early cancer biomarkers for risk prediction and early detection of HCC. 2. To develop molecular assays for multicenter studies of biomarkers performance on HCC diagnosis3. To characterize and evaluate key therapeutic targets discovered via the proteomic profiling analysis of HCC malignancy

List of Research Outputs

Cheung C.M., Tang J.C.O., Lee P.Y., Hu L., Guan X.Y., Tang W.K., Srivastava G., Wong J., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., Establishment and characterization of a new xenograft-derived human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. 2007, 178(1): 17-25.

Chung Y.M.F., Lam A.K.Y., Luk J.M.C., Law S.Y.K., Chan K.W., Lee P.Y. and Wong J., Altered E-cadherin expression and p120 catenin localization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(11): 3260-3267.

He Q., Zhu R., Lei T., Ng M.Y.M., Luk J.M.C., Sham P.C., Lau G. and Chiu J., Toward the proteomic identification of biomarkers for the prediction of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 2008, 103: 740-752.

Hui C.K., Zhang H., Bowden S., Locarnini S., Luk J.M.C., Leung K.W., Yueng Y.H., Wong A., Rousseau F., Yuen K.Y., Naoumov N.N. and Lau G., 96 weeks combination of adefovir dipivoxil plus emtricitabine vs. adefovir dipivoxil monotherapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, Journal of Hepatology. 2008, 48(5): 714-720.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Zhang H., Luk J.M.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Changes in liver histology as a surrogate endpoint of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV can predict progression to liver complications, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2008, 42(5): 533-538.

Hui C.K., Zhang H.Y., Lee P.Y., Chan W., Yueng Y.H., Leung K.W., Lu L., Leung N., Lo C.M., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Xu A., Lam K.S.L., Kwong Y.L. and Lau G., Serum adiponectin is increased in advancing liver fibrosis and declines with reduction in fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B, Journal of Hepatology. 2007, 47(2): 191-202.

Hui K.C., Chan K.W., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., The roles of survivin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, The University of Hong Kong, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2008. 2007.

Lee P.Y., Leung K.W., Cheung N., Lam B.Y., Xu Z., Sham P.C., Lau G., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Comparative proteomic analysis of mouse livers from embryo to adult reveals an association with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, Proteomics. 2008, 8(10): 2136-2149.

Lee P.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Genomic and proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, Biomarkers in Medicine. 2007, 1(2): 273-284.

Lee P.Y. and Luk J.M.C., Tumor biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma, In: D.H. Chang, Tumor Markers Research Focus . New York, NY, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2007, Chapter 12.

Lu L., Sun R.W., Chen R., Hui C.K., Ho C.M., Luk J.M.C., Lau G. and Che C.M., Silver nanoparticles inhibit hepatitis B virus replication, Antivir. Ther.. 2008, 13(2): 253-262.

Luk J.M.C., Lam B.Y.H., Lee P.Y., Ho D.W.Y., Sham P.C., Chen L., Peng J.R., Leng X.S., Day P.J. and Fan S.T., Artificial neural networks and decision tree model analysis of liver cancer proteomes, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2007, 361(1): 68-73.

Luk J.M.C., Biomarkers for liver cancer (Invited Lecture), Hong Kong Surgical Forum, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 11-12 January 2008. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Editorial Advisory Board (2007 - present), The Open Proteomics Journal. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Editorial Advisory Board, The Open Transplantation Journal. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Editorial Board Member, World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., External Assessor, General Research Fund, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Gene therapy targeting of cadherin-17 induces tumor regression of HCC (Plenary Lecture) , The 2nd International Congress of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Interventional Therapy on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), Shanghai, China, 27-28 Jun 2008.. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Guest Editor (2007-2008), Peptide/Protein/Proteome in Molecular Medicine, Protein & Peptide Letters. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Honorary Advisor (2006-2007), Peking University, Beijing, China . 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Honorary Professor (2006-present), Jiangsu University School of Med Technology, China . 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Honorary Professor (2008 - present), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China . 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Liver Intestine-cadherin (CDH-17) in tumorigenesis and metastasis (Invited Lecture) , Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Davis, California, USA, 5 November 2007. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Liver cancer biomarkers ready, Pharma Asia. 2008, January.

Luk J.M.C., Liver cancer biomarkers: from diagnosis to therapy (Honorary Lecture) , Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China, April 9, 2008. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Liver cancer biomarkers: readiness for early diagnosis and prognosis in HCC (Plenary Lecture & Panel Discussant), Biomarker World Asia Breakthrough, Singapore, 19-21 September 2007. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Member of Editor Board, Surgery . 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Member of Editorial Advisory Board (2006 - present), Scientific Journals International. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Member of Editorial Board , International Journal of Molecular Medicine and Advance Sciences. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Member of Editorial Board , Research Journal of Medical Sciences. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Member of the Scientific Committee, International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Moderator - Liver Fibrosis Session, International Liver Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Luk J.M.C. and Poon R.T.P., Molecular Profiling of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, In: Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ, USA , HKU-Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC Agreement (LKR46307). 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Molecular targeted therapy for liver cancer: from biomarker discovery to target validation (Invited Lecture), Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 29 May 2008. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Mortalin as a predictive biomarker for early tumor recurrence in liver cancer patients after curative surgery (Plenary Lecture) , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (ASIT) - University of Tokyo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, 22-23 January 2008. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Proteomic biomarkers for liver cancer (Plenary Lecture), Taiwan Proteomics Society Symposium, 4-5 June 2008, Hualien, Taiwan. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Proteomic identification of mortalin-2 as a predictive marker for early recurrence of HCC (Invited Lecture), The 5th Annual Congress of Chinese HUPO & Joint AOHUPO Membrane Proteome Initiatives Workshop, Guangzhou-Hong Kong, China, 20-25 August 2007. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2004 - present), Analytical Biochemistry. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2004 - present), Journal of Hepatology. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2004 - present), Journal of Hepatology. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2006 - present), Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2006 - present), Transplantation. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2006 - present), World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), BBA - Proteins and Proteomics. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Current Cancer Drug Targets. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Journal of Cell Science. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Journal of Proteome Research. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Liver International. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Proteomics. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), Urology. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer (2007-2008), World Journal of Surgery. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer of Research Grants (2007 - 2008), National Medical Research Council, Singapore. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, General Research Fund, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, Life Science, 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, American Journal of Transplantation. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, European Journal of Cancer. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, Journal of Hepatology. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Reviewer, Proteomics. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Session Chairman, Symposium on Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, The 4th International Think Tank Forum and 14th HK International Cancer Congress and the 4th Annual Meeting of Centre for Cancer Research, 14 - 16 November 2007. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Systems biology of liver cancer: clues to new therapeutic targets (Plenary Lecture) , Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress, Hong Kong Conventional & Exhibition Center, Hong Kong, 13-15 June 2008. 2008.

Luk J.M.C., Wang X., Liu P., Wong K.F., Chan K.L., Tong Y., Hui C.K., Lau G. and Fan S.T., Traditional Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer: from laboratory discovery to clinical evaluation, Liver International. 2007, 27(7): 879-890.

Luk J.M.C., Wong K.F., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Uses of recombinant integrin betaA peptides for neutralization and blockage of bacterial endotoxins in biological fluids, US Provisional Patent. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Xu M., Yao T.J., Ng I., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., YAP is an independent prognostic marker associated with tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Li J.C., Chen H.X., Liu C.C., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Sze K.H., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., The Kringle 1 Domain of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Has Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Cell Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2008, 68: 404-414.

Sun S., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He Q., Lau G. and Luk J.M.C., Oncoproteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma: from cancer markers' discovery to functional pathways (Review Article), Liver International. 2007, 27(8): 1021-1038.

Tomlinson I.P., Webb E., Carvajal-Carmona L., Broderick P., Howarth K., Pittman A.M., Spain S., Lubbe S., Walther A., Sullivan K., Jaeger E, Fielding S, Rowan A, C.O.R.G.I. .C.O.N.S., Ho J.W.C., cheng K.K. and Sham P.C., Luk J.M.C., Dunlop M.G., Houlston R.S., A genome-wide association study identifies colorectal cancer susceptibility loci on chromosomes 10p14 and 8q23.3, Nature Genetics. 2008, 40: 623-630.

Tse P.K., Lee Y.L., Chow W.N., Luk J.M.C., Lee K.F. and Yeung W.S.B., Preimplantation embryos cooperate with oviductal cells to produce embryotrophic inactivated complement-3b, Endocrinology. 2008, 149(3): 1268-1276.

Wong K.F., Luk J.M.C., Cheng R.H., Klickstein L.B. and Fan S.T., Characterization of two novel LPS-binding sites in leukocyte integrin bA domain, FASEB Journal. 2007, 21(12): 3231-3239.

Wong K.F., Chan J.K.Y., Chan K.L., Tam P.K.H., Yang D., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Immunochemical characterization of the functional constituents of tripterygium wilfordii contributing to its anti-inflammatory property, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2008, 35(1): 55-59.

Wong K.F. and Luk J.M.C., Outstanding Young Scientist Award (Gold Prize), The 5th Annual Congress of CNHUPO satellite meeting and HKPS Annual Symposium, Hong Kong , 23 - 25 August 2007. 2007.

Yi X., Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Peng J., Leng X., Guan X.Y., Lau G., Beretta L. and Fan S.T., Association of mortalin (HSPA9) with liver cancer metastasis and prediction for early tumor recurrence, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics. 2008, 7(2): 315-325 (corresponding author).

Yu X., Lo C.Y., Lam A.K., Leung P. and Luk J.M.C., Serum vascular endothelial growth factor C correlates with lymph node metastases and high-risk profiles in papillary thyroid carcinoma , Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(3): 483-489.

Researcher : Man K

Project Title:	The significance of graft size on tumor recurrence after liver transplantation
Investigator(s):	Man K, Fan ST, Lo CM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2004

Abstract:

To test the hypothesis that small-for-size grafts are more susceptible to tumor recurrence after liver transplantation in a rat liver transplantation model; to clarify the mechanism of tumor recurrence.

Project Title:	Fat-derived hormone adiponectin as a novel therapy for fatty liver graft injury
Investigator(s):	Man K, Xu A, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

To investigate the protective effect of adiponectin on fatty live-graft in a rat-liver transplant model.

Project Title:	The signifcance of hepatic ischemia/reperfuison injury of small liver remnant on liver tumor growth and metastasis
Investigator(s):	Man K, Lo CM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2006

Abstract:

Background (key issue and problems being addressed)The surgical stress including hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury during liver resection promoting liver metastasis has been reported. The activation of local cytokines after partial hepatectomy also accelerated liver tumor growth and promoted distant metastasis. However, previous studies only described the phenomenon without precise investigation of the mechanism. Up to now, there has been no study investigating the impact of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and major hepatectomy on the activation of tumor cell invasion and migration pathways. Small GTPases of the Rho family are pivotal regulators of several aspects of cell behavior, such as cell motility, cell proliferation and apoptosis . The over-expression of Rac, Rho and ROCK (Rho kinase) was considered to be correlated with in vitro tumor cell migration. The hemodynamic stress resulting from hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury activated hepatic Rac over-expression . However, the effect of hemodynamic force on tumor cell itself has not been studied so far, especially on the aspect of cell invasion and migration pathways.Aim of the studyIn this study, we aim to investigate the impact of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury of small liver remnant after major hepatectomy on liver tumor growth and metastasis, and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism related to tumor cell invasion and migration pathways.

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y.X., Man K., Ling G.S., Chen Y., Sun B., Cheng Q., Wong O.H., Lo C.K., Ng I.O.L., Chan L.C., Lau G., Lin S.C.L., Huang F. and Huang F.P., A crucial role for dendritic cell (DC) IL-10 in inhibiting successful DC-based immunotherapy: superior antitumor immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma evoked by DC devoid of IL-10, Journal of Immunology. 2007, 179(9): 6009-6015.

Cheng Q., Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The significance of hepatic stellate cell activation on small-for-size fatty liver graft injury (Abstract), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Cheung S.C., Guo H., Leung J.C.K., Man K., Lai K.N. and Wu E.X., MRI visualization of rodent liver structure and peritoneal adhesion with dialyzate enhancement, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. 2008, 59: 1170-4.

Guo D., Ng T.P., Cheng Q., Lim Z.X.H., Lam T.T. and Man K., A garlic derivative S-allylcysteine suppresses liver tumor growth and metastasis by sensitizing chemotherapy (Abstract), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Man K., Guan X.Y., Ma S.K.Y., Liu X., Myers J.N. and Yuen P.W., Fascin over-expression is associated with aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Letters. 2007, 254(2): 308-315.

Man K., AACR Scholar in Training Award - "Angiopoietin-like protein 4 suppresses liver tumor growth and metastases by inhibition of angiogenesis and cell invasion", The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008. 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Xu A., Cheng Q., Guo D.Y., Lim Z., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Angiopoietin-like protein 4 suppresses liver tumor growth and metastases by inhibition of angiogenesis and cell invasion (Oral Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Man K., Committee Member, Basic Science of Liver Transplantation, the International Liver Transplantation Society. 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Man K., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - present), Liver Transplantation. 2008.

Man K., Member of Scholarship Review Committee, The International Liver Transplantation Society. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer (2008 - present), Annals of Surgery. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Acta Pharmacologica Sincia. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, American Journal of Transplantation. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Annual Meetings of International Liver Transplantation Society. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, British Journal of Cancer. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, British Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, European Journal of Cancer. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Gut. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Hepatology. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Liver. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Liver International. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Liver Transplantation. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Surgery. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Transplant Immunology. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, Transplantation. 2008.

Man K., Reviewer, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Man K., The impact of acute phase liver graft injury on late phase tumor recurrence and metastases (Invited Lecture), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Man K., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Sun B., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The impact of small-for-size syndrome on tumor recurrence after LDLT for HCC (Oral Presentation), The 1st Congress of International Liver Cancer Association, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Outstanding Poster Presentation Award - "Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma", The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007. 2007.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Researcher : Miao X

List of Research Outputs

Amiel J., Sproat-Emison E., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lantieri F., Burzynski G., Borrego S., Pelet A., Arnold S., Miao X., Griseri P., Brooks A.S., Antinolo G., de Pontual L., Clement-Ziza M., Munnich A., Kashuk C., West K., Wong K.K.Y., Lyonnet S., Chakravarti A., Tam P.K.H., Ceccherini I., Hofstra R.M.W. and Fernandez R., Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes and genetics: a review, Journal of Medical Genetics. 2008, 45: 1-14.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Ng KKC

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., Changing paradigm in management of hepatocellular carcinoma improves the survival benefit of early detection by screening, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(4): 666-673.

Chan F.S., Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Duodenalpleural fistula formation after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007, 30(4): 278-282.

Chan S.Y., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C. and Fan S.T., Management of carcinoma of the gallbladder: a single-institution experience in 16 years, Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 97(2): 156-164.

Khan M.R., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Chan A.C., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tsang J. and Fan S.T., Comparison of percutaneous and surgical approaches for radiofrequency ablation of small and medium hepatocellular carcinoma, Archives of Surgery. 2007, 142(12): 1136-1143.

Lam V.W.T., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tso W.K., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Incomplete ablation after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of risk factors and prognostic factors, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(3): 782-790.

Ma J.K., Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Pancreatic-induced intramural duodenal haematoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(2): 83-86.

Man K., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Sun B., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The impact of small-for-size syndrome on tumor recurrence after LDLT for HCC (Oral Presentation), The 1st Congress of International Liver Cancer Association, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on survival outcome after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008, 12(1): 183-191.

Ng K.K.C., Clinical applications of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma, Thesis, Master of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Ng K.K.C. and Poon R.T.P., Current treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma, Saudi Medical Journal. 2007, 28(9): 1330-1338.

Ng K.K.C., Living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma Hong Kong experience (Abstract), The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma Hong Kong experience (Panel Discussion), The 6th "5 Asian Center's" Living Donor Liver Transplantation Meeting, Seoul, Korea, 28 June 2008. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors (Invited Lecture), The 12th Joint Hong Kong-Shanghai Surgical Convention, Shanghai, China, 15 - 16 July 2007. 2007.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Annals of Surgery. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, British Journal of Radiology. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, British Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Cancer. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Cytokine. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Digestive Diseases and Sciences. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Digestive Surgery. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, European Surgical Research. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Journal of Surgical Research. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Liver International. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy and Percutaneous Techniques. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Surgical Practice of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, Urology. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Reviewer, World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Poon R.T.P., Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Survival analysis of patients with transplantable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for salvage liver transplant, Archives of Surgery. 2008, 143(1): 68-74.

Ng K.K.C., The novel use of radiofrequency ablation for ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (Oral Presentation), The 16th Asian Congress of Surgery and the 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Tso W.K., Pang R.W.C., Ng K.K.C., Woo R., Tai K.S. and Fan S.T., A phase I/II trial of chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel intra-arterial drug-eluting bead, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2007, 5(9): 1100-1108.

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Yau T., Chan P., Wong H., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Lam V.W.T., Epstein R., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Efficacy and tolerability of low-dose thalidomide as first-line systemic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, Oncology. 2007, 72 Suppl 1: 67-71.

Researcher : Ng NP

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.W.Y., Yang Z., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Targeting cancer stem cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The effects of heat and hypoxia on liver cancer stem cells (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Researcher : Ng TP

List of Research Outputs

Cheng Q., Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The significance of hepatic stellate cell activation on small-for-size fatty liver graft injury (Abstract), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Guo D., Ng T.P., Cheng Q., Lim Z.X.H., Lam T.T. and Man K., A garlic derivative S-allylcysteine suppresses liver tumor growth and metastasis by sensitizing chemotherapy (Abstract), The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Xu A., Cheng Q., Guo D.Y., Lim Z., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Angiopoietin-like protein 4 suppresses liver tumor growth and metastases by inhibition of angiogenesis and cell invasion (Oral Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Ng T.P., Man K., Cheng Q., Guo D., Lim Z.X.H., Lo C.M. and Fan S.T., Expression significance and functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The Hong Kong - Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Outstanding Poster Presentation Award - "Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma", The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007. 2007.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Researcher : Ng WM

List of Research Outputs

Chung J.C. and Ng W.M., A huge tongue lipoma, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. 2007, 137: 830-1.

Koh A.J.H., Ng W.M., Lee R. and Lui W.M., Radiation ulcers of the neck should not be neglected: a case of vertebral artery blowout, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007, 30: 230-2.

Lo O.S.H., Law S.Y.K., Wei W.I., Ng W.M., Wong K.H., Tong K.H. and Wong J., Esophageal cancers with synchronous or antecedent head and neck cancers: a more formidable challenge?, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(6): 1750-1756.

Ng W.M. and Chung J.C., A huge tongue lipoma, Head Neck Surg. 2007, 137: 830-1.

Ng W.M., Anterolateral thigh flap: flap design and clinical applications , Thesis, Master of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V., Leung M.S., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Clinical implications of anterolateral flap shrinkage, Laryngoscope. 2008, 118: 585-8.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V. and Li G.K.H., Clinical use of a pedicle anterolateral thigh flap, Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. 2007, 61: 158-64.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V. and Wei W.I., Free posterior tibial flap for head and neck reconstruction after tumor expiration, Laryngoscope. 2007, 118: 216-21.

Ng W.M., Li G.K.H., Chan J.Y. and Mak J.Y., Posterior chest wall reconstruction with a free anterolateral thigh flap, The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. 2007, 134: 537-8.

Wei W.I. and Ng W.M., Complications of resection of malignant tumours of the skull base: outcome and solution, European Archive of Otorhinolaryngology. 2007, 264: 733-739.

Wei W.I. and Ng W.M., Practical Tips to Perform a Maxillary Swing Approach, Pearls and Pitfalls. Basel, Switzerland, S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 102-103.

Wong T.S., Liu X., Ho A.C.W., Yuen P.W., Ng W.M. and Wei W.I., Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 123: 251-257.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Wong B.Y.H., Ng W.M., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Mature miR-184 as potential oncogenic microRNA of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, Clinical Cancer Research. 2008, 14: 2588-92.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Ng W.M., Wei W.I. and Yuen P.W., Re: Decreased STAT1 expression by promoter methylation in squamous cell carcinogenesis, Journal of National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99: 1343-4.

Yuen P.W., Ng W.M., Lam P.K.Y. and Ho A., Preoperative measurement of tumour thickness of oral tongue carcinoma with intraoral ultrasonography, Head Neck. 2007, 30: 230-4.

Researcher : Ngai PP

List of Research Outputs

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Researcher : Ngan ESW

Project Title:	Novel Function(s) of Prokineticins in Neural Crest Stem Cells
Investigator(s):	Ngan ESW, Lui VCH, Tam PKH
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The mammalian enteric nervous system (ENS) is derived from the neural crest cells (NCC) which enter the foregut and colonize the entire wall of gastrointestinal tract (1). In mice, NCCs reach foregut at approximately embryonic day 9.4 (E9.5) and finish the colonization by ~E14.5. Numerous gut mesenchyme/mucosa-derived factors and their receptors on NCC are found to be crucial for NCC proliferation, differentiation and migration. They are glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptors (RET, GFRA1)(2); endothelin 3 (EDN3) and its receptor (EDNRB)(3); sonic hedgehog (Shh) and its receptor (Ptc)(4). A delicate balance between these signals is a prerequisite for the proper regulation of NCCs during ENS development. Failure to completely colonize the gut results in the absence of enteric ganglia as seen in Hirschsprung’s disease in human.. Prokineticin –1 and -2 (Prok-1 and Prok-2), also referred to endocrine gland derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) and Bv8, respectively, are structurally related and belong to a newly identified family of secreted proteins, AVIT protein family. These proteins are distributed widely in mammalian tissues. Prok-1 mRNA expression has been described in a variety of tissues, in steroidogenic glands such as the ovary, testis, adrenal gland and placenta, but also in the brain, colon, skeletal muscle, small intestine, spleen, thymus liver, bladder, prostate and uterus(5,6) . Prok-2, on the other hand, shows the highest expression in testis, colon, brain and peripheral blood leukocytes(7,8). These two prokineticins are known to bind to two closely related G protein-coupled receptors, PK-R1 and PK-R2. Receptor activation leads to mobilization of calcium, stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover, and activation of p44/p42 MAPK signaling pathways. Within distinct contexts, the receptors are likely differentially regulated and distinct expression patterns of Prok receptors were observed in various tissues. In the adrenal gland, only PK-R1 was detected. In the ovary, follicular cells predominantly express PK-R1, whereas corpus luteum-derived cells express high levels of both PK-R1 and PK-R2. Similarly, these two receptors are also co-existing in endometrium, but at different expression level. Therefore, it is believed that prokineticins may have different angiogenic as well as non-angiogenic functions in different tissues via acting on either PK-R1 or PK-R2. However, the exact role(s) of PK-R1 and PK-R2 remains unclear. A new appreciation for the intricacy of peptidergic GPCRs is developing, as the ligands for orphan receptors are identified and as distinct signaling and functional responses for multiple ligands and oligomerized receptors are demonstrated. Thus, the distinct or overlapping expression of prokineticins and the possible heteroligomerization of receptors may increase the functional complexity of this system (8,9). It is currently known that prokineticins possess diverse biological functions: they promote angiogenesis in ovary and testis; induce proliferation, migration and fenestration of endothelial cells derived from adrenal gland ; support neuronal survival; cause hyperalgesia of skin; promote contraction of gastrointestinal smooth muscle; and control pain sensation and behavioral circadian rhythms(8,9). More recently, these two receptors were also found in human and mouse hematopoietic stem cells and specific mature blood cells, including lymphocytes. Prokineticins can modulate growth, survival, and function of cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, possibly through autocrine or paracrine signaling mechanisms(7). Given the reported expression patterns and activities of the mammalian orthologs in brain, reproductive tract, and cells of the immune system, the molecules seem to have subserved similar functions across evolution. In addition to being the angiogenic factors, prokineticins would be the universal survival/mitogenic factors for various cells including endothelial cells, neuronal cells, lymphocytes as well as the hematopietic stem cells. Noteworthy, prokineticins and their receptors were detected in mouse embryo as early at E7, the role(s) of these factors during embryonic development still remains to be disclosed. Our preliminary data: It is known that prokineticin-1 is expressed in mouse and human small intestine and colon. Using antibody specific to Prok-1 to perform the immunohistochemistry study, we found that Prok-1 protein is expressed in the mucosa and enteric neuronal plexus of the gut in the adult mouse. The presence of Prok-1 in neuronal plexus was subsequently confirmed by colocalization study with the neuronal marker, Tuj1 (Appendix I, Figure 1g-i). In embryonic stage, it is highly expressed in the mucosa (E12.5 and E15.5) and forms a concentration gradient across the radius of the embryonic gut (Appendix I, Figure 1a-f). Subsequent RT-PCR analysis also showed that NCCs do not express endogenous Prok-1 (data not shown). A physiological effect of Prok-1 is dependent on the presence of the ligand and the receptor, so we have also examined the expression of the receptors, PK-R1 and PK-R2. Expression study using RT-PCR showed that the PK-R1, but not PK-R2, is expressed in NCCs isolated from E11.5 embryonic gut (Appendix I, Figure 2A). Localization of PK-R1 receptor using in situ hybridization further demonstrated the existence of PK-R1 in the NCCs and NCC derived enteric neurons of the embryonic guts (E10.5-E17.5). The signal is specific because there is no fluorescent signal detected when sense probe was used (Ctrl, Appendix I, Figure 2B). Taken together, it is believed that Prok-1, probably like GDNF, EDN3 and Shh, acts as mesenchyme/mucosa-derived factors and mediate the proliferation or differentiation of NCCs during ENS development. On the other hand, it may also act as a survival factor for the enteric neurons in the adult gut, via an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. Thus, we hypothesize that Prok-1 provides an additional layer of signaling refinement to maintain survival/proliferation of NCCs and mature neurons of the developing and mature ENS, respectively. The aim of this proposed project is to elucidate the physiological role(s) of prokineticins in ENS and during its development. Objective 1: To study the temporal and spatial expression patterns of prokineticins (Prok-1 and Prok-2) and their receptors in mouse gut during ENS development. The information obtained would give a hint to delineate the potential physiological functions of these molecules. Objective 2: To elucidate the mitogenic/neuroprotective properties of prokineticins on NCCs and NCC derived neurons. The functions of prokineticins in NCCs will be examined directly using the in vitro NCC culture system. Objective 3: To examine the effect of prokineticins on the differentiation capacity of NCCs. Reference 1. D. Newgreen, H. M. Young, Pediatr. Dev. Pathol. 5, 329 (2002). 2. A. Barlow, E. de Graaff, V. Pachnis, Neuron 40, 905 (2003). 3. G. M. Kruger et al., Neuron 40, 917 (2003). 4. M. Fu, V. C. Lui, M. H. Sham, V. Pachnis, P. K. Tam, J. Cell Biol. 166, 673 (2004). 5. J. LeCouter et al., Nature 412, 877 (2001). 6. E. S .Ngan et al., Endocrinology Oct 6; [Epub ahead of print] (2005) . 7. J. LeCouter, C. Zlot, M. Tejada, F. Peale, N. Ferrara, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A 101, 16813 (2004). 8. A. Kaser, et al., EMBO reports 4,469 (2003) 9. J. LeCouter, R. Lin, N. Ferrara Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci 1014: 50(2004).

Project Title:	Is thyroid transcription factor (TTF-1) the susceptibility gene for familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) predisposition
Investigator(s):	Ngan ESW, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Tam PKH, Lo CY, Khoo US
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant thyroid carcinoma, comprising an estimated 80% of thyroid cancers. Somatic genetic alterations in PTC, including RET/PTC rearrangements(1-4) and BRAF(5) and RAS(6) mutations have proved useful as prognostic markers and may represent the result to a cancer initiation process governed by the constitutive DNA endowment of the patient. Nevertheless, these genetic alterations only account for approximately 70% of PTC and the correlations with clinicopathological features of increase morbidity are still inconclusive. Importantly, 3.5-6.2% of PTC patients have one or more first-degree relatives with thyroid carcinoma, suggesting the presence of heritable genetic determinants for PTC predisposition, but the genetic basis of familial PTC is yet unknown. Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) is a key player implicated in the thyroid development and associated disorders. TTF-1 knockout mice present with a series of congenital defects including lack of thyroid(7). Heterozygous "de novo" TTF1 mutations inherited in an autosomal dominant manner are associated with compensated congenital hypothyroidism(8-10). Regarding tumorigenesis, it is known to be a differentiation marker and inversely related to the malignant phenotype of thyroid neoplasms. More recently, it has been demonstrated that conditional ablation of TTF-1 in adult thyroid results in formation of adenomas and extremely high serum TSH levels(11). In an attempt to identify all possible risk-conferring variations (germ-line mutation) on TTF1 associated with PTC, we have performed a pilot genetic screening on ninety-five PTC patients. We have identified four novel germ-line mutations in exon-2 of TTF-1 in 7% of PTC patients. Importantly, these germ-line mutations have potentially significant implication on familial PTC predisposition. Therefore, we propose to study:Objective 1: Implication of TTF-1 germ-line mutations in families segregating the disease. A) The prevalence and predisposition of these germ-line mutations in the patients and their family will be determined. It will be the first identification of heritable genetic determinant for PTC predisposition. B) A complete profile on the somatic genetic alterations in patients bearing TTF-1 mutations will be established. Potential genetic interactions of these candidate genes with TTF-1 may account for the different penetrance of the mutations.Objective 2: Underlying molecular mechanisms for PTC conveyed by the TTF-1 germ-line mutations. A) Functional characterization of the mutant proteins. Impacts of the mutations on transactivation activity of TTF-1 will be demonstrated.B) Biological implications of the mutants in tumorigenesis. It provides the direct evidence on the role of mutants in tumorigenesis and facilitates the establishment of genotype-phenotype correlation.Reference:1.Fugazzola L, Pilotti S, Pinchera A, Vorontsova TV, Mondellini P, Bongarzone I, Greco A, Astakhova L, Butti MG, Demidchik EP, et al. 1995 Cancer research 55:5617-56202.Ito T, Seyama T, Iwamoto KS, Mizuno T, Tronko ND, Komissarenko IV, Cherstovoy ED, Satow Y, Takeichi N, Dohi K, et al. 1994 Lancet 344:2593.Klugbauer S, Lengfelder E, Demidchik EP, Rabes HM 1995 Oncogene 11:2459-24674.Santoro M, Carlomagno F, Hay ID, Herrmann MA, Grieco M, Melillo R, Pierotti MA, Bongarzone I, Della Porta G, Berger N, et al. 1992 The Journal of clinical investigation 89:1517-15225.Xing M 2005 Endocrine-related cancer 12:245-2626.De Vita G, Bauer L, da Costa VM, De Felice M, Baratta MG, De Menna M, Di Lauro R 2005 Molecular endocrinology 19:76-897.Kimura S, Hara Y, Pineau T, Fernandez-Salguero P, Fox CH, Ward JM, Gonzalez FJ 1996 Genes & development 10:60-698.Devriendt K, Vanhole C, Matthijs G, de Zegher F 1998 The New England journal of medicine 338:1317-13189.Doyle DA, Gonzalez I, Thomas B, Scavina M 2004 The Journal of pediatrics 145:190-19310.Iwatani N, Mabe H, Devriendt K, Kodama M, Miike T 2000 The Journal of pediatrics 137:272-27611.Kusakabe T, Kawaguchi A, Hoshi N, Kawaguchi R, Hoshi S, Kimura S 2006 Molecular endocrinology 20:1796-1809.

List of Research Outputs

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Lui V.C.H., Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Cell context dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Implication of Prokineticin signaling in neuroblastoma cancer stem cells and tumor progression, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Implication of Prokineticin signaling in neuroblastoma, Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2008, San Diego, USA, 12-16 April 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., International Travel Grant Award, ANR2008, Asian Children's Care League - JAPAN (ACCL), Chiba, Japan. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Neural crest cells and the associated diseases, Chiba Cancer Research Center, Chiba, Japan.. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin in neuroblastoma and neuroblastoma cancer stem cells, Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signaling and cancer stem cells in neuroblastoma. (International travel award), Advances in Neuroblastoma Research 2008, Chiba, Japan, 21-24 May 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Prokineticin signaling in neural crest cells during embryogensis and tumorigenesis , SurExam Serial Lecture. Guangzhou SurExam, China. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Prokineticin signaling in neuroblastoma cancer stem cells and tumor progression, Hong Kong Surgical Forum, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Lui V.C.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis (Invited Lecture), 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece, 10 - 13 October 2007. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Prokineticin signaling: a potential therapeutic target for neuroblastoma , 5th Annual Congress of International Drug Discovery Science and Technology (IDDST), Xi'an, China. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signalling pathway (invited review), International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 2008, 40: 1679–1684.

Ngan E.S.W., Shum K.Y., Poon H.C., Sham M.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin-1 (Prok-1) works coordinately with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to mediate proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2008, 1783: 467-478.

Ngan E.S.W., Prokineticins in Hirschsprung's disease and neuroblastoma, International Hirschsprung Consortium Meeting 2008, Hong Kong. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Best Presentation, 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Outstanding Award - "Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis", International Journal of Molecular Medicine . 2007.

Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W., Sit Y.L.F., Hui C.C., Wainwright B.J., Sham M.H., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Conditional Ptc1 knockout in vagal neural crest cells causes a reduced proliferation of enteric nervous system progenitors and intestinal hypoganglionosis, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Researcher : Or YYY

List of Research Outputs

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Researcher : Patil NG

Project Title:	Audit of deaths and complications in surgical patients admitted to university surgical unit
Investigator(s):	Patil NG
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/1992

Abstract:

To assess: (1) quality and standard of care; (2) educational value; (3) reporting of complications; (4) incidence and prevalence of life threatening surgical conditions; (5) improvements in surgical techniques, investigation procedures, clinical practice and infrastructure.

Project Title:	Risk factors for inguinal hernia in adults: a case-control study
Investigator(s):	Patil NG, Lau H
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2002

Abstract:

To evaluate and identify the risk factors for the development of inguinal hernia in adults.

Project Title:	Risk factors for hernia development in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)
Investigator(s):	Patil NG, Lau H
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To evaluate the incidence of and identify the risk factors for the development of hernia in patients who are undergoing CAPD.

List of Research Outputs

Chan D.C.W., Fong D.H.F., Leung J.Y.Y., Patil N.G. and Leung G.K.K., Maggot debridement therapy in chronic wound care, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13(5): 382-386.

Chan S.S.C., Tiwari A.F.Y., Leung Y.P., Wong E.M.Y. and Patil N.G., Clinical problem-based learning in undergraduate nursing curriculum: An evaluation of students' critical thinking : Sophia Chan, AFY Tiwari, Patil NG, D Leung, E.Wong, Best Oral Presentation Award, 5th Asia Pacific Medical Education Conference, Singapore, 26-27 January 2008 : Presenter : Professor Sophia Chan on behalf of the authors. National University of Singapore, 2008, 50.

Gandhi A., Leung G.K.K., Patil N.G. and Wong J., Clinical Undergraduate Examination; Voluntary Patient's Perspective, 5th Asia Pacific Medical Education Abstract Book. Singapore, 2008, 144.

Lau H., Loong F., Yuen W.K. and Patil N.G., Management of herniated retroperitoneal adipose tissue during endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty, Surgical Endoscopy. 2007, 21(9): 1612-1616.

Masters R.S.W., Lo C.Y., Maxwell J.P. and Patil N.G., Implicit motor learning in surgery: Implications for multi-tasking, In: Warshaw, A.L., Sarr, M.G., Surgery. Elsevier, 2008, 143: 140-145.

Patil N.G., Associate Editor, Journal of Clinical Education Resources. 2008.

Patil N.G., Chairperson, Short Communication, Association for Medical Education in Europe Annual Conference 2007, Trondheim, Norway, 25 - 29 August 2007. 2007.

Patil N.G., Coordinator (2006 - 2008), FRCS Ed Examination. 2008.

Patil N.G., Coordinator (2006 - 2008), MRCS Examination. 2008.

Patil N.G., Healthcare provision and surgical training in under-provided countries in SE Asia (Abstract), ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78, Supplement 1: A81.

Patil N.G., Honorary Consultant in Surgery, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Patil N.G., Honorary Consultant in Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Patil N.G., Honorary Consultant in Surgery, Tung Wah Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Patil N.G., Impact of working hour restrictions on Undergratulate Education and Postgraduate Surgical Training, Invited Faculty and Speaker in Symposium on Surgical Education in Asia, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19-22 October 2007.

Patil N.G., International Editor, Medical Education. 2008.

Patil N.G., Invited Faculty and Speaker in Symposium on Surgical Educaiton in Asia, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19 - 22 October 2007. 2007.

Patil N.G., Member, Organizing Committee, International Conference, Language Issue in English-medium Universities: A Global Concern, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 18 - 20 June 2008. 2008.

Patil N.G., Reviewer, Annals of College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Patil N.G., Reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Patil N.G., Reviewer, Medical Education. 2008.

Patil N.G., Reviewer, Medical Teacher. 2008.

Patil N.G., Short comments : Modernising medical careers, On-line BMJ . 2008.

Patil N.G., Ten years on: Evaluation of curriculum reforms at HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Association for Medical Education in Europe Annual Conference 2007, Trondheim, Norway, 25-29 August 2007.

Patil N.G., The postgraduate curriculum, A Practical Guide for Medical Teachers, 3rd Edition. United Kingdom, Elsevier, 2008.

Patil N.G., Tutor on the Intercollegiate BSS Course, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 2008.

Tse M.A., Masters R.S.W., McManus A.M., Lo C.Y. and Patil N.G., The influence of trunk endurance training on postural fatigue during laparoscopic surgery , Journal of Endourology. Mary Anne Liebert, 2008, 22: 1053-1058.

Researcher : Poon HC

List of Research Outputs

Lui V.C.H., Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Cell context dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Shum K.Y., Poon H.C., Sham M.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin-1 (Prok-1) works coordinately with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to mediate proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2008, 1783: 467-478.

Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W., Sit Y.L.F., Hui C.C., Wainwright B.J., Sham M.H., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Conditional Ptc1 knockout in vagal neural crest cells causes a reduced proliferation of enteric nervous system progenitors and intestinal hypoganglionosis, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Researcher : Poon HC

List of Research Outputs

Lui V.C.H., Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Cell context dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Researcher : Poon JTC

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Cheng S.W.K., Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis: single institute experience, Surgical Practice. 2007, 11(3): 98-101.

Chan A.C.Y., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J.K.M. and Lo S.H., Impact of conversion on the outcome and survival following laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer, SAGES Annual Meeting 2008, Philadelphia, USA, 9-12 April 2008.

Chan Y.C., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C., Yiu W.K. and Cheng S.W.K., Supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment for complex thoracic aortic arch disease: single centre early to mid-term results, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Ho P., Cheng S.W.K., Wu P.M., Ting A.C.W., Poon J.T.C., Cheng C.K.M., Mok J.H.M. and Tsang M.S., Ionizing radiation absorption of vascular surgeons during endovascular procedures, Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2007, 46(3): 455-459.

Law W.L., Fan J.K.M., Poon J.T.C., Choi H.K. and Lo S.H., Laparoscopic bowel resection in the setting of metastatic colorectal cancer, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(5): 1424-1428.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, 13th Medical Research Conference, Department of Medicine, HKUHong Kong . 2008.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, Inaugural William and Elizabeth Dabies Foundation Trust International Meeting. 2008.

Poon J.T.C., Law W.L., Fan J.K.M. and Lo S.H., Laparoscopic colectomy: the impact on surgical site infection (abstract presentation), ASCRS Annual Meeting and Tripartite Meeting 2008, Boston, USA, 7-11 June 2008.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair is a feasible option for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Researcher : Poon RTP

Project Title:	Prospective randomized trial of radiofrequency ablation versus hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma <= 5 cm
Investigator(s):	Poon RTP, Fan ST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2002

Abstract:

The project attempts to compare the immediate and long-term outcomes between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) nad hepatic resection for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) less than or equal to 5 cm.

Project Title:	Enhancement of therapeutic efficacy of hypoxia and chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma by blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors
Investigator(s):	Poon RTP, Yang Z
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

To study whether antiangiogenic therapy using a tyrosine inhibitor of VEGF receptors, PTK 787, can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and tumor hypoxia treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat orthotopic HCC model. GF

Project Title:	Training courses on radiofrequency ablation for liver cancers
Investigator(s):	Poon RTP, Fan ST, Lam CM, Tso WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

To provide comprehensive training courses for doctors from Hong Kong, Macau and China on treatment of liver cancers using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) before they embark on this treatment in their respective hospitals.

Project Title:	Study on the role of Id1 in angiogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Poon RTP, Lee KW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor characterized by active neovascularization (Poon RTP et al, Br J Surgery 2004; 91:1354-60). It is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer death in Hong Kong (Kuper H et al, Hepatology 2001;34:714-8; Tang ZY, World J Gastroenterol 2001;7:445-54). The poor prognosis of HCC is commonly associated with propensity for vascular invasion and metastasis (Tang ZY, World J Gastroenterol 2001;7:445-54). It has been previously shown by the principal investigator and other researchers that angiogenesis makes significant contribution to tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of HCC (Poon RTP et al, J Clin Oncol 2002;20:1775-85; Sugimachi K et al, Surgery 2002;131(1 Suppl):S135-41; Tanigawa N et al, Hepatology 1997;26:1216-23 ). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor that plays a central role in angiogenesis in various cancer types (Toi M, Lancet Oncol 2001;2:667-73.). Previous studies from our group have reported that VEGF is a potent angiogenic factor leading to HCC invasiveness and metastasis (Ng IO et al, Am J Clin Pathol 2001;116:838-45; Poon RTP et al, Ann Surg 2001;233:227-35). However, the mechanisms by which VEGF is regulated are far from clear. Understanding the underlying regulatory mechanism of VEGF allows the development of novel therapies targeting at the inhibition of HCC growth and metastasis, with an aim to prolong patients’ survival. Id-1 (inhibitor of differentiation/DNA synthesis) protein belongs to the Id family of helix-loop-helix proteins (Kadesch T et al, Cell Growth Differ 1993;4:49-55). These proteins act as dominant inhibitors of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors by forming transcriptionally inactive heterodimers (Kadesch T et al, Cell Growth Differ 1993;4:49-55). Id-1 has been shown to play a central role in cell proliferation (Ouyang XS et al, Carcinogenesis 2002;23:721-5), differentiation and senescence (Kreider BL et al, Science 1992;255:1700-2; Alani RM et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1999;96:9637-41). Over-expression of Id-1 has been reported in several types of primary tumors including breast (Lin CQ et al, Cancer Res 2000;60:1332-40), pancreatic (Kleeff J et al, Cancer Res 1998;58:3769-72), prostate (Ouyang XS et al, J Urol 2002;167:2598-602), cervical (Schindl M et al, Cancer Res 2001;61:5703-6) and colorectal carcinoma (Wilson JW et al, Cancer Res 2001;61:8803-10). One of the distinct characteristics of the aggressive cancer cells is the propensity to vascular invasion and metastasis. Poor vascularization resulting from generation of Id-1 and Id-3 double knockout mice provides convincing evidence showing the central role of Id-1 over-expression in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis (Lyden D et al, Nature 1999;401:670-7). Loss of Id-1has been shown to lead to downregulation of several proangiogenic genes such as integrin 6 (Ruzinova MB et al. Cancer Cell 2003;4:277-89). Hence, a positive role of Id-1 in tumor metastasis through promoting angiogenesis was suggested. However, the exact role of Id-1 in angiogenesis and the regulatory mechanisms involved are still unclear. Given the central role of VEGF in cancer angiogenesis, it is of great interest to elucidate whether over-expression of Id-1 promotes cancer angiogenesis by interacting with VEGF expression. Recently, our group has reported that Id-1 over-expression induced HCC cell proliferation through inactivation of p16/RB pathway (Lee TK et al, Carcinogenesis 2003;24:1729-36). However, the relationship between Id-1 expression and HCC invasiveness and metastasis has not been studied. In this study, we hypothesized that Id-1 may promote HCC metastasis by acting as an angiogenic factor through upregulation of VEGF expression. The long-term goal of this project is to elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for Id-1 mediated angiogenesis in HCC metastasis, and eventually facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies against HCC metastasis and recurrence. There are three main specific objectives of this study: 1. To determine the correlation between Id-1 over-expression and VEGF expression in HCC clinical samples 2. To determine the signaling pathways for Id-1 mediated VEGF upregulation in HCC 3. To determine the effect of Id-1 inactivation on angiogenesis of HCC

Project Title:	Senisitization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to hypoxia and chemotherapy by inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1&ALPHA;)
Investigator(s):	Poon RTP, Yang Z
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

To study whether inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) activity can inhibit the growth or survival of tumor cells and suppress angiogenic activities of endothelial cells under hypoxic condition in vitro; to study whether inhibition of HIF-1αactivity can enhance the efficacy of hypoxia and chemotherapy treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro in a rat orthotopic HCC model.

Project Title:	A study of the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and blockade of VEGF to enhance chemosensitivity of HCC
Investigator(s):	Poon RTP, Yang Z
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

To study the effect of VEGF on chemoresistance of HCC; to investigate the possible mechanism of VEGF-induced chemoresistance in HCC; to study whether inhibition of VEGF could increase chemosensitivity of HCC.

List of Research Outputs

Belghiti J., Carr B.I., Greig P.D., Lencioni R. and Poon R.T.P., Treatment before liver transplantation for HCC, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(4): 993-1000.

Chan A.C.Y., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., Changing paradigm in management of hepatocellular carcinoma improves the survival benefit of early detection by screening, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(4): 666-673.

Chan F.S., Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Duodenalpleural fistula formation after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007, 30(4): 278-282.

Chan S.Y., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C. and Fan S.T., Management of carcinoma of the gallbladder: a single-institution experience in 16 years, Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 97(2): 156-164.

Cheng Q., Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The significance of hepatic stellate cell activation on small-for-size fatty liver graft injury (Abstract), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008.

Ho D.W.Y., Yang Z., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Targeting cancer stem cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Zhang H., Luk J.M.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Changes in liver histology as a surrogate endpoint of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV can predict progression to liver complications, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2008, 42(5): 533-538.

Hui C.K., Leung N., Shek T.W.H., Yao H., Lee W.K., Lai J.Y., Lai S.T., Wong W.M., Lai S.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Lau G., Sustained disease remission after spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion is associated with reduction in fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis B Chinese patients , Hepatology. 2007, 46(3): 690-698.

Hung I.F.N., Poon R.T.P., Lai C.L., Fung J.Y.Y., Fan S.T. and Yuen R.M.F., Recurrence of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with high viral load at the time of resection., American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008, 103(7): 1663-1673.

Khan M.R., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Chan A.C., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tsang J. and Fan S.T., Comparison of percutaneous and surgical approaches for radiofrequency ablation of small and medium hepatocellular carcinoma, Archives of Surgery. 2007, 142(12): 1136-1143.

Kok T.W., Yang Z. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Lam V.W.T., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Yuen J.H.F., Tung H., Tso W.K., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Incomplete ablation after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of risk factors and prognostic factors, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(3): 782-790.

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Man K., Guan X.Y., Ma S.K.Y., Liu X., Myers J.N. and Yuen P.W., Fascin over-expression is associated with aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Letters. 2007, 254(2): 308-315.

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Wo Y.H., Ma S.K.Y., Guan X.Y., Myers J.N., Altevogt P. and Yuen P.W., Lupeol suppresses cisplatin induced NFkB activation in HNSCC cells and inhibits local invasion and nodal metastasis in orthotopic nude mouse model of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2007, 67(18): 8800-8809.

Lee P.Y., Leung K.W., Cheung N., Lam B.Y., Xu Z., Sham P.C., Lau G., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Comparative proteomic analysis of mouse livers from embryo to adult reveals an association with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, Proteomics. 2008, 8(10): 2136-2149.

Lee P.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Genomic and proteomic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, Biomarkers in Medicine. 2007, 1(2): 273-284.

Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Liver cancer biomarkers ready, Pharma Asia. 2008, January.

Luk J.M.C. and Poon R.T.P., Molecular Profiling of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, In: Merck & Co., Rahway, NJ, USA , HKU-Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC Agreement (LKR46307). 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Wong K.F., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Uses of recombinant integrin betaA peptides for neutralization and blockage of bacterial endotoxins in biological fluids, US Provisional Patent. 2007.

Luk J.M.C., Xu M., Yao T.J., Ng I., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., YAP is an independent prognostic marker associated with tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (Abstract), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Ma J.K., Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Pancreatic-induced intramural duodenal haematoma, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(2): 83-86.

Man K., Ng T.P., Xu A., Cheng Q., Guo D.Y., Lim Z., Lo C.M., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Angiopoietin-like protein 4 suppresses liver tumor growth and metastases by inhibition of angiogenesis and cell invasion (Oral Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Mazzaferro V., Chun Y.S., Poon R.T.P., Schwartz M.E., Yao F.Y., Marsh J.W., Bhoori S. and Lee S.G., Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(4): 1001-1007.

Ng K.K.C., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Yuen J.H.F., Tso W.K. and Fan S.T., Analysis of recurrence pattern and its influence on survival outcome after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008, 12(1): 183-191.

Ng K.K.C. and Poon R.T.P., Current treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma, Saudi Medical Journal. 2007, 28(9): 1330-1338.

Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Poon R.T.P., Chan S.C. and Fan S.T., Survival analysis of patients with transplantable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for salvage liver transplant, Archives of Surgery. 2008, 143(1): 68-74.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma, The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Ng T.P., Man K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Outstanding Poster Presentation Award - "Functional characterization of homeoprotein Six1 in hepatocellular carcinoma", The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007. 2007.

Pang R.W.C., Johnson P.J., Pawlik T.M., Monden M., Joh J.W. and Poon R.T.P., Biology of hepatocellular carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. Springer, 2008, 15(4): 962-971.

Pang R.W.C. and Poon R.T.P., From molecular biology to targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: the future is now, Oncology. 2007, 72 Suppl 1: 30-44.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, 13th Medical Research Conference, Department of Medicine, HKUHong Kong . 2008.

Pang R.W.C., Law W.L., Poon J.T.C., Fan J., Choi C.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Wong B.C.Y., Isolation and characterization of tumorigenic and metastatic cancer stem cells from human colorectal cancer, Inaugural William and Elizabeth Dabies Foundation Trust International Meeting. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Tso W.K., Pang R.W.C., Ng K.K.C., Woo R., Tai K.S. and Fan S.T., A phase I/II trial of chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using a novel intra-arterial drug-eluting bead, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2007, 5(9): 1100-1108.

Poon R.T.P., Associate Editor (2006 - present), HBP Surgery. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Associate Editor (July 2003 - present), Cancer Reviews: Asia-Pacific. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Yang Z., Li M.L.Y., Chu W.K., Yu D.C. and Fan S.T., Blockade of therapy-induced acute recruitment of bone marrow-derived CXCR4+Flt-1+ hemangiocytes for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Chairman - Free Paper Session on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The 18th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Seoul, Korea, 23 - 26 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Chairman - Symposium "Medical Oncology", The 13th Hong Kong Medical Forum, Hong Kong, 3 - 4 May 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Chairman - Symposium on "Surgical Treatment of Hepatobiliary Malignancies", The 18th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Seoul, Korea, 23 - 26 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Chairman - Symposium on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, The 6th Roche Asia Oncology Forum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11 - 12 August 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Chairman - Young Investigator Award Free Paper Session, The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Chairman of Program Committee, The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Committee Member (2006 - present), Central Committee on Liver Diseases, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Committee Member (2006 - present), Scientific Committee and Research Committee, International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Committee Member of Research Support for Higher Surgical Trainees Committee (2003 - present), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Current management of hepatocellular carcinoma and potential roles of molecular targeted therapies (Symposium Lecture), The 6th Roche Asia Oncology Forum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 11 - 12 August 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Current role of laparoscopic surgery for liver malignancies, In: Szabo Z., Coburg A.J., Savalgi R.S., Reich H. (eds.), Surgical Technology International, 16th Edition. San Francisco, Universal Medical Press, 2007, 73-81.

Poon R.T.P., Current status of local ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Keynote Lecture), The 11th National Liver Cancer Congress of China, Naning, China, 25 October 2007 . 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Current status of local ablative therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (James IV Traveling Fellowship Lecture) , Combined Liver Meeting, Hospital Beaujon, University of Paris VII, Paris, France, 11 December 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Current status of local ablative therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (James IV Traveling Fellowship Lecture) , Department of Surgery Meeting, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K., 18 December 2007 . 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Current techniques of liver transection, HPB. 2007, 9(3): 166-173.

Poon R.T.P., Editor (August 2005 - present), Cutting Edge (College Newsletter), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Editor (November 2002 - present), Digestive Surgery (China). 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Poon R.T.P., Hepatocellular carcinoma from an Asian perspective (Keynote Lecture), Bayer-Schering Expert Symposium on Targeted Therapies, Vienna, Austria, 16 - 18 November 2007 . 2007.

Poon R.T.P., How to handle side effects after chemoembolization using drug-eluting beads (Workshop Lecture), The 8th Asia-Pacific Congress of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 9 - 12 June 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Improving results of surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (Keynote Lecture), The 7th Sino-Japanese Symposium on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Beijing, China, 18 - 20 April 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Liver transection without inflow occlusion (Symposium Lecture), The 7th Sino-Japanese Symposium on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Beijing, China, 18 - 20 April 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Liver transplantation for solitary hepatocellular carcinoma less than 3 cm in diameter in Child A cirrhosis , Digestive Diseases. 2007, 25(4): 334-340.

Poon R.T.P., Local ablative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (Symposium Lecture), International Symposium on Hepatology, Hong Kong, 24 November 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - present), Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - present), Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Member of Editorial Board (2008 - present), World Journal of Gastroenterology. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Member of Editorial Board (March 2003 - present), Cancer Therapy. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Member of Research Committee (2005 - present), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Member of Steering Committee (2006 - present), Cooperative Alliance for Interventional Radiology Research, The Society of Interventional Radiology, USA. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Member of the Selection Committee of National Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/Research Grants Council of Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Molecular targeted therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to clinic (Symposium Lecture) , The 4th National Foundation of Cancer Research-American Federation of Cancer Research International Think Tank Forum: Anti-Cancer Innovation and Global Collaboration, Hong Kong, 14 November 2007 . 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Nutritional management of hepatocellular carcinoma (Keynote Lecture), The 6th Japan Society of Hepatology Conference, Iwate, Japan, 28 - 29 September 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Outstanding Researcher Award, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Panalist - Live Demonstration, Digestive Endoscopy Workshop, Hong Kong, 1 - 2 December 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Pancreatic leakage after pancreaticoduodenectomy: how to prevent? (James IV Traveling Fellowship Lecture) , Department of Surgery Meeting, Hospital Beaujon, University of Paris VII, Paris, France, 13 December 2007 . 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Panel Member of Biology and Medicine Panel for Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (September 2006 - June 2008), Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Patient selection criteria and protocol on using drug-eluting beads in hepatocellular carcinoma (Workshop Lecture), The 8th Asia-Pacific Congress of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 9 - 12 June 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Permanent Committee Member (2004 - present), International Hepatocellular Carcinoma Meeting, Hong Kong. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Permanent Council Member (2007 - present), Eastern-Western Association on Hepatocellular Carcinoma. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Prevention of recurrence after resection or ablation: entering a new era (Symposium Lecture), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Proposals for IHPBA trials (Symposium Lecture), The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Quality of life in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (Symposium Lecture), The 8th World Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Mumbai, India, 27 February - 2 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Radiofrequency ablation combined with resection enhances chance for curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(12): 3299-3300.

Poon R.T.P., Role of branched-chain amino acids supplementation in management of hepatocellular carcinoma (Lecture), The Annual Meeting of Hong Kong Association of Dieticians, Hong Kong, 6 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Role of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma (Symposium Lecture), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Significance of viral status on prognosis after resection of hepatitis B virus related hepatocellular carcinoma., Journal of Hepatology. 2007, 47(5): 630-631.

Poon R.T.P., Surgical approaches of radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors (Invited Lecture), Tyco Radiofrequency Ablation Master Class, Shanghai, China, 1 July 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (Symposium Lecture), The 18th Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Seoul, Korea, 23 - 26 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Targeting VEGF receptors and other kinases in hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to clinic (Symposium Lecture), The 41st Singapore-Malaysia Congress of Medicine, Singapore, 21 - 23 July 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Targeting angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma: from bench to clinic (Lecture), Joint Retreat of Centres for Cancer Research, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 15 March 2008. 2008.

Poon R.T.P., Techniques of pancreaticoduodenectomy (Symposium Lecture), Joint Hong Kong-Shanghai Surgical Convention, Shanghai, China, 15 - 16 July 2007. 2007.

Poon R.T.P., Use of drug eluting beads in hepatoma (Symposium Lecture), The 8th Asia-Pacific Congress of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 9 - 12 June 2008. 2008.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Li J.C., Chen H.X., Liu C.C., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Sze K.H., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., The Kringle 1 Domain of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Has Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Cell Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2008, 68: 404-414.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Sun S., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He Q., Lau G. and Luk J.M.C., Oncoproteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma: from cancer markers' discovery to functional pathways (Review Article), Liver International. 2007, 27(8): 1021-1038.

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ng M.N., Ho D.W.Y., Lau C.K., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The effects of heat and hypoxia on liver cancer stem cells (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Yang Z. and Poon R.T.P., Vascular changes in hepatocellular carcinoma, Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J.). 2008, 291(6): 721-734.

Yang Z., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., mTOR inhibition enhances chemo-cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma through both p53 dependent and independent pathways (Poster Presentation), The 1st International Liver Cancer Association Conference, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Yau T., Chan P., Wong H., Ng K.K.C., Chok K.S.H., Cheung T.T., Lam V.W.T., Epstein R., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Efficacy and tolerability of low-dose thalidomide as first-line systemic treatment of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, Oncology. 2007, 72 Suppl 1: 67-71.

Yau T., Wong H., Chan P., To M.C. and Poon R.T.P., Intramuscular recurrence in a hepatocellular carcinoma patient with indolent disease course, World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 6: 42.

Yuen R.M.F., Tanaka Y., Shinkai N., Poon R.T.P., But D.Y.K., Fong D.Y.T., Fung J.Y.Y., Wong D.K.H., Yuen J.C.H., Mizokami M. and Lai C.L., Risk for hepatocellular carcinoma with respect to hepatitis B virus genotypes B/C, specific mutations of enhancer II/core promoter/precore regions and HBV DNA levels, Gut. 2008, 57(1): 98-102.

Researcher : Poon WS

List of Research Outputs

Ho J.C.Y., Cheung S.T., Poon W.S., Lee Y.T., Ng I.O.L. and Fan S.T., Down-regulation of retinol binding protein 5 is associated with aggressive tumor features in hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2007, 133(12): 929-936.

Researcher : Ren Y

Project Title:	Proteomics computational analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Investigator(s):	Ren Y, Tam PKH, Peiris JSM, He Q
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	VCO SARS Research Fund
Start Date:	07/2003

Abstract:

To investigate by using proteomics approach, combining Western blotting and ELISA: (a) identification of specific pattern in serum for the diagnosis and prognosis, (b) detection of immune-relevant proteins in SARS, (c) detection of proteins in different stages of SARS patients, (d) proteome analysis of SCV (proteome maps), (e) detection of expression patterns in virus infected cells.

List of Research Outputs

Ren Y., Xie Y., Jiang G., Fan J., Yeung J., Li W., Tam P.K.H. and Savill J., Apoptotic cells protect mice against lipopolysaccharide-induced shock, The Journal of Immunology. 2008, 180(7): 4978-4985.

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Shum KY

List of Research Outputs

Ngan E.S.W., Shum K.Y., Poon H.C., Sham M.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin-1 (Prok-1) works coordinately with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to mediate proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2008, 1783: 467-478.

Researcher : Sihoe ADL

List of Research Outputs

Wong M.K., Wong M.P., Lam D.C., Sihoe A.D.L., Cheng L.C., Lam B., Ip M.S.M., Nakajima T., Yasufuku K., Lam W.K. and Ho J.C.M., Endobronchial ultrasound for diagnosis of synchronous primary lung cancers, Lung Cancer. 2008.

Researcher : Sin SL

List of Research Outputs

Sin S.L., Lui V.C.H., Pu J.K.S. and Leung G.K.K., The effect of cholorotoxin on glioma cell invasion, The 14th Annual Scientific Meeting, The Hong Kong Neurosurgical Society. 2007.

Researcher : Sit YLF

List of Research Outputs

Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W., Sit Y.L.F., Hui C.C., Wainwright B.J., Sham M.H., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Conditional Ptc1 knockout in vagal neural crest cells causes a reduced proliferation of enteric nervous system progenitors and intestinal hypoganglionosis, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Sit Y.L.F., Hairy and enhancer of Split 1 (Hes 1) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) in enteric Neural Crest Cell, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Researcher : So MT

List of Research Outputs

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Researcher : Suen DTK

List of Research Outputs

Choi C.L.Y., Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Prognostic value of lymphovascular invasion in Chinese women with invasive breast cancer (Poster), 10th Milan Breast Cancer Conference, Milan, 18 - 20 June 2008.

Chok S.H., Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Factors affecting false-negativerates of sentinel lymph node biopsy in Chinese patients with invasive breast cancer, ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2007, 77(10): 866-869.

Kwong A. and Suen D.T.K., Breast cancer treatment choices in Hong Kong Chinese women (Poster), The American Society of Breast Surgeons 9th Annual Meeting, New York, U.S.A., 30 April - 4 May 2008.

Kwong A. and Suen D.T.K., Sentinel lymph node biopsy in ductal carcinoma in-situ: is it necessary? (Poster), 2007 Breast Cancer Symposium, San Francisco, U.S.A., 7 - 8 September 2007.

Kwong A. and Suen D.T.K., The breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women age below 40 (Poster), The American Society of Breast Surgeons 9th Annual Meeting, New York, U.S.A., 30 April to 4 May 2008.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract) (Oral), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast cancer treatment choices in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract) (Poster), The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress, Hong Kong, 12 - 16 May 2008.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast cancer treatment choices in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract), ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78 (Suppl 1): Abstract BS23P.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Breast conserving surgery in Hong Kong Chinese women, World Journal of Surgery. 2008, Epub ahead of print.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Bresat cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women (Abstract), ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2008, 78 (Suppl 1): BS12.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Is Her2-overexpression associated with breain metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients? (Oral), Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and hormonotherapy in Chinese women with breast cancer, American Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2007, 30(4): 444-460.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., To improve the outcome of wire localized breast conserving surgery for treatment of impalpable breat cancer in Chinese women (Oral) , Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007.

Suen D.T.K. and Kwong A., Young Investigator Award (Oral), Is Her2-overexpression associated with brain metastasis in Chinese breast cancer patients?, Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14 - 16 November 2007. 2007.

Researcher : Sun B

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y.X., Man K., Ling G.S., Chen Y., Sun B., Cheng Q., Wong O.H., Lo C.K., Ng I.O.L., Chan L.C., Lau G., Lin S.C.L., Huang F. and Huang F.P., A crucial role for dendritic cell (DC) IL-10 in inhibiting successful DC-based immunotherapy: superior antitumor immunity against hepatocellular carcinoma evoked by DC devoid of IL-10, Journal of Immunology. 2007, 179(9): 6009-6015.

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Man K., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Sun B., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The impact of small-for-size syndrome on tumor recurrence after LDLT for HCC (Oral Presentation), The 1st Congress of International Liver Cancer Association, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Researcher : Sun KW

List of Research Outputs

Man K., Ng T.P., Lo C.M., Ho J.W.Y., Sun B., Sun K.W., Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Ischemia-reperfusion of small liver remnant promotes liver tumor growth and metastases - activation of cell invasion and migration pathways, Liver Transplantation. 2007, 13(12): 1669-1677.

Man K., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Sun B., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The impact of small-for-size syndrome on tumor recurrence after LDLT for HCC (Oral Presentation), The 1st Congress of International Liver Cancer Association, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Sun K.W., The significance of proline rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) in proliferation and invasiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma , Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Sun K.W., Ng T.P., Sun B.S., Ho J.W.Y., Lee K.W., Ng I.O.L., Poon R.T.P., Lo C.M., Liu C.L., Man K. and Fan S.T., The significance of proline-rich tyrosine kinase2 (Pyk2) on hepatocellular carcinoma progression and recurrence, British Journal of Cancer. 2007, 97(1): 50-57.

Researcher : Sun S

List of Research Outputs

Sun S., Lee P.Y., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., He Q., Lau G. and Luk J.M.C., Oncoproteomics of hepatocellular carcinoma: from cancer markers' discovery to functional pathways (Review Article), Liver International. 2007, 27(8): 1021-1038.

Researcher : Tam KH

List of Research Outputs

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Tam K.H., Study of mTOR pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma, Thesis, Master of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2007.

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., mTOR inhibition enhances chemo-cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma through both p53 dependent and independent pathways (Poster Presentation), The 1st International Liver Cancer Association Conference, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Researcher : Tam PC

List of Research Outputs

Au W.Y., Tam S., Fong B.M., Ho K.L., Tam P.C. and Kwong Y.L., Prolonged oral arsenic trioxide therapy and neprholithiasis, Leukemia and Lymphoma . 2007, 48(11): 2233-2234.

Cho K.Y., Ho K.L., Ngai H.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy before radical prostatectomy: Hong Kong experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Chung H.Y., Lau W.H., Chu S.S.M., Collins R.J. and Tam P.C., Carcinoid tumour of the kidney in a Chinese woman presenting with loin pain, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13(5): 406-408.

Kwok S.C., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Percutaneous drainage and absolute alcohol sclerosis for post-renal transplant symptomatic lymphocele, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Leung J.C.K., Chan L.Y., Tang S.C.W., Tam P.C., Fenn J. and Lai K.N., Glycosylation profile of differently charged IgA1 and their binding characteristics to cultured mesangial cells in IgA nephropathy, Nephron Experimental Nephrology . 2007, 107: 107-118.

Ng P.P.Y., Tang M.H.Y., Lau E.T.K., Ng L.K.L., Ngan E.H.Y., Tam P.C., Yeung W.S.B. and Ho P.C., Chromosome anomalies and Y-microdeletions in subfertile men (Poster), The ACAG-HKSMG International Conference, Hong Kong, 11 June 2008.

Ngai H.Y., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Kwok S.C., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Radical prostatectomy: Queen Mary Hospital experience 1995 - 2007, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with Hong Kong Urological Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Tam P.C., Board Member (2002 - present), Asia Pacific Continence Advisory Board. 2008.

Tam P.C., Chairman, CME Committee, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Tam P.C., Chairman, Urology Board, The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Tam P.C., Chief, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Tam P.C., Corresponding Member (1996 - present), American Urological Association. 2008.

Tam P.C., Council Member (2004 - present), Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine. 2008.

Tam P.C., Council Member (2005 - 2008), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Tam P.C., Deputy Secretary General (1996 - present), Asian Surgical Association. 2008.

Tam P.C. and Ho K.L., Does extended prostate biopsy protocol improve cancer detection in Chinese patients?, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery & 3rd Chinese Surgical Week, Beijing, China, 21 October 2007.

Tam P.C., Examiner in Conjoint Urology Fellowship Examination, College of Surgeons of Hong Kong & Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. 2008.

Tam P.C., Honorary Consultant (1996 - present), Sexual Rehabilitation Service ReHaAid. 2008.

Tam P.C., Honorary Consultant (Urology) (1998 - present), Tung Wah Hospital. 2008.

Tam P.C., Late onset hypogonadism & metabolic syndrome, 22th Biennial Meeting of the Asia Pacific Society for Sexual Medicine, Korea, 7 October 2007.

Tam P.C., Management of intraoperative ureteric injury, A.O. Spine Surgery Course, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 18 September 2007. 2007.

Tam P.C., Management of male infertility - an update, Symposium of Andrology 2007, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Hong Kong, 6 September 2007. 2007.

Tam P.C., Management of male infertility, Symposium of Andrology 2007, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Hong Kong, 6 September 2007.

Tam P.C., Member (1990 - present), Central Renal Committee, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. 2008.

Tam P.C., Member of Editorial Board (2005 - present), Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008.

Tam P.C., Member of Editorial Board (2008 - present), Surgical Practice. 2008.

Tam P.C., Treating erectile dysfunction when PDE-5 inhibitors failed, 2nd AGM & Advances in Urology Nursing, Urology Nurses Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 8 April 2008. 2008.

Tam P.C., Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal, Postgraduate Study Day, The Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 4 July 2007. 2007.

Tam P.C., Vice-President (2008 - present), The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2008.

Wong M.H., Ho K.L., Cho K.Y., Au W.H., Chu S.S.M. and Tam P.C., Reconstructive surgery for obstructive azoospermia: Single centre experience, The East Asian Society of Endourology 2007 Meeting in conjunction with HKUA ASM, Hong Kong, 13 - 15 December 2007.

Researcher : Tam PKH

Project Title:	Transgenesis animals as bioreactors: production of a new immunosuppressive protein CTLA4Ig by transgenesis
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Wong NS, Cheah KSE
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Vice-Chancellor's Office - General Award
Start Date:	07/1997

Abstract:

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.

Project Title:	Establishing a "train-the-trainers" programme for paediatric surgery in China
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	10/1998

Abstract:

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 surgical 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.

Project Title:	Expanding the "Train-the-Trainers" programme for paediatric surgery in China
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	10/2000

Abstract:

To improve the standard of surgical care of children in China through the consolidation and expansion of a scheme of "Train-the-Trainers"; to improve our understanding of special paediatric surgical 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; to promote modern concepts of medical education among leaders of the new generation of doctors through the introduction of structured training, problem-based learning, life-long learning, and the use of evidence-based medicine and information technology.

Project Title:	The role of sonic hedgehog in immune system
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	10/2002

Abstract:

To elucidate the role of sonic hedgehog in CD4^{+ T cells activation and to identify its downstream targets suring
T cell activation.}

Project Title:	Improving the survival and quality of life of children with cancers in China
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Wong IHN, Chan GCF, Ren Y, Lin CL
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	10/2003

Abstract:

To improve the survival and quality of life of poor and sick children suffering from cancer through the establishment of a Chinese Children Cancer Consortium which will be responsible for the introduction and implementation of modern, comprehensive management protocols, and for training and educating health care workers around the country to adopt the new standard of cares for children with cancer.

Project Title:	The study of co-stimulatory function of sonic hedgehog in CD⁴⁺ lymphocytes
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Chan VSF
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To study the distribution of Shh and its receptors on the surface of T cells during T cell activation; to study the effect of Shh on TH1 and TH2 cell differentiation; to identify the downstream targets of Shh signaling pathway in CD⁴⁺ T lymphocytes.

Project Title:	*Evaluation of HOXB5* as a new Hirschprung's disease susceptibility locus**
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Lui VCH, Garcia-Barcelo MM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To evaluate the human HOXB5 gene as a new Hirschsprung's disease susceptibility locus.

Project Title:	Further expansion of the "Train-the-Trainers" programme for paediatric surgery in China
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Chan KL, Zhan JH, Jin XQ, Wong KKY
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	05/2005

Abstract:

The project aims to improve the standard of surgical care of children in China; to improve understanding of special paediatric surgical issues relevant to the Chinese population; and to promote modern concepts of medical education among leaders of the new generation of doctors in China.

Project Title:	University strategic research theme: Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Leung FCC, Chen SF, Che CM, He Q, Ng KP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding for Strategic Research Theme
Start Date:	05/2005

Abstract:

To facilitate multidisciplinary research in the areas of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. The three subthemes would be created, and an additional subtheme on thical, legal and social issues (ELSI) should be created.

Project Title:	Molecular basis of biliary atresia
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Miao X
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	07/2006

Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the human INV, CFC1, ZIC3, HES, JAGGED1 and NOTCH genes for the presence of coding region mutations in patients affected with biliary atresia (BA). Problems being adressed: There is a need to clarify the involvement of these genes in the defective morphogenesis of the bile-ducts to assess their role in the genetic network underlying biliary atresia (BA). Therefore, we propose to conduct a large-scale mutation screening of these genes in BA patients. We will also perform functional analysis of the mutations found. This study will be conducted on 150 BA patients of Chinese origin and will be the first study ever conducted on Chinese at such relatively large scale.Background and key isuesExtrahepatic Biliary Atresia (BA) is the cause of neonatal cholestasis (arrest of the normal flow of bile) and defines the inflammatory obliteration of the extrahepatic biliary system. The incidence of the disease ranges from approximately 1 in 5000 to 1 in 18,000; the highest in Chinese and Japanese, the lowest in Caucasians (1-12). Female predominance has been described in Japanese (3-5) and some reports have suggested seasonal variation and clustering of cases (2,9,10), although this has not been confirmed in larger studies (6,11,12). BA can be classified into two groups according to the origin of the etio-pathogenic process: a) embryonic form (20% of the cases), which is attributed to defective morphogenesis of the bile-duct during development and presents associated with congenital anomalies of visceral organ symmetry; and b) perinatal form (80% of cases; no associated anomalies) in which bile-ducts are presumably normal at the time of birth but undergo obliteration in the perinatal period; it is thought to be triggered by environmental factors. Despite phenotypic heterogeneity, the inflammatory injury and subsequent obliteration of extrahepatic bile ducts occur uniformly in all BA patients in the early postnatal period. This is consistent with a common biological process that reflects the response of the infant biliary tree to a variety of insults, either prenatal or postnatal. In spite of successful surgery, most of the patients develop progressive inflammation and sclerosis of the biliary tree which invariably leads to secondary biliary cirrhosis. These patients (70-80%) will require liver transplantation making BA the most common cause of liver transplantation in children (13,14). The association of anomalies of visceral organ symmetry with embryonic BA suggests that the genes that control the normal situs (normal symmetry of the body) development are also involved in the growth of the bile-ducts. In fact, a mouse model (deletion of the inv gene) exists for an inheritable disorder that includes situs inversus (reverse symmetry of the body) and obliteration of the extrahepatic biliary tree. Mutations in the human INV gene have only been found in two patients with nephronophthisis type 2 but not BA. Genes implicated in syndromes associated with embryonic BA include CFC1 -heterotaxy syndrome; ZIC3- X-linked heterotaxy; and JAGGED1-Alagille syndrome. The recently described Hes1-/- mice presents with severe hypoplasia of the biliary ducts although mutations in the human counterpart have not been investigated (13-15). While these genes may play a crucial role in the development of the biliary structures, their participation in the inflammatory and sclerosing processes that occur at birth has not been investigated. The congenital malformation of the bile-ducts can be considered as a prenatal injure to which the biliary tree responds with an inflammatory process.References1.Shim WKT, et al. 1974 Racial influence on the incidence of biliary atresia. Prog Pediatr Surg 6:53-62. 2.Yoon PW, et al. 1997 Epidemiology of biliary atresia: a population-based study. Pediatrics 99:376-382.3.Nio M, et al. 2003 Five- and 10-year survival rates after surgery for biliary atresia: a report from the Japanese Biliary Atresia Registry. J Pediatr Surg 38:997-1000. 4.Ohi R. 2001 Surgery for biliary atresia. Liver 21:175-182. 5.Chiba T, Ohi R, Kamiyama T, Nio M, Ibrahim M. Japanese biliary atresia registry. In: Ohi R, editor. Biliary atresia. Tokyo (Japan): ICOM Associates; 1991. p. 79-86.6.Chardot C, et al. 1999 Epidemiology of biliary atresia in France: a national study 1986-96. J Hepatol 31:1006-1013. 7.Fischler B, et al. 2002 A population-based study on the incidence and possible pre- and perinatal etiologic risk factors of biliary atresia. J Pediatr 141:217-222. 8.McKiernan PJ, et al. 2000 The frequency and outcome of biliary atresia in the UK and Ireland. Lancet 355:25-29.9.Strickland AD, and Shannon K. 1982 Studies in the aetiology of extrahepatic biliary atresia: time-space clustering. Pediatrics 100:749-753.10.Danks DM, et al. 1977 Studies of the aetiology of neonatal hepatitis and biliary atresia. Arch Dis Child 52:360-367.11.Ayas MF, et al. 1996 Lack of evidence for seasonal variation in extrahepatic biliary atresia during infancy. J Clin Gastroenterol 22:292-294.12.Davenport M and Dhawan A. 1998 Epidemiologic study of infants with biliary atresia. Pediatrics 101(4 Pt 1):729-730. 13.Mack and Sokol. 2005 Unraveling the pathogenesis and ethiology of biliary atresia. Pediatric Research 57:87R-94R. 14.Kahn E. 2004 Biliary atresia revisited. Pediatr Dev Pathol 7:109-124.15.Sumazaki et al. 2004 Conversion of biliary system to pancreatic tissue in Hes1-deficient mice. Nat Genet 36:83-87.

Project Title:	Study of the genetic basis of biliary atresia
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Miao X, Sham PC
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) To conduct a whole-genome case-control association study for genes involved in BA by using GeneChip Mapping 500K Set from Affymetrix and will approximately gather clinical data and DNA from 200 BA patients of Chinese origin; (2) to generate information on: a) the genetic susceptibility to develop BA: b) the genetic predisposition to develop secondary biliary cirrhosis after surgery, thought to be an autoimmune process; c) yet unknown genetic causes that may trigger the disease.

Project Title:	Whole genome family based association study to search for RET-dependent modifiers in Hirchsprung's disease
Investigator(s):	Tam PKH, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Miao X, Cherny SS
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2007

Abstract:

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder in which there is an absence of ganglion cells in variable portions of the lower digestive tract. Its incidence varies among populations, being more frequent in Asians. HSCR patients can be classified according to the severity of the phenotype into long (L-SHCR) and short (S-HSCR) segment-aganglionosis. HSCR presents mostly sporadically although it can be familial with a complex pattern of inheritance including low, sex-dependent penetrance and phenotypic variability. The male:female ratio (M:F) is ≈4:1 among S-HSCR patients and ≈1:1 among L-HSCR patients(1). The RET gene, encoding a tyrosine-kinase receptor is the major HSCR gene and its expression is crucial for the development of the enteric ganglia. Reduced penetrance of RET mutations and variable expression of HSCR phenotype suggest that more than one gene is required. Current data indicates that S-HSCR manifestation always requires RET (major gene) and other interacting susceptibility alleles(2). While the pattern of inheritance of L-HSCR can be more easily explained by combining the nature of the RET mutations and the effect of a stronger modifier(3), that of S-HSCR is considerably more complex requiring RET and several other loci, possibly RET-dependent modifiers(2). HSCR is as an oligogenic entity currently being genetically dissected and used as a paradigm for the study of polygenic/complex diseases(2;4). Yet, further insight into the genes governing S-HSCR in particular is to be gained in order to explain the transmission of S-HSCR, and other particulars such as gender bias. The basic premise is that common genetic variants are involved in the manifestation of the HSCR phenotype which in turn may also depend on the RET mutational type of the patients. Finding additional HSCR loci requires a large-scale SNP analyses on a collection of patients with well defined phenotypes/RET genotypes. The need for such studies has also been raised by the International HSCR Consortium of which we are not only active participants but the only source of samples from patients of Chinese origin. Along with the consortium, we have conducted a Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT) as a family association study on 72 S-HSCR trios using 250.000 SNPs (36 trios have already been interrogated for the 262,000 SNPs comprised on the array using Nsp restriction enzyme and the other 36 are currently being done for the 238,000 SNPs on the Sty array). We believe that increasing the density of the SNPs of this pilot study (TDT) will provide us with a much more robust set of data to build on. Therefore, we are proposing to complete the analysis of the 72 trios with the complete 500K set (each trio to be interrogated for 500,000 SNPs; that is with both SNP arrays). Our data will be compared to that obtained in a complementary study conducted on the Caucasian consortium S-HSCR trios. This will help elucidate whether RET modifiers modulating the phenotype are shared among populations.REFERENCES:1. Amiel J, Lyonnet S 2001 Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes, and genetics: a review. J Med Genet 38:729-7392. Gabriel SB, Salomon R, Pelet A, Angrist M, Amiel J, Fornage M, Attie-Bitach T, Olson JM, Hofstra R, Buys C, Steffann J, Munnich A, Lyonnet S, Chakravarti A 2002 Segregation at three loci explains familial and population risk in Hirschsprung disease. Nat Genet 31:89-933. Bolk S, Pelet A, Hofstra RM, Angrist M, Salomon R, Croaker D, Buys CH, Lyonnet S, Chakravarti A 2000 A human model for multigenic inheritance: phenotypic expression in Hirschsprung disease requires both the RET gene and a new 9q31 locus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 97:268-2734. Passarge E 2002 Dissecting Hirschsprung disease. Nat Genet 31:11-12

List of Research Outputs

Amiel J., Sproat-Emison E., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lantieri F., Burzynski G., Borrego S., Pelet A., Arnold S., Miao X., Griseri P., Brooks A.S., Antinolo G., de Pontual L., Clement-Ziza M., Munnich A., Kashuk C., West K., Wong K.K.Y., Lyonnet S., Chakravarti A., Tam P.K.H., Ceccherini I., Hofstra R.M.W. and Fernandez R., Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes and genetics: a review, Journal of Medical Genetics. 2008, 45: 1-14.

Cai K., Tse L.Y., Leung C., Tam P.K.H., Xu R. and Sham M.H., Suppression of lung tumor growth and metastasis in mice by adeno-associated virus-mediated expression of vasostatin, Clinical Cancer Research. 2008, 14(3): 939-949.

Chan K.L., Chan H.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Towards a near-zero recurrence rate in laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for pediatric patients of all ages, Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2007, 42: 1993-1997.

Chan Y.K., Ching C.Y.J., Xu M.S., Cheung A.N.Y., Yip S.P., Lam L.Y.C., Lai S.T., Chu C.M., Wong A.T.Y., Song Y., Huang F., Liu W., Chung P.H., Leung G.M., Chow E.Y.D., Chan E.Y.T., Chan J.C.K., Ngan H.Y.S., Tam P.K.H., Chan L.C., Sham P.C., Chan V.S.F., Peiris J.S.M., Lin S.C.L. and Khoo U.S., Association of ICAM3 Genetic Variant with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2007, 196: 271-280.

Chen Y., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., Effect of TGF-BETA receptor 1 (ALK5) blockade in mouse septic shock model, The 54th Annual International Congress of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, Edinburgh, U.K., 17-20 July 2007.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., LPS-induced up-regulationof TGF-beta receptor 1 is associated with TNF-alpha expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages, Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 2008, 83(5): 1165-1173.

Chen Y., Kam S.K.C., Liu F. and Tam P.K.H., TGF-BETA receptor I inhibitor SB431542 blockade LPS induced TNF-alpha expression in human PBMC derived macrophages, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Cherny S.S., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Tang S.M., Sham P.C. and Tam P.K.H., Genome-wide association study of Hirschsprung’s disease, 38th Annual meeting of the Behavior Genetics Association (abstract appears in Volume 38 of Behavior Genetics). 2008, 38.

Cheung O.F.S., Wong K.K.Y., Ho C.M., Che C.M. and Tam P.K.H., The anti-inflammatory properties of nanosilver , The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Chiu J., Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., He Q., Yu W.Y., Sun H., Tam P.K.H. and Che C.M., Proteomic analysis of the mode of antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles, NanoBiotechnology World Conference, Nov. 13-14, 2007, Boston, MA, U. S. A.. 2007.

Chung H.Y., Wong K.K.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Deflux injection for the treatment of vesicoureteric reflux in children - a single centre's experience , 16th Annual Meeting of the Asian Congress of Surgery. 2007.

Chung H.Y., Wong K.K.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of a standardised protocol in the use of steroids after Kasai operation, 16th Annual Meeting of the Asian Congress of Surgery. 2007.

Chung P.H.Y., Wong K.K.Y., Tsoi N.S., Low L.C.K., Khoo U.S. and Tam P.K.H., A diagnostic challenge in the management of unlocalised persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy: a case report and review of literature, Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics (new series). 2008, 13: 125-129.

Chung P.H.Y., Tang D.Y., Wong K.K.Y., Yip P.K.F. and Tam P.K.H., Comparing open and pneumovesical approach for ureteric reimplantation in pediatric patients, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Tang S.M., Cherny S.S., Sham P.C. and Tam P.K.H., Genome-wide association study of Hirschsprung's disease, 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics. 2007.

Hong Kong Intussusception Study Group -. and Tam P.K.H., Intussusception trends in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13(4): 279-283.

Kam K.M., Cheng W.C., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Expression analysis of Hoxb5 in enteric neurons and generation of tamoxifen inducible Cre mice for neuronal Hoxb5 signaling perturbation, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Khoo U.S., Chan Y.K., Chan V.S.F., Ching C.Y.J., Yam L., Chu C.M., Lai S.T., Wong T.Y., Tam P.K.H., Yip S.P., Leung G.M., Lin C.L. and Peiris J.S.M., Role of polymorphisms of the inflammatory response genes and DC-SIGNR in genetic susceptibility to SARS and other infections, Hong Kong Med J. 2008, 14(4)(Suppl 4): S9-12.

Lee D.C.W., Chik S.C.C., Yang L.H., Li C.B., Rong J., Lau G., Tam P.K.H. and Lau A.S.Y., Application of Microarray and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Technologies to Investigate the Immunomodulatory Effects of Ginseng on Human Monocytic Cells, The Sixth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine (CGCM). Beijing, China, 2007.

Lee D.C.W., Chik S.C.C., Li C.B., Yang L.H., Rong J., Tam P.K.H. and Lau A.S.Y., Application of Platform Technologies to Investigate the Immunomodulatory Effects of Ginseng, 14^th Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong, 14-16 November 2007.

Lee D.C.W., Chik S.C.C., Yang L.H., Li C.B., Rong J., Tam P.K.H. and Lau A.S.Y., Application of platform technologies to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Ginseng, 4th International Think Tank Forum, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, November 14-16. 2007.

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Liu F., Liu Y., Lui V.C.H., Lamb J.R., Tam P.K.H. and Chen Y., Hypoxia modulates lipopolysaccharide induced TNF-alpha expression in murine macrophages, Experimental Cell Research. 2008, 314(6): 1327-1336.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Liu F., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Combined treatment with triptolide and rapamycin prolongs graft survival in a mouse model of cardiac transplantation, Transplant International. 2008, 21(5): 483-494.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., The Combination of Triptolide and rapamycin prolong heart graft survival in mouse model, The Basic Science Symposium: The Transplantation Society in collaboration with the Canadian Society of Transplantation, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 5-8 September 2007.

Liu Y., Chen Y., Lamb J.R. and Tam P.K.H., Triptolide, a component of Chinese herbal medicine, modulates the functional phenotype of dendritic cells, Transplantation. 2007, 84(11): 1517-1526.

Lok C.N., Ho C.M., Chen R., Tam P.K.H., Chiu J. and Che C.M., Proteomic identification of the Cus system as a major determinant of constitutive escherichia coli silver resistance of chromosomal origin, Journal of Proteome Research. 2008, 7: 2351-2356.

Lui V.C.H., Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Cell context dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Lui V.C.H., Cheng W.C., Leon Y.Y., Lau K.C., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Miao X., Kam K.M., So M.T., Chen Y., Wall N.A., Sham M.H. and Tam P.K.H., Perturbation of Hoxb5 signaling in vagal neural crests down-regulates ret leading to intestinal hypoganglionosis in mice., Gastroenterology. 2008, 134(4): 1104-1115.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Implication of Prokineticin signaling in neuroblastoma cancer stem cells and tumor progression, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Implication of Prokineticin signaling in neuroblastoma, Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2008, San Diego, USA, 12-16 April 2008.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin in neuroblastoma and neuroblastoma cancer stem cells, Hong Kong International Cancer Congress, Hong Kong. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signaling and cancer stem cells in neuroblastoma. (International travel award), Advances in Neuroblastoma Research 2008, Chiba, Japan, 21-24 May 2008.

Ngan E.S.W., Lui V.C.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis (Invited Lecture), 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece, 10 - 13 October 2007. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin signalling pathway (invited review), International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. 2008, 40: 1679–1684.

Ngan E.S.W., Shum K.Y., Poon H.C., Sham M.H., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Prokineticin-1 (Prok-1) works coordinately with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to mediate proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural crest cells, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 2008, 1783: 467-478.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Best Presentation, 12th World Congress on Advances in Oncology and 10th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine, Greece. 2007.

Ngan E.S.W., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., The Outstanding Award - "Prokineticin signaling in normal growth and tumorigenesis", International Journal of Molecular Medicine . 2007.

Poon H.C., Ngan E.S.W., Sit Y.L.F., Hui C.C., Wainwright B.J., Sham M.H., Tam P.K.H. and Lui V.C.H., Conditional Ptc1 knockout in vagal neural crest cells causes a reduced proliferation of enteric nervous system progenitors and intestinal hypoganglionosis, 41st Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists. 2008.

Ren Y., Xie Y., Jiang G., Fan J., Yeung J., Li W., Tam P.K.H. and Savill J., Apoptotic cells protect mice against lipopolysaccharide-induced shock, The Journal of Immunology. 2008, 180(7): 4978-4985.

Rong J., Cheung Y.H., Lau A.S.Y., Shen J., Cheng Y.C. and Tam P.K.H., Induction of heme oxygenase-1 by the Chinese herbal formulation ISF-1 and its ingredients as a cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress, The Sixth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine (CGCM). Beijing, China, 2007.

Rong J., Cheung Y.H., Lau A.S.Y., Shen J., Tam P.K.H. and Cheng Y.C., Induction of heme oxygenase-1 by traditional Chinese medicine formulation ISF-1 and its ingredients as a cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress, Int J Mol Med. Athens, Greece, D.A. Spandidos, 2008, 21: 405-11.

Rong J., Cheung C.Y.H., Lau A.S.Y., Shen J., Tam P.K.H. and Cheng Y.C., Induction of heme oxygenase-1 by traditional Chinese medicine formulation ISF-1 and its ingredients as a cytoprotective mechanism against oxidative stress, International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2008, 21(4): 405-411.

Rong J., Cheung Y.H., Lau A.S.Y., Cheng Y.C. and Tam P.K.H., Regulation of Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression by Traditional Chinese Medicines: Molecular Analysis of Traditional Remedy, NUTRISCIENCES AND HEALTH 2007: bioprospecting for neuroprotectants. Prince Edward Island, Canada, 2007.

Sabeti P.C., Varilly P., Fry B., Lohmueller J., The International HapMap Consortium -., Tsui L.C., Mak W.W., Song Y. and Tam P.K.H., Genome-wide detection and characterization of positive selection in human populations (Co-PI of Hong Kong Centre which responsible 2.5% of genome), Nature. 2007, 449(7164): 913-918.

Shen J., Rong J., So K.F., Lau A.S.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Integration of multiple comprehensive approaches for exploration of therapeutic principle of BHD-01 in post-stroke treatment, HKU TCM Workshop 2007.

Shen J., Rong J., Tong Y., So K.F., Lau A.S.Y., Liu K.J., Tam P.K.H. and Cheng Y.C., Integration of systemic biology, chemical profile fingerprint and functional imaging technology for understanding therapeutic principle of Chinese medicinal formula: a study on classical Post-Stroke Formula, The Sixth Meeting of Consortium for Globalization of Chinese Medicine (CGCM). Beijing, China, 2007.

Sun Z., Liu F., Chen Y., Tam P.K.H. and Yang D., A Highly Specific BODIPY-based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection of Hypochlorous Acid, Organic Letters. 2008, 10(11): 2171-2174.

Tam P.K.H., Chairman, International HSCR Consortium Meeting, Hong Kong, 5 - 7 June 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Co-organizer, The ACGA-HKSMG International Conference on Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Hong Kong, 8 - 11 June 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Constipation: laboratory and bedside (Invited Lecture), II World Congress of the World Federation of Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Argentina, 9-12 September 2008. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Course Director, 3rd Laparoscopic Surgical Workshop in China (jointly organized with The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University), Shijiazhuang, China, 30 May - 2 June 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Course Director, The 2nd Laparoscopic Surgical Workshop in China (jointly organized with the Shenzhen Children's Hospital), Shenzhen, China, 1 - 3 November 2007. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Editorial Consultant, Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Ethical considerations in paediatric surgical research [Invited Lecture], The 20th International Symposium on Paediatric Surgical Research, Bern, Switzerland, 4-6 October 2007. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Executive Committee Member (2008 - 2011), The World Federation of Assocaition of Pediatric Surgeons. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Genetic dissection of Hirschsprung's disease (Invited Lecture), The 2007 International Conference on Genomics, Shenzhen & Hong Kong, 30 October - 2 November, 2007. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Tang S.M., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Cherny S.S. and Sham P.C., Genome-wide association analysis of Hirschsprung's disease, The 9th International Meeting on Human Genome Variation and Complex Genome Analysis. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Honorary Director (May 2008 - present), The Hong Kong Society of Medical Professionals. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Member of Editorial Board , Pediatric Surgery International. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Member of Editorial Board, Annals of College of Surgeons of Hong Kong. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Member of Editorial Board, Current Pediatric Reviews. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Member of the Award Panel (2007 - present), China Oxford Scholarship Fund. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Minimal invasive surgery for neonates (Invited Lecture), International Symposium on Neonatal Surgery, Guangzhou, China, 17 May 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Neural crest biology and disorders: genomics, transgenesis and stem cells (Invited Lecture), France-Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme: Visit to Necker Institute, University Paris Descartes, 27 March 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Neurocristopathy: from lab to clinic (Invited Lecture), 9th European Congress of Paediatric Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey, 18-21 June 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., President-Elect (2007 - 2008), The Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, American Journal of Medical Genetics. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Current Pediatric Review. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Gut. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Journal of Medical Genetics. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Pediatric Surgery International. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Reviewer, Transplant Immunology. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., The molecular basis of Hirschsprung's disease and related disorders (Invited Lecture), Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., Towards predictive, preventive and personalized paediatric surgery (JPS State-of-the-Art Invited Lecture), The 54th Annual Meeting of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons, Edinburgh, U.K., 17-20 July 2007. 2007.

Tam P.K.H., Towards predictive, preventive, and personalized paediatric surgery [Journal of Pediatric Surgery Lecture], Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 2008, 43: 267-273.

Tam P.K.H., Unraveling the genetics of congenital disorders (Invited Lecture), ACGA-HKSMG International Conference on Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Hong Kong, 8-11 June 2008. 2008.

Tam P.K.H., 兒童膀胱輸尿管倒流之新療法, 都市日報: Health Information session on 10 August 2007. 2007.

The International HapMap Consortium -., Tsui L.C., Mak W.W., Song Y. and Tam P.K.H., A second generation human haplotype map of over 3.1 million SNPs (Co-PI of Hong Kong Centre which responsible 2.5% of genome), Nature. 2007, 449(7164): 851-861.

Wong K.F., Chan J.K.Y., Chan K.L., Tam P.K.H., Yang D., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Immunochemical characterization of the functional constituents of tripterygium wilfordii contributing to its anti-inflammatory property, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2008, 35(1): 55-59.

Wong K.K.Y., Chan I.H.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Computed tomography evaluation of congenital esophageal atresia with fistula: a 10-year reprisal, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Wong K.K.Y., Cheung T., Lan L.C.L. and Tam P.K.H., Diagnosing acute appendicitis: are we overusing radiological investigations?, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Tian L

List of Research Outputs

Li X., Chen Y., Tian L., Lui V.C.H. and Tam P.K.H., Increased iNOS expressing macrophage in long-term surviving rat small bowel grafts, The American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194(2): 248-254.

Researcher : Ting ACW

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Cheng S.W.K., Compensatory sweating after thoracoscopic sympathectomy for primary hyperhidrosis: single institute experience, Surgical Practice. 2007, 11(3): 98-101.

Chan Y.C., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C., Yiu W.K. and Cheng S.W.K., Supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment for complex thoracic aortic arch disease: single centre early to mid-term results, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Cho K.Y., Cheng S.W.K., Ting A.C.W. and Ho P., Evaluation of a strategy of pre-operative duplex arterial study and intra-operative angiogram for the management of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease patients, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ho P., Cheng S.W.K., Wu P.M., Ting A.C.W., Poon J.T.C., Cheng C.K.M., Mok J.H.M. and Tsang M.S., Ionizing radiation absorption of vascular surgeons during endovascular procedures, Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2007, 46(3): 455-459.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms: observations from the first hundred cases, The 8th International Congress of Asian Society for Vascular Surgery & 7th Shanghai-Tokyo Symposium of Vascular Surgeons, Shanghai, China, 1-3 November 2007.

Ting A.C.W., Cheng S.W.K., Ho P., Poon J.T.C. and Chan Y.C., Endovascular repair is a feasible option for patients with thoracic aortic pathologies, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Researcher : To YF

List of Research Outputs

Chen Y., Chan V.S.F., Zheng B., Chan Y.K., Xu X., To Y.F., Huang F.P., Khoo U.S. and Lin C.L., A novel subset of putative stem/progenitor CD34+Oct-4+ cells is the major target for SARS coronavirus in human lung., J Exp Med.. 2007, 204: 2529-36.

To Y.F., Potential biomedical application of metallic nanoparticles, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Tsui TY

Project Title:	Identification possible role of heme oxygenase-1 on the regulation of T cell activation
Investigator(s):	Tsui TY
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2004

Abstract:

To identify the possible role of HO-1 in the process of T cell activation. The findings obtained from this study might be essential in the establishment of the link between cellular defense system and the T cell immunity. HO-1 and its products could be used as novel therapeutic agents to control the disorders of T cell immunity in the future.

Researcher : Wang X

Project Title:	Cdc25A deregulation checkpoint and its impact on chemotherapy sensitivity in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Investigator(s):	Wang X, Fan S T, Stanbridge EJ
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

Objectives: 1. To determine and confirm whether there is a defective Cdc25A-deregulation checkpoint in metastatic as compared to non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. The latter showed a downregulation of Cdc25A, whereas metastatic cells displayed an accumulation of Cdc25A to anticancer drugs in the preliminary study. 2. To understand the mechanisms and consequences of the defective Cdc25A mediated DNA damage checkpoint in metastatic HCC cells, which ultimately will decide cell fate. a) to examine DNA damage response (DDR) activation to anticancer drugs in metastatic HCC cells, such as ATM-Chk2-p53 and ATR-Chk1 pathways, which are upstream regulators of Cdc25A deregulation. b) to investigate whether G1/S checkpoint is defective in metastatic cells due to Cdc25A accumulation. c) to study whether G2/M checkpoint is defective which might be a result of Cdc25A accumulation in metastatic cells. 3. To correlate the Cdc25A mediated DNA damage checkpoint with biological cellular impact, which may undermine cellular response to anticancer treatments in HCC metastatic cells. 4. To investigate whether cancer-associated Cdc25A deregulation, especially its accumulation, may provide selective growth advantages to tumor metastasis. Rationale: The understanding of the molecular responses to anticancer drugs is still incomplete. One way to better understand and improve chemotherapy is to elucidate the pathways activated by currently used anticancer drugs and to study the impact these pathways may have on tumor cells. Cdc25A is one of the key targets of Chk1 and Chk2, and is an essential regulator within the cell cycle machinery. Cdc25A can regulate G1/S and G2/M checkpoints through its downregulation and inhibition of cyclin/CDK complex after DNA damage. Differential impact of various anticancer chemotherapeutics on the Cdc25A-degradation checkpoint pathways and sequential cell sensitivity to anticancer therapy is yet to be further elucidated. Our preliminary study showed that in response to anticancer agents, Cdc25A was accumulated in metastatic HCC cells compared with its downregulation in non-metastatic HCC cells. This phenomenon is novel and important as the deregulated Cdc25A might function on abnormal proliferation, metastatic behaviour, and therapeutic response of metastatic HCC cells. Therefore, it would be of great interest to further understand whether and which cell cycle checkpoints are defective due to deregulation of Cdc25A, and how they correlate with the biological cellular impact to metastatic HCC cells on tumor growth, metastasis, and especially sensitivity to anticancer drugs.

Project Title:	Aberrant Notch pathway activation is associated with metastatic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Investigator(s):	Wang X, Poon RTP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	02/2007

Abstract:

Background and rational: Notch is a cell signaling system that regulates cell fate specification, stem cell maintenance and initiation of differentiation in embryonic and postnatal tissues. Notch ligands (Delta-like-1, 3, 4 and Jagged1-2) and Notch receptors (Notch1-4) are type I membrane proteins. Notch signaling initiates through ligand-receptor interactions between two neighboring cells, leading to proteolytic cleavages and release the Notch intracellular domain into the nucleus, which further activates transcription of target genes. Notch activation is oncogenic in many instances. Its intracellular domain acts as oncogenes in vitro and in animal models. Deregulated expression of Notch receptors, ligands, and targets is observed in some solid tumors. The molecular basis for the oncogenic activity of Notch is still unclear. Notch has been shown to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during normal organ's development; therefore, it is possible that Notch may also be involved in the EMT process that occurs during tumor progression to convert epithelial cell into invasive cells. To date, Notch pathway has not been associated with HCC. If so, which downstream pathway involved and how it affects HCC carcinogenesis are still unknown. Based on our preliminary data, Notch1 and Jagger1 are highly expressed in metastatic HCC cells compared to non-metastatic HCC cells; we hypothesize that Notch pathway might be associated with invasive HCC through induction of metastatic EMT.Objectives:1. To compare and confirm our preliminary observations that Notch1, Jagger1, and some Notch target genes are over-expressed in metastatic HCC cell lines but not in non-metastatic HCC cells.2. To investigate Notch ligand and receptor gene expression in clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with HCC metastasis. This will be the first study on abnormal activation of Notch pathway in HCC.3. To understand whether Notch signaling pathway is associated with tumor metastatic EMT in HCC. This part of study will understand a) whether metastatic EMT in HCC is mediated by Notch pathways. b) If so, which downstream elements of Notch signaling may be involved? We will focus on Notch-Snail pathway as both genes have been shown to function on developmental EMT. 4. To determine the biological effects of Notch pathway on HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis. This part of study will be performed on Notch1 RNA interfere cells to observe cell growth, cell motility in vitro; to observe HCC tumorgenesis and metastasis in vivo in mice model.5. Using Notch1 inhibitor (DAPT or γ-Secretase inhibitors GSI) to inhibit Notch1 activation in metastatic HCC cells to see whether it could reverse metastatic EMT phenotype and induce E-cadherin expression. It might provide evidence that Notch inhibition could be a potential new therapeutic direction for metastatic HCC.

List of Research Outputs

Wang X., Data of "SMYD3 tandem repeats polymorphism is not associated with the occurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population", Experimental Oncology. 2007, 29(1): 71-73, US National Institutes of Health Genetic Association Database. 2008.

Wang X., Poon R.Y.C. and Fan S.T., Human EC cells have an enhanced S and G2 cell cycle checkpoint in response to ionizing irradiation (Abstract), The 5th International Society for Stem Cell Research Annual Meeting, Cairns, Australia, 17 - 20 June 2007.

Wang X., Stanbridge E.J., Lao X., Cai Q., Fan S.T. and Redpath J.L., p53-dependent Chk1 phosphorylation is required for maintenance of prolonged G2 Arrest, Radiation Research. 2007, 168(6): 706-715.

Researcher : Wei WI

Project Title:	Intra-arterial chemoradiation for advanced head and neck cancer
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Sham JST
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	07/2002

Abstract:

To see if chemotherapy and radiotherapy given can help patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Project Title:	Modifications of techniques of cochlear implantation
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Au DKK, Ho WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	09/2002

Abstract:

To study the technique and mode of insertion of cochlear implant aiming to improve the efficacy of the implant.

Project Title:	Quantitative analysis of plasma Epstein-Barr-Virus DNA in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after salvage nasopharyngectomy
Investigator(s):	Wei WI
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	09/2002

Abstract:

To study early detection of recurrence after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Project Title:	Management of snoring and OSA
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Ho WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	09/2002

Abstract:

To find the incidence of snoring and OSA and advance their treatments.

Project Title:	VEGF in nasopharyngeal cancer
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Kwong DLW, Poon RTP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	03/2003

Abstract:

To carry out early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer before radiotherapy and after treatment.

Project Title:	Study the spread of aerosol during tracheostomy or intubation
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Sham JST, Irwin MG
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	04/2003

Abstract:

To investigate the distance and pattern of aerosol spread during surgical procedures in application to SARS.

Project Title:	Speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy - self help and mutual help
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Ho WK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	10/2003

Abstract:

To visit the hospitals and centres in China where total laryngectomy is performed for patients suffering from cancer of the larynx.

Project Title:	Head and neck course in China - to teach techniques of contemporary operations and patient care for doctors and nurses working in underdeveloped areas in China. This will benefit those poor patients suffereing from head and neck cancer in China
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Lam LK, Hui Y, Ng WM
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	10/2003

Abstract:

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

Project Title:	Cochlear implant for 14 profoundly deaf children in China
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Au DKK, Hui Y
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	10/2003

Abstract:

To help Chinese children who are profoundly deaf in China to receive the cochlear implant, so that they will be able to hear, speak and to receive education effectively.

Project Title:	Speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy - self help and mutual help
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Ho LM, Kwok ICL
Department:	Surgery - Otorhinolaryngology Un
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	07/2005

Abstract:

To provide coaching to another laryngectomee who has learned to speak again after surgery to teach patients to speak again.

Project Title:	Cochlear implant for 14 profoundly deaf Chinese children in China
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Hui Y, Au DKK
Department:	Surgery - Otorhinolaryngology Un
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	07/2005

Abstract:

To provide profoundly deaf in China a chance to received cochlear implant so that they can learn to hear and speak, and receive normal mainstream education.

Project Title:	Head and neck course in China - to teach techniques of contemporary operations and patient care for doctors and nurses working in relatively underdeveloped areas in China
Investigator(s):	Wei WI, Lam LK, Hui Y, Li GKH
Department:	Surgery - Otorhinolaryngology Un
Source(s) of Funding:	S.K. Yee Medical Foundation - General Award
Start Date:	07/2005

Abstract:

List of Research Outputs

Au D.K.K., Ho W.K. and Wei W.I., Eassr and behavioural cochlear implant aided hearing thresholds, The 6th Asia Pacific Symposium On Cochlear Implants And Related Sciences, Sydney, Australia. 2007.

Chua D.T.T., Wei W.I., Sham J.S.T. and Au G.K.H., Capecitabine monotherapy for recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer., Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology. Japan, 2008, 38: 244-9.

Chua D.T.T., Tian Y. and Wei W.I., Late oral complications following radiotheraphy for head and neck cancers, Expert Rev Anticancer Therapy. 2007, 7: 1215-24.

Chua D.T.T., Wei W.I., Sham J.S.T., Hung K.N. and Au G.K.H., Stereotactic radiosurgery versus gold grain implantation in salvaging local failures of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics. 2007, 69: 469-74.

Ho A.C., Ho W.K., Lam P.K.Y., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Thyroid dysfuction in laryngectomees - 10 years after treatment, Head and Neck. 2007, 30: 336-40.

Lam P.K.Y. and Wei W.I., Medicalisation thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13: 327-9.

Lee D.C.W., Chua D.T.T., Wei W.I., Sham J.S.T. and Lau A.S.Y., Induction of matrix metalloproteinases by Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 isolated from Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2007, 61: 520-526.

Lo O.S.H., Law S.Y.K., Wei W.I., Ng W.M., Wong K.H., Tong K.H. and Wong J., Esophageal cancers with synchronous or antecedent head and neck cancers: a more formidable challenge?, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(6): 1750-1756.

Ng M.L., Wong R.K., Wei W.I., Wong Y.H. and Lam P.K.Y., Acoustic changes in Chinese patients with cancer-related unilateral vocal fold paralysis after medialization thyroplasty, In: Dale Evan Metz, Ph.D., Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders. Rockville, MD 20852, U.S.A., National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, 2008, 35: 17-24.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V., Leung M.S., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Clinical implications of anterolateral flap shrinkage, Laryngoscope. 2008, 118: 585-8.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V. and Wei W.I., Free posterior tibial flap for head and neck reconstruction after tumor expiration, Laryngoscope. 2007, 118: 216-21.

Suarez C., Ferlito A., Lund V.J., Silver C.E., Fagan J.J., Rodrigo J.P., Llorente J.L., Cantu G., Politi M., Wei W.I. and Rinaldo A., Management of the orbit in malignant sinonasal tumors, Head and Neck . United States, 2008, 30: 242-50.

Wei W.I., Advisory Professor (Jun 2004-present), 寧夏醫學院附屬醫院, Ningxia, China. 2008.

Wei W.I., Advisory Professor (Mar 2002-present), Zhengzhou University, Henan, China. 2008.

Wei W.I., Appeals Committee (May 2002-present), Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, Hong Kong . 2008.

Wei W.I., Associate Editor (2007-2010), Head & Neck. 2008.

Wei W.I., Associate Editor (August 2008 - present), Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Associate Editor (Jan 1985 - present), Asian Surgical Journal. 2008.

Wei W.I., Audit Committee Member (Oct 2002-present), International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I., Aumni Member (1981-present), Bernard O'Brien Society The Microsurgery Research Centre, Australia. 2008.

Wei W.I., Chairman (November 2004 - October 2007), Clinical Ethics and Professional Standard Committee Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority. 2008.

Wei W.I., Chief, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Cluster Chief of Service (Ear, Nose and Throat) (Dec 2003-present) , Hong Kong West Cluster, Hospital Authority. 2008.

Wei W.I. and Ng W.M., Complications of resection of malignant tumours of the skull base: outcome and solution, European Archive of Otorhinolaryngology. 2007, 264: 733-739.

Wei W.I., Corresponding Fellow (Apr 1995-present), American Laryngological Association . 2008.

Wei W.I., Corresponding Member (Apr 1997-present), American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I., Corresponding Member (Oct 1998-present), American Head and Neck Society. 2008.

Wei W.I., Council Member (2003-present), Hong Kong College of Otorhinolaryngologists. 2008.

Wei W.I., Councilors (Nov 2005 - Nov 2009), The International Academy of Oral Oncology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Editorial Board Honorary Member (1999-present), Chinese Journal of Cancer. 2008.

Wei W.I., Editorial Board Member (1996-present), Chinese Journal of Otolaryngology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Elected Council Member (Dec 2005-Nov 2007), Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Examiner (FRCS) - Intercollegiate examination in otorhinolaryngology (Mar 2001-Feb 2010), Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. 2008.

Wei W.I., Examiner for PhD Student, Li Xiaobing (Jun 2008), Department of Surgery, HKU. 2008.

Wei W.I., Examiner in Surgery, Final Examination (July 1985-present), Licentiate Examination Board for Non-Commonwealth Doctors, Medical Council of Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Executive Committee Member (Oct 2002-present), International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I., Executive Member - representing East Asia (Oct 2002- present), International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I., External Assessor (Apr 1999-Apr 2008), Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2008.

Wei W.I., Founding Member (Nov 2001-present), Association of University Surgeons of Asia. 2008.

Wei W.I., Founding Member and Electecd Councillor (Mar 2005-present), The International Academy of Oral Oncology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Guest Professor (Oct 2002-present), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, China. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Consultant (Dec 1991-present), Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Consultant in Otorhinolaryngology (Jul 2005-Dec 2008), Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Director (Dec 1997-present), The First Medical School, West China University of Medical Sciences Chengdu, Sichuan, China. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Fellow (Feb 2000-present), Philippine Society of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Philippines. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Medical Advisor (Aug 1994-present), The Cancer Crusade Angels Service Society of Hong Kong. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Member (May 2006-present), German Society of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Member (Sept 1997-present), Philippine Academy for Head and Neck Surgery Philippines. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Professor (2007 - present), Department of Otolaryngology, Xiang Ya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, China. 2007.

Wei W.I., Honorary Professor (Aug 2007-present) , Department of Otolaryngology, Xiang Ya Hospital, Central South Unviersity, Hunan, China. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Professor (Feb 2006-present), The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical Sciences. 2008.

Wei W.I., Honorary Treasurer (1991-present), Hong Kong Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I. and Chan J.Y.W., How to Choose the Reconstructive Method after Total Pharyngolaryngectomy, Pearls and Pitfalls, Volume 1. Basel, Switzerland, S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 98-99.

Wei W.I. and Wei R., Indications for Surgical Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Pearls and Pitfalls, Volume 1. Basel, Switzerland, S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 100-101.

Wei W.I., International Advisor Board Member (2001-present), Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery - American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I. and Ho W.K., Management of Neck Metastases of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Pearls and Pitfalls, Volume 1. S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 104-105.

Wei W.I., Member (1977-present), Asian Surgical Association (formerly Association of Surgeons of Southeast Asia). 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (1984-present), Association of Head & Neck Oncologists of Great Britain. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (1984-present), Hong Kong Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (1985-present), Otorhinolaryngolgical Research Society of Great Britain. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (1987-present), Asian Oceanic Clinical Oncology Assoication . 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (1992-present), Collegium Oto-Rhino-laryngologicum Amicitiae Sacrum. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (Mar 2003-present), Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Foundation Children's Hearing Fund. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member (Nov 1992-present), Hong Kong Institution of Science. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Ad Hoc Committee Oncology and Head & Neck Surgery (Oct 2002-present), International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (1997-present), Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology(China). 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (2000-2007), Head & Neck . 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (2003 - present), Medical Progress. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (2005 - 2009), Auris Nasus Larynx. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - 2010), European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology . 2007.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (2008 - 2009), The Hong Kong Medical Diary. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (July 2005 - present), Skull Base. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (June 1995 - present), Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (November 1994 - present), The American Journal of Otolaryngology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (October 1995 - present), Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (2007 - present), The Laryngoscope. 2007.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (Aug 2007-present), The Laryngoscope. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (July 2007 - June 2010), European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (May 1997 - present), The Asean ORL Head and Neck Journal . 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of Editorial Board (November 2006 - present), Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of International Editorial Board (February 2007 - present), The Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member of the Academic Advisory Committee for Diploma Course in Oncology for Health Care Professionals (Apr 1998-present), QMH Cancer Centre & SPACE, HKU. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member, Area of Excellence (May2002-present), Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center HKU. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member, Certificate in Good Clinical Practice (Oct 2005-Sept 2010), Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine HKU. 2008.

Wei W.I., Member, The Board of Governors (Aug 2005-Jul 2009), Prince of Philip Dental Hospital. 2008.

Wei W.I., Mrs. Gordon Wu Exchange Professor (7 August 2007), Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China. 2007.

Wei W.I., National Delegate, Hong Kong Representative (1987-present), Asia Federation of Laryngectomees Association. 2008.

Wei W.I., Newsletter Editor (Apr 2001-present), Internation Federation of Head & Neck Oncologic Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I. and Mok V., Practical Tips to Perform a Gastric Pull-Up, Pearls and Pitfalls. Basel, Switzerland, S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 198-199.

Wei W.I. and Ng W.M., Practical Tips to Perform a Maxillary Swing Approach, Pearls and Pitfalls. Basel, Switzerland, S Karger AG, 2008, 1: 102-103.

Wei W.I., Representative of the Hong Kong Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (Mar 2005-present), International of Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I., Secretary-General (June 2006 - present), International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies. 2008.

Wei W.I., Seminar on : Head and Neck surgery, The Hong Kong Medical Diary. Hong Kong, 2007, 12: 2-3.

Wei W.I., Treasurer (1990-present), Asian Surgical Association (formerly Association of Surgeons of Southeast Asia). 2008.

Wei W.I., Visiting Professor (4-5 July 2007), Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA . 2007.

Wei W.I., 第三屆中華普通外科雜誌編輯會編輯委員 (June 2006 - present), <中華普通外科雜誌>, 2008.

Wei W.I., 第三屆學術委員會委員 (April 2006 - March 2008), <中國醫學文摘耳鼻咽喉科學>, 2008.

Wei W.I., 第三屆編委 (2006 - 2009), <中國耳鼻咽喉顱底外科>雜誌 , 2008.

Wei W.I., 第八屆編委 (Nov 2005-present), <中華耳鼻咽喉頭頸外科雜誌>, 2008.

Wong T.S., Liu X., Ho A.C.W., Yuen P.W., Ng W.M. and Wei W.I., Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 123: 251-257.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Wong B.Y.H., Ng W.M., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Mature miR-184 as potential oncogenic microRNA of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, Clinical Cancer Research. 2008, 14: 2588-92.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Ng W.M., Wei W.I. and Yuen P.W., Re: Decreased STAT1 expression by promoter methylation in squamous cell carcinogenesis, Journal of National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99: 1343-4.

Xiao H., Au D.K.K., Hui Y., Chow C.K., Fan Y.W. and Wei W.I., Neurofibromatosis type 2 and auditory brainstorm implantation, Chinese Medical Journal (English). 2007, 120: 1456-59.

Yiu E.M.L., Wei W.I., Van Hasselt A. and Wong R., Predicting the outcome of conservative (non-surgical) voice therapy for adults with larygneal pathologies associated with hyperfunctional voice use, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2007, 13: 15-17.

Yuan X.J., Chan G.C.F., Chan S.K., Shek T.W.H., Kwong D.L.W., Wei W.I., Ha S.Y. and Chiang A.K.S., Treatment outcome of rhabdomyosarcoma in Hong Kong Chinese children, Hong Kong Medical Journal. 2008, 14(2): 116-123.

Researcher : Wo YH

List of Research Outputs

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Wo Y.H., Ma S.K.Y., Guan X.Y., Myers J.N., Altevogt P. and Yuen P.W., Lupeol suppresses cisplatin induced NFkB activation in HNSCC cells and inhibits local invasion and nodal metastasis in orthotopic nude mouse model of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2007, 67(18): 8800-8809.

Researcher : Wong BYH

List of Research Outputs

Lee P.P.W. and Wong B.Y.H., Clinical quiz 30, http://www.hku.hk/paed/student area/clinical quiz . 2008.

Wong B.Y.H., Ng Y.W. and Hui Y., A 10 year review of tonsillectomy in a tertiary centre, HK J Paediatr (new series). Hong Kong, 2007, 12: 297-299.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Wong B.Y.H., Ng W.M., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Mature miR-184 as potential oncogenic microRNA of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, Clinical Cancer Research. 2008, 14: 2588-92.

Researcher : Wong J

Project Title:	Randomised prospective trial comparing the use of neck drain after oesophagectomy with cervical anastomosis
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/1994

Abstract:

To evaluate the need of routine cervical drains after oesophagectomy.

Project Title:	Thoracoscopic cardiomyotomy for achalasia
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/1994

Abstract:

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.

Project Title:	Randomised prospective trial investigating the effect of preoperative chemo-radiation for resectable carcinoma of the oesophagus
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/1995

Abstract:

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

Project Title:	Prospective study of the use of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the oesophagus not suitable for resection
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/1995

Abstract:

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

Project Title:	Retrospective and prospective study on the use of chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent disease after oesophagectomy for cancer
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	01/1995

Abstract:

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

Project Title:	Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy for carcinoma of the oesophagus
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	04/1996

Abstract:

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.

Project Title:	The use of endoscopic ultrasound in staging of esophageal cancer
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Chu KM, Law SYK
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:	07/1996

Abstract:

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

Project Title:	Clinical significance of hepatocyte growth factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Wong J, Law SYK, Ren Y
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To investigate whether relationships exist between serum HGF levels and angiogenic factors, clinico- pathological factors, and long-term survival; to study whether HGF correlates with angiogenic factors such as VEGF and IL-8 in patients' sera; to detect the possible sources of HGF in ESCC specimens.

List of Research Outputs

Chan A.C.Y., Poon R.T.P., Ng K.K.C., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., Changing paradigm in management of hepatocellular carcinoma improves the survival benefit of early detection by screening, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(4): 666-673.

Chan S.C., Chik B.H.Y., Liu C.L., Lo C.M., Fan S.T. and Wong J., A decade of right liver adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation - the recipients mid-term outcomes (Abstract), The 128th Annual Meeting of the American Surgical Association, New York City, New York, U.S.A., 24 - 26 April 2008.

Cheung C.M., Tang J.C.O., Lee P.Y., Hu L., Guan X.Y., Tang W.K., Srivastava G., Wong J., Luk J.M.C. and Law S.Y.K., Establishment and characterization of a new xenograft-derived human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line HKESC-4 of Chinese origin, Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. 2007, 178(1): 17-25.

Chung Y.M.F., Lam A.K.Y., Luk J.M.C., Law S.Y.K., Chan K.W., Lee P.Y. and Wong J., Altered E-cadherin expression and p120 catenin localization in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2007, 14(11): 3260-3267.

Gandhi A., Leung G.K.K., Patil N.G. and Wong J., Clinical Undergraduate Examination; Voluntary Patient's Perspective, 5th Asia Pacific Medical Education Abstract Book. Singapore, 2008, 144.

Law F.B.F., Chen W.Y.W., Wong K.Y., Ying J., Tao Q., Langford C., Lee P.Y., Law S.Y.K., Cheung R.W.L., Chui C.H., Tsao G.S.W., Lam A.K.Y., Wong J., Srivastava G. and Tang J.C.O., Identification of a novel tumor transforming gene GAEC1 at 7q22 which encodes a nuclear protein and is frequently amplified and overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, Oncogene. 2007, 26(40): 5877-5888.

Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Chapter 42: Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma, In: Patterson G.A., Cooper J.D., Deslauriers J., Lerut A.E.M.R., Luketich J.D. and Rice T.W., (eds) , Pearson's Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery. Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, 2008, 3(2): 464-485.

Law S.Y.K., Wong K.H., Tong D.K.H. and Wong J., Standardized uptake value (SUV) in PET / CT for esophageal cancer correlates with pathological stage and predicts R-category of resection, Gut. 2007, 56(Suppl III): A223.

Law S.Y.K., Wong K.H., Tong D.K.H. and Wong J., Standardized uptake value (SUV) in PET / CT for oesophageal cancer correlates with pathological stage and predicts R-category of resection (Abstract), 15th United European Gastroenterology Week "UEGW 2007", Paris, France, 27-31 October. 2007.

Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., The current management of esophageal cancer, Advances in Surgery. 2007, 41: 93-119.

Lo O.S.H., Law S.Y.K., Wei W.I., Ng W.M., Wong K.H., Tong K.H. and Wong J., Esophageal cancers with synchronous or antecedent head and neck cancers: a more formidable challenge?, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(6): 1750-1756.

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Tong D.K.H., Law S.Y.K., Wong K.H. and Wong J., Cervical nodal metastasis from intrathoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is not necessarily an incurable disease (Abstract), 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, San Diego, USA, 17-21 May. 2008.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Minimally invasive esophagectomy, 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19-22 October. 2007.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Minimally invasive esophagectomy, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): A31.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Palliation of recurrent tumour after esophagogastrectomy for esophageal or gastric cardia cancer using self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS): efficacy and safety evaluation (Abstract), 16th Asian Congress of Surgery, Chinese Surgical Week 2007, Beijing, China, 19-22 October. 2007.

Tong D.K.H., Wong K.H., Law S.Y.K. and Wong J., Palliation of recurrent tumour after esophagogastrectomy for esophageal or gastric cardia using self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS): efficacy and safety evaluation, Asian Journal of Surgery. 2008, 31(1): A15.

Wong J., Alumni Award, The University of Sydney, Australia, 27 November 2007. 2007.

Wong J., Beyond zero operative mortality, 108th Annual Congress of Japan Surgical Society, Nagasaki, Japan, 14-16 May. 2008.

Wong J., Complication management in esophagogastric surgery, 1st Heidelberg Gastric and Esophageal Caner Meeting, Heidelberg, Germany, 9 May. 2008.

Wong J., Developments that change practice, Hamilton Russell Memorial Lecture, Conjoint Annual Scientific Congress, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons AND The College of Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 12-16 May. 2008.

Wong J., Developments that changed practice in esophageal cancer, 12th Congress of Surgery of Guangdong, Guangdong, China, 12-14 October. 2007.

Wong J., Developments that changed practice in esophageal cancer, Millin Meeting, Dublin, Ireland, 8-9 November. 2007.

Wong J., Honorary Fellow, The Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland, 8 November 2007. 2007.

Wong J., Honorary Member, Académie Nationale de Chirurgie, Paris, France, 23 January 2008. 2008.

Wong J., Lifetime Achievement Award, 終身成就獎, Surgical Society of Guangdong, Guangzhou, China, 14 October 2007. 廣東省醫學會, 2007.

Wong J., One country, two systems: a journey of discovery, Harry Harris Oration, Annual Scientific Meeting of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, Hong Kong, 25 February. 2008.

Wong J., Operating on patients: the price of failure, 120th Anniversary of Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, 17 March. 2008.

Wong J., Trials and other studies that improve outcome, Master's Class of Digestive Surgery, Paris, France, 23 January. 2008.

Researcher : Wong KF

List of Research Outputs

Luk J.M.C., Wang X., Liu P., Wong K.F., Chan K.L., Tong Y., Hui C.K., Lau G. and Fan S.T., Traditional Chinese herbal medicines for treatment of liver fibrosis and cancer: from laboratory discovery to clinical evaluation, Liver International. 2007, 27(7): 879-890.

Luk J.M.C., Wong K.F., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Uses of recombinant integrin betaA peptides for neutralization and blockage of bacterial endotoxins in biological fluids, US Provisional Patent. 2007.

Wong K.F., Luk J.M.C., Cheng R.H., Klickstein L.B. and Fan S.T., Characterization of two novel LPS-binding sites in leukocyte integrin bA domain, FASEB Journal. 2007, 21(12): 3231-3239.

Wong K.F., Experimental therapeutics for protection of liver failure from endotoxin-mediated sepsis, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Wong K.F., Chan J.K.Y., Chan K.L., Tam P.K.H., Yang D., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Immunochemical characterization of the functional constituents of tripterygium wilfordii contributing to its anti-inflammatory property, Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 2008, 35(1): 55-59.

Wong K.F. and Luk J.M.C., Outstanding Young Scientist Award (Gold Prize), The 5th Annual Congress of CNHUPO satellite meeting and HKPS Annual Symposium, Hong Kong , 23 - 25 August 2007. 2007.

Researcher : Wong KF

List of Research Outputs

Wong K.F., Luk J.M.C., Cheng R.H., Klickstein L.B. and Fan S.T., Characterization of two novel LPS-binding sites in leukocyte integrin bA domain, FASEB Journal. 2007, 21(12): 3231-3239.

Wong K.F., Experimental therapeutics for protection of liver failure from endotoxin-mediated sepsis, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Wong K.F. and Luk J.M.C., Outstanding Young Scientist Award (Gold Prize), The 5th Annual Congress of CNHUPO satellite meeting and HKPS Annual Symposium, Hong Kong , 23 - 25 August 2007. 2007.

Researcher : Wong KH

List of Research Outputs

Lo O.S.H., Law S.Y.K., Wei W.I., Ng W.M., Wong K.H., Tong K.H. and Wong J., Esophageal cancers with synchronous or antecedent head and neck cancers: a more formidable challenge?, Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2008, 15(6): 1750-1756.

Researcher : Wong KKY

List of Research Outputs

Amiel J., Sproat-Emison E., Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lantieri F., Burzynski G., Borrego S., Pelet A., Arnold S., Miao X., Griseri P., Brooks A.S., Antinolo G., de Pontual L., Clement-Ziza M., Munnich A., Kashuk C., West K., Wong K.K.Y., Lyonnet S., Chakravarti A., Tam P.K.H., Ceccherini I., Hofstra R.M.W. and Fernandez R., Hirschsprung disease, associated syndromes and genetics: a review, Journal of Medical Genetics. 2008, 45: 1-14.

Cheung O.F.S., Wong K.K.Y., Ho C.M., Che C.M. and Tam P.K.H., The anti-inflammatory properties of nanosilver , The 12th Research Postgraduate Symposium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 12 - 14 December 2007.

Chung H.Y., Wong K.K.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Deflux injection for the treatment of vesicoureteric reflux in children - a single centre's experience , 16th Annual Meeting of the Asian Congress of Surgery. 2007.

Chung H.Y., Wong K.K.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of a standardised protocol in the use of steroids after Kasai operation, 16th Annual Meeting of the Asian Congress of Surgery. 2007.

Chung P.H.Y., Wong K.K.Y., Tsoi N.S., Low L.C.K., Khoo U.S. and Tam P.K.H., A diagnostic challenge in the management of unlocalised persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy: a case report and review of literature, Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics (new series). 2008, 13: 125-129.

Chung P.H.Y., Tang D.Y., Wong K.K.Y., Yip P.K.F. and Tam P.K.H., Comparing open and pneumovesical approach for ureteric reimplantation in pediatric patients, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Garcia-Barcelo M.M., Lau K.C., Ngan E.S.W., Leon Y.Y., Liu T., So M.T., Miao X., Lui V.C.H., Wong K.K.Y., Ganster R.W., Cass D.T., Croaker G.D. and Tam P.K.H., Evaluation of the thyroid transcription factor-1 gene (T1TF1) as a Hirschsprung's disease locus, Annals of Human Genetics. 2007, 71: 746-754.

Lee P.P.W. and Wong K.K.Y., Clinical quiz 29, http://www.hku.hk/paed/student area/clinical quiz . 2008.

Wong K.K.Y., Chan I.H.Y. and Tam P.K.H., Computed tomography evaluation of congenital esophageal atresia with fistula: a 10-year reprisal, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Wong K.K.Y., Course Co-Director, The 2nd Laparoscopic Surgical Workshop in China (jointly organized with the Shenzhen Children's Hospital), Shenzhen, China, 1-3 November 2007. 2007.

Wong K.K.Y., Cheung T., Lan L.C.L. and Tam P.K.H., Diagnosing acute appendicitis: are we overusing radiological investigations?, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Wong K.K.Y., International Guest Scholarship 2008, American College of Surgeons. 2007.

Wong K.K.Y., Laparoscopic anorectoplasty: a new gold standard in the treatment of imperforate anus, Beijing Children's Hospital, Beijing, China. 2007.

Wong K.K.Y., Laparoscopic fundoplication in children , 2nd SK Yee Medical Foundation Laparoscopic Workshop, Shenzhen, China, 1-3 November 2007. 2007.

Wong K.K.Y., Reviewer , American Journal of Physiology. 2007.

Wong K.K.Y., Surgical management of children with feeding disorders, The 3rd S.K. Yee Medical Foundation Laparoscopic workshop, Shijiazhuang, China. 2008.

Wong K.K.Y., Technical Program Committee Member, The 1st IEEE International Conference on Nano/Molecular Medicine and Egnineering, Macau. 2007.

Wong K.K.Y., Vesicoureteric reflux, Easttweek. 2007, 209: 127.

Researcher : Wong SY

List of Research Outputs

Ho J.C.Y., Ip Y.C., Cheung S.T., Lee Y.T., Chan K.F., Wong S.Y. and Fan S.T., Granulin-epithelin precursor as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatology. 2008, 47: 1524-1532.

Researcher : Wong TS

List of Research Outputs

Wong T.S., Liu X., Ho A.C.W., Yuen P.W., Ng W.M. and Wei W.I., Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 123: 251-257.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Wong B.Y.H., Ng W.M., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Mature miR-184 as potential oncogenic microRNA of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, Clinical Cancer Research. 2008, 14: 2588-92.

Researcher : Xiao J

List of Research Outputs

Man K., Lo C.M., Xiao J., Ng T.P., Sun B., Ng I.O.L., Cheng Q., Sun K.W. and Fan S.T., The significance of acute phase small-for-size graft injury on tumor growth and invasiveness after liver transplantation, Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(6): 1049-1057.

Researcher : Xie Y

List of Research Outputs

Ren Y., Xie Y., Jiang G., Fan J., Yeung J., Li W., Tam P.K.H. and Savill J., Apoptotic cells protect mice against lipopolysaccharide-induced shock, The Journal of Immunology. 2008, 180(7): 4978-4985.

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Xu R

Project Title:	Oral gene therapy of tumors by using recombinant AAV-TRAIL viral vectors
Investigator(s):	Xu R, Kung H
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Fund for Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Projects)
Start Date:	05/2002

Abstract:

To study tumor therapy by using recombinant AAV.

Project Title:	Peroral transduction of hepatocytes for diabetes gene therapy
Investigator(s):	Xu R, Lam KSL
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2002

Abstract:

A major goal of gene therapy for Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is to restore long-term euglycemia. This study shall focus on clarifying the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector transportation pathway from stomach to liver after oral administration. The research team will extend their previous study further to develop chimeric glucose- and insulin-sensitive promoters and insert them into the existing AAV vector system.

Project Title:	Preclinical study of lung cancer therapy using recombinant adeno-associate virus vector
Investigator(s):	Xu R
Department:	Institute of Molecular Biology
Source(s) of Funding:	Matching Fund for Hi-Tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Projects)
Start Date:	04/2003

Abstract:

To carrry out preclinical study of lung cancer therapy using recombinant adeno-associate virus vector.

Researcher : Xu Z

List of Research Outputs

Lee P.Y., Leung K.W., Cheung N., Lam B.Y., Xu Z., Sham P.C., Lau G., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T. and Luk J.M.C., Comparative proteomic analysis of mouse livers from embryo to adult reveals an association with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma, Proteomics. 2008, 8(10): 2136-2149.

Researcher : Yang Z

Project Title:	Blockade of BDNF-TrkB pathway as a novel anti-angiogenic therapy for HCC
Investigator(s):	Yang Z, Poon RTP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2007

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong. As HCC is a highly vascularized solid tumor in which angiogenesis plays a crucial role, exploring the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis may lead to a novel therapy for this cancer. A recent study by the investigators has identified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serially collected serum samples during tumor development in a rat orthotopic HCC model (1). By immunohistochemical staining, it was found that BDNF was expressed not only in tumor cells, but also in endothelial cells in the tumor tissue, suggesting its potential role in tumor angiogenesis. In addition, others’ studies have shown that BDNF activation of its receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), promotes angiogenic properties and survival of endothelial cells (2,3), and upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is one of the most potent angiogenic factors (4). Based on the above findings, we hypothesize that BDNF may play a crucial role in tumor angiogenesis of HCC, through its interaction with TrkB. Therefore, we propose the present study to explore the possible effects of BDNF on the angiogenic behaviors of endothelial cells by administration of exogenous BDNF to the endothelial cells in vitro. In addition, the therapeutic potential of blockade of BDNF-TrkB interaction as a novel anticancer approach will also be studied in vivo in a mouse HCC model.

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.W.Y., Yang Z., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Targeting cancer stem cells enhances therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Kok T.W., Yang Z. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Lau C.K., Yang Z., Lam S.P., Lam C.T., Ngai P.P., Tam K.H., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Inhibition of Stat3 activity by YC-1 enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma , Cancer Biology and Therapy. 2007, 6(12): 1900-1907.

Poon R.T.P., Yang Z., Li M.L.Y., Chu W.K., Yu D.C. and Fan S.T., Blockade of therapy-induced acute recruitment of bone marrow-derived CXCR4+Flt-1+ hemangiocytes for the inhibition of hypoxia-induced tumor angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Shen Z., Yang Z., Gao Y., Li J.C., Chen H.X., Liu C.C., Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Luk J.M.C., Sze K.H., Li T.P., Gan R.B., He M.L., Kung H.F. and Lin M.C., The Kringle 1 Domain of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Has Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Cell Effects on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2008, 68: 404-414.

Yang Z., Kok T.W., Or Y.Y.Y., Ng N.P., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., Blockade of VEGF/VEGFR pathway enhances chemo-sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma (Poster Presentation), The 2007 AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics: Discovery, Biology, and Clinical Applications, San Francisco, California, U.S.A., 22 - 26 October 2007.

Yang Z., Lau C.K., Ngai P.P., Lam S.P., Ho D.W.Y., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Cardiotrophin-1 enhances regeneration of cirrhotic liver remnant after hepatectomy through promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation, Liver International. 2008, 28(5): 622-631.

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Member of Editorial Board , Open Transplantation Journal. 2007.

Yang Z., Reviewer (2006 - present), World Journal of Surgery. 2008.

Yang Z., Reviewer (2007 - present), Liver International. 2008.

Yang Z., Reviewer (2007 - present), Liver Transplantation. 2008.

Yang Z., Reviewer (2008 - present), Gastroenterology. 2008.

Yang Z., Reviewer (2008 - present), Hepatology. 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Yang Z., Ng M.N., Ho D.W.Y., Lau C.K., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer (Poster Presentation), The Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, San Diego, California, U.S.A., 12 - 16 April 2008.

Yang Z., Targeting liver cancer stem cells (Invited Lecture), The Hong Kong-Shanghai International Liver Congress 2008, Hong Kong, 12 - 15 June 2008. 2008.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., The effects of heat and hypoxia on liver cancer stem cells (Poster Presentation), The American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference in Cancer Research, The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in the Initiation and Propagation of Tumorigenesis, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., 12 - 15 February 2008.

Yang Z., Therapy-induced mobilization of stem/progenitor cells: a factor of treatment failure? (Invited Lecture), Frontiers in Biomedical Research, The University of Hong Kong, 13 December 2007. 2007.

Yang Z. and Poon R.T.P., Vascular changes in hepatocellular carcinoma, Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J.). 2008, 291(6): 721-734.

Yang Z., Tam K.H., Fan S.T. and Poon R.T.P., mTOR inhibition enhances chemo-cytotoxicity in hepatocellular carcinoma through both p53 dependent and independent pathways (Poster Presentation), The 1st International Liver Cancer Association Conference, Barcelona, Spain, 5 - 7 October 2007.

Researcher : Yang ZF

Project Title:	Blockade of BDNF-TrkB pathway as a novel anti-angiogenic therapy for HCC
Investigator(s):	Yang Z, Poon RTP
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	05/2007

Abstract:

Researcher : Yau TO

Project Title:	The role of Frizzled-7, receptor of the WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway, in hepatocellular carcinoma: Implications in tumorigenesis and metastasis
Investigator(s):	Yau TO, Ng IOL
Department:	Pathology
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is second commonest in Asia and in Hong Kong. Hepatocarcinogenesis is closely associated with activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway (HCC) (Wong et al., 2001; Miyoshi et al., 1998; de La Coste A et al., 1998). In the canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, WNT ligands bind to the transmembrane receptors Frizzled (FZD) and low density lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP), and the signal is transduced to cytoplasmic protein FRAT1 and Dishevelled (DVL) respectively. FRAT1 and DVL inhibit the APC complex, and β-catenin therefore accumulates. Subsequently, β-catenin enters the nucleus, forms complex with members of T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancing factor (TCF/LEF) and upregulates TCF/LEF-dependent transcription of target proto-oncogenes such as c-MYC (He et al. 1998) and cyclin D1 (Shtutman et al., 1999; Tetsu et al., 1999), and eventually promotes tumourigenesis. We and others have previously demonstrated overexpression of β-catenin, in membranous, cytoplasmic and/or nuclear compartments, in 41 (68%) of 60 HCCs (Wong et al., 2001). We also shown that downregulation of negative regulator HDPR1 may be one of the mechanisms leading to the accumulation of β-catenin in HCC (Yau et al, 2005). To further delineate the deregulation of this important pathway in HCC, we plan to investigate the role of WNT receptor molecules in this deregulation. One of these receptor molecules, FZD7, was recently demonstrated to be overexpressed in HCC (Merle et al., 2004 and 2005) and implicated to promote motility of HCC cells. However, the role of FZD7 in hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis has not been fully characterized. In this research proposal, we propose to investigate the roles of FZD7 in hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis. Objectives of this research proposal: 1.To study the expression of FZD7 at mRNA and protein levels in human HCCs and in HCC cell lines. 2.To investigate whether there are any mutations of FZD7 that will result in activation of the pathway. 3.To investigate whether upregulation of FZD7 in HCC is due to gene amplification. 4.To study the role of FZD7 in hepatocarcinogenesis in HCC cell lines. 5.To study the role of FZD7 in metastasis using orthotopic xenograft implantation in immunodeficient mice.

Researcher : Yeung C

List of Research Outputs

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Researcher : Yi X

List of Research Outputs

Yi X., Luk J.M.C., Lee P.Y., Peng J., Leng X., Guan X.Y., Lau G., Beretta L. and Fan S.T., Association of mortalin (HSPA9) with liver cancer metastasis and prediction for early tumor recurrence, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics. 2008, 7(2): 315-325 (corresponding author).

Researcher : Yip PKF

List of Research Outputs

Chung P.H.Y., Tang D.Y., Wong K.K.Y., Yip P.K.F. and Tam P.K.H., Comparing open and pneumovesical approach for ureteric reimplantation in pediatric patients, The 41st Annual Meeting of Pacific Association of Pediatric Surgeons, Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming, U.S.A., 29 June - 3 July 2008.

Researcher : Yiu WK

List of Research Outputs

Chan Y.C., Ting A.C.W., Ho P., Poon J.T.C., Yiu W.K. and Cheng S.W.K., Supra-aortic hybrid endovascular treatment for complex thoracic aortic arch disease: single centre early to mid-term results, The 2007 Asian Chapter Congress of the International Union of Angiology, Taipei, Taiwan, 5-8 September 2007.

Yiu W.K., Cheng S.W.K. and Sumpio B.E., Direct comparison of endotheliah cell and smooth muscle cell response to supercooling and rewarming, Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2007, 46(3): 557-564.

Yiu W.K., Cheng S.W.K. and Sumpio B.E., Synergistic effect of cool/thaw cycles on vascular cells in an in vitro model of cryoplasty, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2008, 19(6): 925-930.

Researcher : Yu WC

List of Research Outputs

Yang Z., Ngai P.P., Ho D.W.Y., Yu W.C., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Li M.L.Y., Tam K.H., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Identification of local and circulating cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Hepatology. 2008, 47(3): 919-928.

Yang Z., Ho D.W.Y., Ng N.P., Lau C.K., Yu W.C., Chu W.K., Ngai P.P., Lam C.T., Poon R.T.P. and Fan S.T., Significance of CD90⁺ cancer stem cells in human liver cancer, Cancer Cell. 2008, 13(2): 153-166.

Researcher : Yu X

List of Research Outputs

Yu X., Characterization of VEGF-C and its clinical relevance in lymphangiogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Yu X., Lo C.Y., Lam A.K., Leung P. and Luk J.M.C., Serum vascular endothelial growth factor C correlates with lymph node metastases and high-risk profiles in papillary thyroid carcinoma , Annals of Surgery. 2008, 247(3): 483-489.

Researcher : Yuan Z

List of Research Outputs

Xie Y., Chan H.M., Fan J., Chen Y., Young J., Li W., Miao X., Yuan Z., Wang H.M., Tam P.K.H. and Ren Y., Involvement of visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) in regulating proliferative and invasive properties of neuroblastoma, Carcinogenesis. 2007, 28(10): 2122-2130.

Researcher : Yuen AWC

List of Research Outputs

Kwan T.L., Lam C.M., Yuen A.W.C. and Lo C.Y., Adrenalectomy in Hong Kong: a critical review of adoption of laparoscopic approach, American Journal of Surgery. 2007, 194: 153-158.

Researcher : Yuen PW

Project Title:	The evaluation of the clinical application of hypermethylated promoter DNA as tumor marker of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Yuen PW, Kwong DLW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To identify the genes that are frequently methylated in NPC tumor and can be used as tumor marker in body fluids of blood, nasopharyngeal swab and throat rinsing fluid for the screening of primary NPC and residual NPC after treatment.

Project Title:	The evaluation of the clinical application of hypermethylated DNA as tumor marker in body fluids for screening of primary and recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Yuen PW, Sham JST, Kwong DLW, Wei WI
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Michael Kadoorie Cancer Genetics Research Fund
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To identify genes that are specifically and frequently methylated in NPC; to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of screening primary and recurrent NPC in body fluids of peripheral blood, nasopharyngeal swab and throat rinsing fluid using methylated DNA as tumor marker.

Project Title:	The evaluation of therapeutic application of demethylation of oral tongue carcinoma
Investigator(s):	Yuen PW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

Background:Methylation of the CG rich promoter region and histone deacethylation of many genes particularly tumor suppressor genes have been found to be common epigenetic abnormalities in many cancers including oral tongue carcinoma. Genes that are silenced due to promoter methylation can be reactivated by demethylating agents. Since gene expression profile is directly related to cellular properties, re-expression of silenced genes will alter the biologic properties of cancer cells. Epigenetic therapy using demethylating agents have been shown to result in re-expression of silenced genes to induce apoptosis, killing of cancer cells, suppression of cell proliferation and modulation of many biologic properties of cancer cells including radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity. Demethylation therapy is a promising new modality of treatment option of cancer either alone or in combination with other treatment modalities. Many demethylating agents are available recently.I have found high frequencies of methylation of many tumor suppressor genes in head and neck carcinoma including oral tongue carcinoma. I have also shown that p15, p16 and E-cadherin methylation are found in aprarently normal oral mucosa of chronic smokers and drinkers. It indicates the presence of cancerization field changes induced by tobacco and alcohol. It therefore worths to evaluate the potential to reverse the methylation in field cancerization process of premailinant stages of carcinogenesis and also treat advanced, recurrent or metastatic head and neck carcinoma with demethylating agents. The therapeutic efficacy of various epigenetic therapeutic agents in reversing epigenetic changes in head and neck carcinoma either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents are still unknown. In view of the many compounds available for possible clinical trial as monotherapy and the large number of possible regimens in combination with conventional chemotherapy, a pre-clinical evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in cell lines and mice model is therefore necessary to resolve on the best possible regimens for experimental design of subsequent clinical trials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic afficacy of various demethylating agents in tongue carcinoma.

Project Title:	Molecular mechanisms of induction of apoptosis of curcumin on oral cancers
Investigator(s):	Yuen PW
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

Curcuma longa is a plant belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae. Curcuma longa is widely distributed in both tropical and subtropical regions. The dried rhizome of Curcuma longa has widely been used as dietary favoring and colouring agents (hallmark yellowish color). Curcuma longa has also been used as herbal medicine in treating wound and inflammation. Curcuminoids is one of the major polyphenols derived from the dried rhizome of Curcuma longa. Curcumin is one of the major curcuminoids isolated from Curcuma longa. Curcumin is a candidate chemopreventive agent due to its potent anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects. Curcumin also has anticancer effects in several human malignancies. Curcumin could contribute in hindering carcinogensis initiation, inhibiting cells proliferation and modulating the apoptotic pathways in cancer cells (Curcumin has been shown to have cytotoxic effect in cancer including oral cancer in cell lines. Curcumin is readily applicable locally to reach the required therapeutic concentration in oral cavity for chemoprevention and therapy. The present study aims at 1. evaluate whether there is any synergistic effect of curcumin in enahncing chemotherapeutic effect of conventional cytotoxic drugs for treatment of oral cancers including cisplatin, 5-FU and taxol. 2. study the molecular mechanims of curcumin in inducing apoptosis of oral cancers.

Project Title:	The evaluation of the clinical application of hypermethylated promoter DNA as tumor marker for the early detection of surgically salvageable residual or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after treatment
Investigator(s):	Yuen PW, Wong TS
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

(1) The primary tumors will be screened for presence of methylation using a panel of genes; (2) of those genes that are methylated in the primary tumors, the plasma will be evaluated again for concordant methylation both before treatment and after treatment; (3) the sensitivity and specificity of aberrantly methylated DNA as molecular markers in plasma for detection of surgically salvageable residual/recurrent HNSCC after curative surgical treatment will be calculated.

List of Research Outputs

Ho A.C., Ho W.K., Lam P.K.Y., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Thyroid dysfuction in laryngectomees - 10 years after treatment, Head and Neck. 2007, 30: 336-40.

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Man K., Guan X.Y., Ma S.K.Y., Liu X., Myers J.N. and Yuen P.W., Fascin over-expression is associated with aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Letters. 2007, 254(2): 308-315.

Lee K.W., Poon R.T.P., Wo Y.H., Ma S.K.Y., Guan X.Y., Myers J.N., Altevogt P. and Yuen P.W., Lupeol suppresses cisplatin induced NFkB activation in HNSCC cells and inhibits local invasion and nodal metastasis in orthotopic nude mouse model of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, Cancer Research. 2007, 67(18): 8800-8809.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V., Leung M.S., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Clinical implications of anterolateral flap shrinkage, Laryngoscope. 2008, 118: 585-8.

Shen L., Au W.Y., Guo T., Wong K.Y., Wong M.L.Y., Tsuchiyama J., Yuen P.W., Kwong Y.L., Liang R.H.S. and Srivastava G., Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib-induced apoptosis in natural killer (NK)-cell leukemia and lymphoma: an in vitro and in vivo preclinical evaluation, Blood. 2007, 110(1): 469-70.

Wong T.S., Liu X., Ho A.C.W., Yuen P.W., Ng W.M. and Wei W.I., Identification of pyruvate kinase type M2 as potential oncoprotein in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue through microRNA profiling, International Journal of Cancer. 2008, 123: 251-257.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Wong B.Y.H., Ng W.M., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Mature miR-184 as potential oncogenic microRNA of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, Clinical Cancer Research. 2008, 14: 2588-92.

Wong T.S., Liu X.B., Ng W.M., Wei W.I. and Yuen P.W., Re: Decreased STAT1 expression by promoter methylation in squamous cell carcinogenesis, Journal of National Cancer Institute. 2007, 99: 1343-4.

Yuen P.W., Molecular biology developments in head and neck cancer, The Hong Kong Medical Diary. Hong Kong, 2007, 12: 5-6.

Yuen P.W., Ng W.M., Lam P.K.Y. and Ho A., Preoperative measurement of tumour thickness of oral tongue carcinoma with intraoral ultrasonography, Head Neck. 2007, 30: 230-4.

Yuen P.W., The study of nodal metastasis of oral tongue carcinoma, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Yuen PW

List of Research Outputs

Ho A.C., Ho W.K., Lam P.K.Y., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Thyroid dysfuction in laryngectomees - 10 years after treatment, Head and Neck. 2007, 30: 336-40.

Ng W.M., Chan J.Y., Mok V., Leung M.S., Yuen P.W. and Wei W.I., Clinical implications of anterolateral flap shrinkage, Laryngoscope. 2008, 118: 585-8.

Yuen P.W., Molecular biology developments in head and neck cancer, The Hong Kong Medical Diary. Hong Kong, 2007, 12: 5-6.

Yuen P.W., Ng W.M., Lam P.K.Y. and Ho A., Preoperative measurement of tumour thickness of oral tongue carcinoma with intraoral ultrasonography, Head Neck. 2007, 30: 230-4.

Yuen P.W., The study of nodal metastasis of oral tongue carcinoma, Thesis, Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Hong Kong. 2008.

Researcher : Yuen WK

List of Research Outputs

Lau H., Loong F., Yuen W.K. and Patil N.G., Management of herniated retroperitoneal adipose tissue during endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty, Surgical Endoscopy. 2007, 21(9): 1612-1616.

Poon R.T.P., Fan S.T., Lo C.M., Ng K.K.C., Yuen W.K., Yeung C. and Wong J., External drainage of pancreatic duct with a stent to reduce leakage rate of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a prospective randomized trial , Annals of Surgery. 2007, 246(3): 425-435.

Researcher : Zhu R

List of Research Outputs

He Q., Zhu R., Lei T., Ng M.Y.M., Luk J.M.C., Sham P.C., Lau G. and Chiu J., Toward the proteomic identification of biomarkers for the prediction of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma, Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 2008, 103: 740-752.

Researcher : de Villa MVH

Project Title:	Regeneration Pattern of Small-for-Size Fatty Liver Graft after Liver Transplantation in a Cirrhotic Recipient
Investigator(s):	de Villa MVH, Man K, Wu EX
Department:	Surgery
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	03/2007

Abstract:

Objectives of the study: 1. To characterize regeneration in small-for-size fatty liver grafts after transplantation in a cirrhotic recipient in terms of liver volumetry, cell proliferation index and gene expression profiles. 2. To identify hepatic progenitor cells or oval cells and determine their distribution within the liver at different time points in the early posttransplant period. 3. To compare the outcomes with those in non-fatty small-for-size liver grafts. Key issues and problems being addressed: The universal shortage of liver grafts for transplantation has led to the use of suboptimal or marginal grafts in terms of size and quality. Small-for size and/or fatty liver grafts have been used for liver transplantation with outcomes that are generally inferior compared to non-fatty grafts of adequate size. Injury is a stimulus to regeneration and regeneration patterns may vary according to type of injury. It has been shown that growth in the adult liver is a uniquely two-tiered with differentiated cells (hepatocytes) constituting the initial response to injury and progenitor cells (oval cells) functioning as a reserve compartment when hepatocyte proliferation fails. In the transplant setting involving small-for-size fatty liver grafts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury, the exact regenerative response is yet unknown. This study is, therefore, being undertaken to determine the regeneration patterns in terms of volume changes and cellular proliferation over time in a small-for-size fatty liver grafts transplanted in a cirrhotic recipient. This model mimics the clinical setting where live donor liver transplantation is resorted to because of the severe shortage of deceased donor grafts. The heightened interest in fatty liver grafts is brought about by the increasingly recognized high incidence of this pathologic entity in the general population, including potential liver donors. Often it becomes necessary to accept donors with some degree of fatty change in view of the urgency of the need for transplantation and the lack of alternative graft sources. It is, therefore, becoming increasingly important to better understand the behavior of fatty livers posttransplantation in order to optimize the use of this kind of graft without compromising both donor and recipient outcomes. In recent years there has been growing interest in the role of oval cells, also known as liver progenitor cells, in the regenerating liver due to their potential to differentiate into either hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. It would be worthwhile to further explore the mechanisms that push their differentiation into one type of cell or the other, specifically in the liver graft that may suffer some degree of bile duct injury. Moreover, the oval cell has likewise been linked to carcinogenensis and it has been suggested that this cell may actually be a precursor to hepatocellular carcinoma. It is then important to understand the factors that govern the behavior of these oval cells in the transplanted liver in order to maximize their regenerative potential while preventing the occurrence or progression of HCC.

List of Research Outputs

de Villa M.V.H. and Lo C.M., Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in Asia, Oncologist. 2007, 12(11): 1321-1331.

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