RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP
1997
Research
Project
Medicine, Dentistry and
Health
Research Projects
Administrative,
Business
and
Social
Studies
Medicine,
Dentistry
and Health:
Part
1
Part
2
Part
3
Part
4
Civil
and
Structural
Engineering
Electrical and
Electronic
Engineering
Computing
Sciences,
Information
Technology
and
Applied
Mathematics
Mechanical,
Production
and
Industrial
Engineering
including
Textiles and
Clothing
IMPACT OF MATERNAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS ON LACTATION AND METABOLISM
To elucidate mechanisms of metabolic adaptations by which mothers cope with dietary energy surplus and insufficiency during lactaton.
Investigator: Dr. H.P. Sheng
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
EFFECTS OF LACTATION AND UNDERNUTRITION ON MATERNAL IMMUNE SYSTEM
To investigate the role of prolactin (PRL) on modulating the maternal immune system during lactation. Specifically, the study is designed to evaluate the changes in serum prolactin (PRL) levels, the number of PRL receptors, the PRL receptor mRNA expression in lymphoid tissues, and humoral immune response during lactation in both the well-nourished and under-nourished lactating rats.
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Investigators: |
Dr. H.P. Sheng (Principal) |
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSES DURING LACTATION AND MALNUTRITION
To investigate the changes in the maternal cellular immune responses during lactation in both the well-nourished and under-nourished lactating rats and the role of prolactin (PRL) in these changes.
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Investigators: |
Dr. H.P. Sheng (Principal) |
Department: Physiology
Starting date: 1997.07
GENETIC ENGINEERING AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF RECOMBINANT FLAVIVIRAL GLYCOPROTEINS
To study the intracellular processing and antigenic properties of recombinant chimeric yellow fever-dengue
viral glycoproteins expressed in mammalian cells using vaccinia expression system.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
REGIONAL AND CELLULAR DISTRIBUTION OF MELATONIN RECEPTORS IN MAMMALIAN EPIDIDYMIDES
To study the regional and cellular distribution of melatonin receptors in the epididymides of mammals using autoradiographic and in-situ hybridization techniques.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MOLECULAR CLONING OF THE HUMAN RECEPTOR FOR DENGUE FLAVIVIRUS
To clone the human receptor for dengue virus.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1996.10
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF MELATONIN RECEPTORS IN THE RAT CORPUS EPIDIDYMIDIS
To characterize the cellular mechanisms of melatonin receptor signal transduction in the rat corpus epididymidis.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y.W. Shiu
Department: Physiology
Starting date: 1997.07
GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF AVIAN AND HUMAN INFLUENZA STRAINS
In view of the hypothesis that southern China is an influenza epicentre, a genetic comparison is being made between
representative avian influenza viruses from the region with antigenecially related human strains.
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Investigators: |
Professor K.F. Shortridge
(Principal) |
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Departments: |
Microbiology |
Starting date: 1988.01
INFLUENZA A VIRUS SURVEILLANCE OF DOMESTIC PIGS OF SOUTHERN CHINA
The domestic pig of Southern China will be submitted to influenza virus surveillance studies. This is because (A) Southern China is now recognized as a hypothetical influenza epicentre, the pig a ìmixing vesselî for the two-way transmission of influe viruses between the domestic duck, the prime influenza virus reservoir, and man and that it is now 28 years since the Hong Kong virus first appeared in man and (B) recent surveillance studies of pigs have detected purely avian influenza virus. It isw of even greater importance to know whether natural reassortants of pandemic potenital still exist with the potential of crossing the species barrier to man.
Investigator: Professor K.F. Shortridge
Department: Microbiology
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
EQUINE INFECTIOUS DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB
To investigate, monitor and control infectious diseases in the equine population of Hong Kong with particular reference to influenza and herpes viruses and streptococcal bacteria.
|
Investigators: |
Professor K.F. Shortridge
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Microbiology |
Starting date: 1992.11
ANIMAL RAISING PRACTICES IN SOUTHERN CHINA IN RELATION TO HUMAN INFLUENZA
To syudy and understand the way in which domestic ducks, geese, fowl and pigs are raised in southern China (a hypothetical influenza epicentre) and the nature of their interaction with humans with a view to identifying ecological niches favourable for the emergence of pandemic strains of influenza viruses.
Investigator: Professor K.F. Shortridge
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
PROTEOGLYCANS IN NEURON-ASTROCYTE INTERACTION
To explore variations in cell surface-expression and secretion of CSPGs and HSPGs with the state of activity of cultured astrocytes; to find the extent to which CSPGs and HSPGs a) mediate neuronal adhesion, b) bind and present growth factors to target neurons.
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Investigators: |
Dr. D.K.Y. Shum (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Biochemistry |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1993.12
THE INFLUENCE OF GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS ON RENAL OXALATE TRANSPORT
To test the hypothesis that (1) glycosaminoglycans play a role in regulating oxalate flux in the renal tubular epithelium and that (2) abnormalities in glycosaminoglycan excretion affect renal oxalate handling, and thereby contributes to the pathogene of renal stones of which oxalate is a major component.
Investigator: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
RENAL PROTEOGLYCANS: ROLES IN OXALATE TRANSPORT AND CRYSTALLIZATION OF URINARY CALCIUM OXALATE
To produce an inventory of crystal-active proteoglycans that are normally resident in the (a) medium, (b) cell layer and (c) extracellular matrix of the cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells and to compare them with the urinary pattern of crystal-active GAGs; to select for expression of chondroitin sulphate or heparan sulphate proteoglycan with agents that interfere with proteoglycan biosynthesis and recycling and thus to study the effect of each of these renal proteoglycans on (a) crystallization of urinary calcium oxalate and (b) oxalate transport across renal cells; to find the extent to which drugs included in the culture may modulate (a) the normal pattern of expression of crystal-active proteoglycans and (b) oxalate transport across renal cells.
Investigator: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.12
THE INFLUENCE OF NEURAL GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS ON REGROWTH OF TRANSECTED NERVES IN ADULT GUINEA PIGS
With a nerve bridge to provide graded concentrations of neural glycosaminoglycans to transected sciatic nerve stumps, to determine whether these changes delay or speed up axonal regrowth to the targe tissue.
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Investigators: |
Dr. D.K.Y. Shum (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Biochemistry |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
THE ROLE OF GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN MODULATING THE NEURAL ENVIRONMENT FOR POST-TRAUMATIC AXONAL REGENERATION
To document changes in GAG composition in relation to histological changes in the injured sciatic nerve versus those in the injured optic nerve; to use a nerve bridge to mimick the changes observed and thus to study systematically the effects of these chnges on axonal regrowth in vivo; to find whether or not enzymatic means is employed
endogenously to overcome the change, if the change is found to be adverse to axonal regrowth.
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Investigators: |
Dr. D.K.Y. Shum (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Biochemistry |
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1996.10
HYALURONAN EXCRETION AS INDICATOR OF ACTIVE RENAL TISSUE TURNOVER
To justify test for urinary excretion of hyaluronan in the prognosis of renal stone disease, urine samples will be screened for the hyaluronan level that distinguishes between normal individuals and renal stone formers. In addition, studies of hyaluronan production by injured renal epithelial cells in culture will provide evidence that increased hyaluronan production is a consequence of tubular cell response to lithogenic conditions
Investigator: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum
Department: Biochemistry
Starting date: 1997.07
IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF IMPROVED GLASS IONOMER DENTAL CEMENTS FOR USE IN MINIMAL CAVITY PREPARATIONS
The effectives and economical treatment of dental caries (decay) and tooth wear is an increasing problem in many developed and developing countries (Elderton, 1990). The main objective of this project is to assess the suitability of a new glass polyalkenoate (ionomer) cement, Fuji IX (G.C. Int.), as a dental restorative material, under controlled conditions. In vivo evaluations will be complemented by in vitro testing of the handling characteristics and the ability of the cement to remineralise demineralised tooth tissue, to release fluoride and to penetrate into enamel pits and fissures when used as a sealant.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.J. Smales
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1994.11
THE INTERFACE BETWEEN GLASS IONOMER FILLINGS AND CARIOUS DENTINE
To examine the effects of glass ionomer fillings on the repair of decayed dentine in vitro.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.J. Smales
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.07
INDUCTION OF AXON-LIKE PROCESSES FROM AXOTOMIZED RETINAL GANGLION CELLS OF ADULT HAMSTERS AFTER INJECTION SCIATIC NERVE EXTUDATE
To investigate if diffusable factors secreted from a peripheral nerve graft injected into the vitreous of the eye can induce sprouting of axotomized retinal ganglion cells.
Investigator: Professor K.F. So
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
EFFECT OF NEUTRALIZATION OF INHIBITORY FACTORS AND OF PERIPHERAL NERVE TRANSPLANTATION ON NEURAL REGENERATION IN THE CNS
To investigate whether the combination of the peripheral nerve transplantation and neutralization of inhibitory factors techniques can enhance the regeneration of optic and corticospinal axons into peripheral nerve graft placed far away from the cell bodies.
|
Investigators: |
Professor K.F. So (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.11
EFFECT OF AN INTRAVITREAL TRANSPLANATION OF OPTIC NERVE ON THE SURVIVAL OF AXOTOMIZED RETINAL GANGLION CELLS IN ADULT HAMSTERS
To investigate if diffusable trophic factors secreted from a CNS tissue (optic nerve) can rescue axotomized retinal ganglion cells.
Investigator: Professor K.F. So
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
INFLUENCE OF A PRE-DEGENERATED PERIPHERAL NERVE GRAFT AND A CONDITIONING LESION OF OPTIC NERVE ON AXONAL REGENERATION OF RETINAL GANGLION CELLS
To determine whether the axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells can be enhanced by each of the following two procedures or by a combination of the two: 1) The use of a pre-degenerated peripheral nerve graft for transplantation. A pre-degenerated peripheral nerve is believed to contain a higher number of Schwan cells which will in turn produce more trophic factors: 2) The use of a conditioning lesion on the optic nerve before transplantation. Damaging the optic nerve before the transplantation is believed to prime the metobolic events in the somata of the retinal ganglion cells and therefore might enhance axonal regeneration following a second lesion.
Investigator: Professor K.F. So
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1997.07
A STUDY OF TUMOUR PROGRESSION USING THE SJL MOUSE LYMPHOMA MODEL
To follow the process of tumour progression in lymphomas of SJL mice using morphological and genetic markers; to assess the applicability of fine needle aspiration and amplification of selected immunoglobulin gene sequences by polymerase chain reaction to the study of tumour progression.
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Investigators: |
Dr. G. Srivastava (Principal) |
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1991.05
INTERACTION OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS (EBV) WITH THE NORMAL AND MALIGNANT T-CELL ENVIRONMENTS
To determine the significance of EBV infection in the pathogenesis EBV-positive nodal-T non-Hodgkinís lymphomas (NHL).
Investigator: Dr. G. Srivastava
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MICROSATELLITE ALTERATIONS IN OESOPHAGEAL CANCER AND THEIR CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
To investigate whether microsatellite alterations in plasma DNA of oesophageal cancer patients can be used as a new tool for tumour staging, management and, possibly, detection.
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Investigators: |
Dr. G. Srivastava (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Pathology |
Starting date: 1997.07
STRESS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS
To obtain at the end of this portion of the study, some information regarding the objective sources of stress in medical school, and the characteristics of individuals who might be more vulnerable to experiencing unmanageable stress during their training.
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Investigators: |
Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Community Medicine |
Source of funding: JDRP (private organisation, U.S.A.)
Starting date: 1993.07
ASIAN DIMENSIONAL OF PARENTING
To assess whether a distint Chinese and Pakistani parenting dimension emerges in late adolescent girlsí reports of their perceptions of their parents. The relationship between this dimension and the ìuniversalî dimensions of parental warmth and control will also be assessed. Finally the usefulness of this dimension in predicting outcomes will be examined.
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Investigators: |
Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Community Medicine |
Starting date: 1996.10
ALTRUISTIC BEHAVIOR IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
To assess whether altruistic behavior is more common in Asian than in western children, and whether it relates to a) whether the ìgivingî is public or private; b) the childís empathy level; and c) parentsí identification with collective beliefs.
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Investigators: |
Dr. S.M. Stewart (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Community Medicine |
Starting date: 1997.03
LEARNING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN, THEIR PARTNERS, AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DURING PRECONCEPTION, PREGNANCY, AND EARLY PARENTING
To identify and compare the learning needs of women and their partners during preconception, pregnancy, and early parenting as the are perceived by them and their health professionals.
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Investigators: |
Professor P.L. Sullivan
(Principal) |
Department: Nursing Studies
Starting date: 1997.07
FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF THE INSULIN RECEPTOR
To study the differential expression of the insulin receptor gene in different tissues and to investigate the existance of the isomeric forms of insulin receptor molecule in the rat.
Investigator: Dr. J.W.O. Tam
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
CLONING AND NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCING OF THE THYMIDYLATE SYNTHETASE GENE OF ASCARIS SUUM
To determine the amino acid sequence of thymidylate synthetase of a nematode so as to establish the phylogentic ralationship with other species.
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Investigators: |
Dr. J.W.O. Tam (Principal) |
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
OPTIMIZATION OF A FAST DNA TECHNIQUE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE PATHOGENS AND DISEASES OF GENETIC ORIGIN
Optimize the procedures and protocols for a rapid hybridizaton process essential for the development of rapid DNA diagnostic kits; produce a prototype device for the said procedures to increase the efficiency sensitivity and specificity for specific DNA annealing process; using HIV, HCV, HBV as examples to produce a kit for them within a single device.
Investigator: Dr. J.W.O. Tam
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Industry Dept. of Hong Kong Government :- Industrial Support Fund
Starting date: 1996.06
COMPARATIVE GENOMIC SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF THE INSULIN RECEPTOR GENES OF THE PUFFER FISH AND THE MAMMALS
To sequence the whole of IR gene and identify regulatory elements. This information will help to solve similar problems for the more sophisticated mammalian genome and also provide further handles for functional and mechanistic approaches to the investigation on the role of IR in glucose metabolism and NIDDM.
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Investigators: |
Dr. J.W.O. Tam (Principal) |
Department: Biochemistry
Starting date: 1997.07
NEW METHODS OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSION IN ALLOGENIC SMALL BOWEL TRANPLANTATION
To confirm our findings in an orthotopic rat model and a pig model leading to clinical applications. New immunosuppression to induce indefinite graft survival by (1) targeting the delayed immune response following FK506 pretreatment and, (2) introducing new agents to block CD28 pathway will be studied. New methods of monitoring early rejection by cytokine measurements will be evaluated.
Investigator: Professor P.K.H. Tam
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1996.07
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF HIRSCHSPRUNGíS DISEASE (INTESTINAL AGANGLIONOSIS): CLINICAL PATHOLOGICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CORRELATION
To determine the incidences of mutations of RET, EDNRB and GDNF genes in 2 large patient populations of Hirschsprungís diseases from the U.K. and China for epidemiological comparison; to evaluate gene-gene interaction in the pathogenesis of HD; to study genotype-phenotype correlation in HD.
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Investigators: |
Professor P.K.H. Tam
(Principal) |
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Departments: |
Surgery |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.11
TRANSGENESIS ANIMALS AS BIOREACTORS: PRODUCTION OF A NEW IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE PROTEIN CTLA4IG BY TRANSGENESIS
The use of transgenic farm animals as bioreactors is a potentially powerful and important new industry for the next century. This application of transgenic technology, in combination with the recent advance in ability to clone animals from adult cells, enhances the potential of transgenic animal bioreactors as major producers of therapeutic proteins. Therefore by initiating research in this area there are immediate and long-term benefits to Hong Kong and China.
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Investigators: |
Professor P.K.H. Tam
(Principal) |
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Departments: |
Surgery |
Starting date: 1997.07
IMPROVEMENT OF THE CARE OF CHILDREN WITH VOMITING
Children with severe and persistent vomiting will be evaluated by EGG which is a safe and non-invasive (does not cause discomfort) method of recording the electrical activities of the stomach. The information will provide a scientific basis for the introduction of specific treatment measures. The effectiveness of the tailor-made treatment strategy for each individual will be evaluated both clinically as well as by repeated EGG. It is anticipated that with effective treatment of vomiting life-threatening complications will be eliminated and normal growth will resume speedily.
Investigator: Professor P.K.H. Tam
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1997.07
EFFECTS OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION ON CHOLESTERYL ESTER TRANSFER PROTEIN ACTIVITY
To determine whether thyroid hormone plays a significant role in the regulation of cholesteryl transfer protein activity.
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Investigators: |
Dr. K.C.B. Tan (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
EFFECTS OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON PLASMA LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN AND HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN SUBFRACTION PATTERN IN PATIENTS WITH NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
To investigate the roles of genetic and environmental factors in determining changes in the LDL and HDL subfractions in NIDDM and how they may affect cardiovascular risk. The influence of genetic polymorphisms in genes coding for cholesteryl ester transfer protein, lipoprotein and hepatic lipase will be studied.
Investigator: Dr. K.C.B. Tan
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Croucher Foundation
Starting date: 1995.11
MODIFICATION OF GLYCATED LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN
To determine whether low density lipoprotein (LDL) from healthy individuals (normal LDL) and diabetic patients (glycated LDL) undergo different rates of modification and thus produce different vascular effects and account for the increased risk of diabetic patients to cardiovascular diseases.
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Investigators: |
Dr. K.C.B. Tan (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Medicine |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
THE ROLES OF OXIDISED LDL AND ADVANCED GLYCOSYLATION ENDPRODUCTS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES MELLITUS
To assess endothelial function in patients with diabetes mellitus by measuring endothelial-dependent vasodilation using high resolution vascular ultrasound; to determine whether endothelial dysfunction measured by vascular ultrasound correlate with the changes in plasma concentrations of various endothelial-dependent haemostatic factors; to investigate some of the possible underlying mechanisms leading to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
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Investigators: |
Dr. K.C.B. Tan (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants
Council
Starting date: 1996.11
GENETIC CHOLESTERYL ESTER TRANSFER PROTEIN DEFICIENCY IN HONG KONG CHINESE
To identify mutation(s) in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene in Chinese and to evaluate the effect of the mutation(s) on high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in this population.
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Investigators: |
Dr. K.C.B. Tan (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1997.07
TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE CARBOXYKINASE (PEPCK) IN DIFFERENT TISSUES
To identify the cognate trans-acting factors responsible for the differential mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the PEPCK gene.
Investigator: Dr. K.C. Tan-Un
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) - ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MUTATIONS IN THE COPPER-ZINC SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (CU/ZN SOD1) AND NEUROFILAMENT HEAVY CHAIN (NEFH) GENES
To identify mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene patients with familial and sporadic ALS; to examine the C-terminal region of the neurofilament heavy chain (NEFH) for mutations in these same group of patients.
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Investigators: |
Dr. K.C. Tan-Un (Principal) |
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Departments: |
School of Professional and Continuing
Education |
Starting date: 1997.07
DENTAL CHANGES OF CHILDREN AS THEY TRANSFORM FROM PRIMARY TO PERMANENT DENTITION
To study the changes in dental arch dimensions and malocclusion severity of children in a longitudinal manner; to study the correlation, if any, of primary and permanent tooth sizes; to detect any pathology or anomalies.
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Investigators: |
Dr. E.L.K. Tang (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF CHLORHEXIDINE VARNISHES ON CARIES ASSOCIATED BACTERIA
To compare the antimicrobial effects on caries assoicated bacteria of three chlorhexidine dental varnishes containing 1%, 20% and 40% chlorhexidine respectively.
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Investigators: |
Dr. E.L.K. Tang (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Faculty of Dentistry |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
EFFECT OF AGING AND OPIOID PEPTIDES ON THE HYPOTHALAMICO-HYPOPHYSIAL-THYROID AXIS IN THE MALE RAT
To look at the plasma TRH level in control and morphine treated rats to establish the role of the hypothalamus in the mediation of morphine effect, both in the resting and cold-stimulated state, as well as in the aged animals, and to investigate the chronic effect of morphine treatments on thyroid hormone level.
Investigator: Professor F. Tang
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Elaine G.C.F. Tso Memorial Fund
Starting date: 1985.12 Completion date: 1997.06
THE ROLE OF NEUROPEPTIDES IN THE ADAPTATION TO CHANGE IN GRAVITY
To study the levels of TRH, met-enkephalin, substance P, cholecystokinin and somatostatin in the pituitary and in different parts of the brain (particularly the brain stem and the cerebellum) in the rat after exposure to hypergravity induced by centrifugation for 1,2,4 and 14 days in order to establish the role of these neuropeptides in the adaptation of the vestibular system to change in gravity.
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Investigators: |
Professor F. Tang (Principal) |
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Departments: |
Physiology |
Starting date: 1990.11 Completion date: 1997.06
THE EFFECT OF HALOPERIDOL ON THE CONTENTS AND GENE EXPRESSIONS OF OPIOID PEPTIDES, SUBSTANCE P AND CHOLECYSTOKININ DURING AGING
To look at the effect of haloperidol, a dopamine receptor blocker, on the contents and gene expressions of met-enkephalin, B-endorphin, substance P and cholecystokinin in the pituitary, the hypothalamus and the striatum in adult male rats (4 months) as well as in male rats of different ages (4 months, 12 months and 20 months) to see whether there is any age-related difference in the response.
Investigator: Professor F. Tang
Department: Physiology
Starting date: 1992.11 Completion date: 1997.06
NEUROPEPTIDES, AND THEIR GENE EXPRESSIONS IN ANIMALS MODELS OF ALZHEIMERíS DISEASE
To develop animal models for Alzheimerís Disease; to identify specific CSF marker for the disease; to relate the changes in neuropeptide contents to changes in gene expression; to study whether there is an age-related difference in the development of disease.
Investigator: Professor F. Tang
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1993.11
THE EFFECT OF ENDOCRINE MANIPULATION ON NEUROPEPTIDE CONTENTS AND GENE EXPRESSIONS IN THE BRAIN AND PITUITARY
To study the contents, gene expressions and receptor binding of neuropeptides in the rat brain and pituitary after adrenalectomy, thyroidectomy, gonadectomy or streptozotocin-diabetes.
Investigator: Professor F. Tang
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
THE CHANGE OF PLASMA ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE AND ENDOTHELIN IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-DIABETES, AND THE RELATION TO RELEASE AND SYNTHESIS AND RECEPTOR BINDING OF THESE PEPTIDES
To measure the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and endothelin (ET) and to relate these to the atrial and hypothalamic ANP and ET levels after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of streptozotocion-diabetes in the rat; to study the peptide levels and gene expression of these peptides in the brain and the heart as parametes for changes in synthesis and release in these rats; to study the receptors bindings in the blood vessel (mesenteric artery, thoracic aorta), in different brain regins and in the heart, and to relate these to the levels of the peptides.
Investigator: Professor F. Tang
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
ADRENOMEDULLIN: SOURCE, DISTRIBUTION, PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIONS AND REGULATION OF SECRETION OF A NEW VASOACTIVE PEPTIDE HORMONE
To study (1) the distribution of adrenomedullin in the rat, particularly the sources of blood adrenomedullin (and whether it is a local hormone) and whether it is produced by the brain, (2) the cardiovascular effects of adrenomedullin, (3) the half-life of adrenomedullin, (4) the mechanisms or factors that regulate the secretion of adrenmedullin, and, (5) the gene expression of adrenomedullin.
Investigator: Professor F. Tang
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1996.10
ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY
This is an ongoing long-term collaborative study with the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong on the pattern of adolescent sexuality and its consequences, such as sexually transmitted diseases.
Investigator: Professor G.W.K. Tang
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Starting date: 1978.01
PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCERS AND THEIR THERAPIES
To study the psychosocial aspects of women who suffer from cancer of the genital tract and who have to endure the long and mutilating therapies.
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Investigators: |
Professor G.W.K. Tang
(Principal) |
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Starting date: 1984.01
PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF WOMEN WITH GONADAL DYSGENESIS AND MULLERIAN DYSGENESIS
This is an ongoing long-term observations on the emotional changes and social interactions in women who are born with non-functioning female gonads and absence of the uterus and vagina. It is hypothesized that these women who cannot perform the female role of reproduction are likely to suffer in their psychosocial aspects.
Investigator: Professor G.W.K. Tang
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Starting date: 1985.01
MENOPAUSE IN THE FAR EAST
To study menopause in the Hong Kong population.
Investigator: Professor G.W.K. Tang
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: International Health Foundation
Starting date: 1989.09
A CROSS SECTIONAL HEALTH CARE STUDY OF CHINESE PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN HONG KONG
To study Chinese women in Hong Kong on: 1) their perception and understanding of the menopause; 2) their symptoms expressed and experienced before, during and after the menopause; 3) bone density in various age groups ranging from adolescence to postmenopause and to correlate such values with biophysical parameters and diet; 4) how best health care strategies can be planned based on the findings in the study so that womenís needs are met most cost effectively.
|
Investigators: |
Professor G.W.K. Tang
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Source of funding: Wyeth-Ayerst International, Inc.
Starting date: 1993.01
BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL ASPECTS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT)
To study the bone density of women with gonadal dysgenesis and premature ovarian failure with and without HRT; to study the general well-being of those women with and without HRT.
|
Investigators: |
Professor G.W.K. Tang
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
LONG TERM DEPOT MEDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE (DMPA) AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY
To delineate if long term use of DMPA is associated with a decrease in bone mineral density in a Chinese population.
|
Investigators: |
Professor G.W.K. Tang
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1997.01
CLIMACTERIC IN CHINESE WOMEN: SYMPTOMS, HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AND OSTEOPOROSIS
To examine the menopausal symptoms of Chinese women in Hong Kong and the effectiveness of HRT in reducing the incidence of menopausal symptoms and improving the QOL; to assess the level of dietary calcium intake of Chinese women and its relationship w bone mineral density (BMD), the incidence of osteoporosis in Chinese women will be assessed; to formulate a prediction formula of BMD based on age, body mass index and dietary calcium such that it will be used as a benchmark to detect the high risk gp of osteoporotic women.
|
Investigators: |
Professor G.W.K. Tang
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.11
CLINICAL AND HORMONAL RESPONSE OF PATIENTS WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) TREATED BY GONADOTROPHIN RELEASING HORMONE AGONIST (GNRHA) DECAPEPTYL CR
To evaluate the clinical and hormonal responses of patients with PCOS treated by gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) Decapeptyl CR during 6 months; to study the long term hormonal responses of patients after cessation of Decapeptyl CR therapy.
|
Investigators: |
Professor G.W.K. Tang
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.01
THE ALTERATION OF CIP1/WAF1 GENE IN OSTEOSARCOMA: CORRELATION WITH BONE DESTRUCTION, P53 EXPRESSION, CELL PROLIFERATION, CELL CYCLE AND CLINICAL DATA
To investigate the role of the tumour suppressor gene: CIP1/WAF1 on the pathogenesis and aggressiveness on osteosarcoma; to examine the behaviour of osteosarcoma at the molecular level.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. W.M. Tang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Orthopaedic Surgery |
Starting date: 1997.07
AXONAL REGENERATION IN THE SPINAL CORD FOLLOWING SPINAL INJURY
To explore how peipheral nerve grafts can be used to induce regeneration of injured neurons in the central nervous system.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. D.K.C. Tay (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1996.09
THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE IN THE DEVELOPMENT, DEGENERATION AND REGENERATION OF THE RETINAL GANGLION CELLS IN HAMSTERS
To investigate the possible role played by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) containing neurons during naturally occurring neuronal cell death in normal development and in induced cell death following nerve injury in mammals.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. D.K.C. Tay (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE BILATERAL RETINOFUGAL PROJECTIONS IN HAMSTERS
To determine quantitatively the proportion of bilateral projecting fibres in the optic nerve of hamsters.
Investigator: Dr. D.K.C. Tay
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference
Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
REGENERATION OF VESTIBULAR NEURONS FOLLOWING LESION OF VESTIBULOSPINAL TRACT IN RATS
To study the response and the regenerative potentials of the vestibular neurons following induced lesion of the vestibulospinal tract at various spinal cord levels
Investigator: Dr. D.K.C. Tay
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1997.07
PROSPECTIVE LONG TERM STUDY OF TREATMENT OF ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
To study the survival rate and reconstruction in oral cancer.
Investigator: Professor H. Tideman
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1988.08
IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING MAXILLECTOMY
The reconstruction uses the temporal muscle, bone from the posterior iliac crest, a titanium casted tray and I.M.Z. implants for full functional reconstruction of defects in the maxilla. This new method is prospective evaluated.
|
Investigators: |
Professor H. Tideman
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Friedrichfeld G.M.C.H.
Starting date: 1991.01
FUNCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE UPPER JAW
To restore the function of the upper jaw after ablative surgery with bone and implants.
|
Investigators: |
Professor H. Tideman
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1992.01
FUNCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LOWER JAW
To restore the function of the lower jaw after ablative surgery with bone and implants.
|
Investigators: |
Professor H. Tideman
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1994.01
A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT MENISECTOMY AND THE USE OF VARIOUS AUTOGENOUS MATERIALS FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ARTICULAR DISC IN AN ANIMAL MODEL
To study the effect of menisectomy on the temporomandibular joint and to compare the result of disc reconstruction using different autogenous graft materials in an animal model.
|
Investigators: |
Professor H. Tideman
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
THREE-DIMENSIONAL PLANNING FOR THE SURGICAL CORRECTION OF CRANIOFACIAL DEFORMITY
To develop a computer program for personal computer which includes three-dimensional reconstruction of the craniofacial complex, and permits data manipulation for planning surgical corrections of craniofacial deformities.
|
Investigators: |
Professor H. Tideman
(Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
VISUALIZED RESPONSIVE WORKBENCH FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL CRANIOFACIAL SURGICAL PLANNING SYSTEM
To develop a visualized responsive workbench for three-dimensional planning computerized system of the surgical correction of craniofacial deformity.
|
Investigators: |
Professor H. Tideman (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.07
MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS AND STEREOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF HUMAN COLORECTAL LESIONS
To evaluate whether any morphometric and stereological parameters could be used to identify morophological prerequisites of malignancyas well as to suggest which among these objective descriptors might be useful in assessing premalignancy; to generate objective prognostic indices by incorporating clinical profiles of patients with quantitative data and subjecting them to time survival analyses; to perform morphometric analyses with minimal observer interaction, thereby markedly reducing the amount of time invested in quantification and deriving immediate results.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. G.L. Tipoe (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1997.06
IN VIVO AND IN VITRO STUDIES OF SALIVARY GLAND TUMOURS
To investigate the pathogenesis and dedifferentiation process in salivary gland tumours in vivo using morphometry, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.
Investigator: Dr. G.L. Tipoe
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON HEXEMETHYLENE-BISACETAMIDE (HMBA) MODULATION OF HUMAN COLONIC CANCER CELL LINES
To determine whether HMBA, which is a potent cytodifferentiating agent, can induce transformed cells such as human colon cancer cell lines to terminal differentiation; to quantify the structural alterations induced in transformed cells using stereological techniques at ultrastructural level; to measure the gene expressions (c-myc, RB, p53, C-K-ras, nm23 and TGB1) of HMBA induced human colon cancer lines and to compare them with those cells without HMBA and with a normal colon cell line using immunocytochemical and in-situ hybridisation techniques.
Investigator: Dr. G.L. Tipoe
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
IN VITRO ORAL COMPOUND MUCOSAL GRAFTS: EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES AND CLINICAL APPLICATION
To optimise the technical parameters involved for in vitro production of human oral mucosal grafts; to determine the appropriateness of the pattern of differentiation of the grafts by immunocytochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against regionally-specific epithelial differnentiation products and by stereological methods; to test such human oral mucosal equivalents as autografts to intraoral mucosal defects created during elective preprosthetic surgery; to study clinically the re-establishment of functional mucosal structure and the viability of the grafts in normal oral function.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. G.L. Tipoe (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.10
SUPPRESSION OF THE RELEASE OF NITRIC OXIDE AND THE INDUCTION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE BY NF-KAPPA B INHIBITORS IN LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-TREATED MACROPHAGES
To investigate the mechanism of action of compounds which can block the induction of nitric oxide synthase via the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation.
Investigator: Dr. W.M. Tom
Department: Pharmacology
Starting date: 1993.10
FREE RADICALS IN MACROPHAGE-INDUCED CYTOTOXICITY
To investigate the role of reactive free radicals generated by activated macrophages in causing toxicity in other susceptible cells.
Investigator: Dr. W.M. Tom
Department: Pharmacology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
PHARMACOLOGICAL MODULATIONS OF HEPATOCELLULAR INJURY
To investigate the underlying mechanisms of hepatocellular toxicity induced by bacterial endotoxin in galactosamine-sensitized rodents. This animal model has been shown to produce a pathological picture resembling to that of human viral hepatitis.
Investigator: Dr. W.M. Tom
Department: Pharmacology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1994.10
MECHANISMS INVOLVED IN THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS DURING CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA
To investigate the roles of reactive free radicals in causing neuronal cell death during cerebral ischemia and the neuroprotective efficacy of antioxidant compounds.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. W.M. Tom (Principal) |
Department: Pharmacology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
OXIDATIVE STRESS AND CYTOTOXICITY IN ACTIVATED MACROPHAGES
To investigate the regulation of production of reactive oxidative species in immunologic activated macrophages and the relationship between oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Investigator: Dr. W.M. Tom
Department: Pharmacology
Starting date: 1997.07
A STUDY ON THE ABILITY OF DOCTORS TO USE METERED DOSE INHALERS (MDIS)
To evaluate the following on practising physicians and trainees:- (1) ability of doctors to administer MDIs; (2) their knowledge on the correct administration of MDIs, by using a quantitative protocol.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Starting date: 1995.10 Completion date: 1997.06
A STUDY ON KARTAGENERíS SYNDROME IN CHINESE PATIENTS
To evaluate the following: (1) clinical and demographic details; (2) mucociliary characteristics; (3) electron microscopy assessment of respiratory clia; (4) prognosis, on patients with this rare disease in Hong Kong.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1995.10 Completion date: 1997.06
A STUDY ON BRONCHIOLITIS OBLITERANS WITH ORGANISING PNEUMONIA IN HONG KONG
To evaluate the following: (1) clinical and demographic details; (2) radiological features; (3) prognosis and treatment, in patients with this rare disease in Hong Kong.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1995.10
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INFECTION AND INFLAMMATION IN STEADY STATE BRONCHIECTASIS
To quantitatively correlate the: 1) sputum infective indices, 2) sputum inflammatory indices, in steady state bronchiectasis.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1996.01 Completion date: 1996.12
THE EFFECTS OF INHALED FLUTICASONE ON BRONCHIECTASIS: A DOUBLE-BLIND PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY
To evaluate the effects of administration of high dose inhaled steroid (fluticasone) on: (1) clinical parameters; (2) disease activity parameters; (3) quality of life parameters, in patients who suffer from moderate to severe bronchiectasis.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1996.06 Completion date: 1997.06
A STUDY OF THE CILIARY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN CHINESE PATIENTS WHO SUFFER FROM BRONCHIECTASIS
To perform a systematic study on the structure and function of respiratory cilia in Chinese patients who suffer from bronchiectasis.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
DIFFUSE PANBRONCHIOLITIS IN CHINESE
To characterise this rare, but treatable, fatal disease in Chinese patients.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1996.10
SPUTUM MICROBIOLOGY IN STEADY STATE BRONCHIECTASIS
To study the: 1) steady state bronchiectasis sputum microbiology, 2) clinical features that correlate and predict sputum microbiology.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1997.01
A STUDY ON GASTRO-OESOPHAGEAL REFLUX IN BRONCHIECTASIS
To measure, in patients with bronchiectasis: 1) quantitative parameters on severity and frequency, 2) correlation with clinical features.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Starting date: 1997.01
SILICOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION
To characterise Chinese patients with silicosis on: 1) clinical features, 2) radiological features, 3) exercise and physiological testing.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Medicine |
Starting date: 1997.06
EFFECTS OF IMMUNOMODULATION ON CLINICAL PARAMETERS, LUNG FUNCTION, QUALITY OF LIFE AND CYTOKINE PROFILES IN BRONCHIECTASIS: A PILOT STUDY
To evaluate the immunomodulating effects of short term oral administration of low dose erythromycin on clinical and laboratory parameters of disease activities, and the quality of life in patients who suffer from active bronchiectasis.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Starting date: 1997.07
ALLELIC DELETION IN HUMAN CERVICAL CARCINOMAS
To construct an allelotype of human cervical cencers; to compare the pattern of allelic deletion between different pathological subgroups of cervical cancers; to define the location of putative tumor suppressor gene by fine mapping the common region of deletion.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1996.09
FUNCTIONAL STUDIES OF ACTIVATION OF PROTO-ONCOGENES IN HUMAN OVARIAN EPITHELIAL
To study the alterations of biological properties and alterations of gene expression in human ovarian epithelial cells after activation of K-ras and c-erbB2 proto-oncogenes. Specific aims are: (a) to establish an in vitro model for transformation stu (b) to understand the functional properties of K-ras and c-erbB2 in ovarian epithelial cells; (c) to identify markers of malignancy.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1996.09
CLONING OF DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENES IN HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMAS BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) - BASED RNA FINGERPRINTING
To identify and clone for genes differentially expressed or suppressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells using a recently developed PCR-based RNA-fingerprinting techniques termed Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR).
|
Investigators: |
Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.08
TELOMERASE ACTIVATION IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCERS
To establish the assay for telomerase; to determine the telomerase activity and telomeric length in culturing normal and malignant nasopharyngeal epithelial cells; to evaluate the clinical significance of telomerase activation in nasopharyngeal carcinomas.
Investigator: Dr. G.S.W. Tsao
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference
Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EPITHELIAL CELL CULTURE SYSTEM FOR RESEARCH STUDIES IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMAS
To establish short-term culture of human epithelial cells from normal nasopharyngeal carcinomas; to characterize the growth properties and growth factor requirements of normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells; to establish immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell lines for transformation study.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. G.S.W. Tsao (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1997.07
A DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF ORAL DIGOXIN VERSUS LOW DOSE AMIODARONE TO CONTROL VENTRICULAR RATE AND IRREGULARITY IN CHRONIC ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
To evaluate and compare the efficacy of low dose amiodarone with digoxin on ventricular rate control and rhythm irregularity in chronic atrial fibrillation.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. H.F. Tse (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.11
IMMUNOCYTOLOGY OF MOTONEURON DISEASE IN WOBBLER MOUSE: A MODEL FOR INFANTILE SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY. I. MEASUREMENT OF SUBSTANCE P (SP), THYROTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) AND SEROTONIN (5HT). II. MEASUREMENT OF RECEPTORS FOR SP, TRH, AND 5HT
To correlate, by autoradiography and radioreceptor assay, the number of receptors identified on motoneurons with
the number of surrounding afferent processes containing substance P, thyrotropin releasing hormone and serotonin, as well as other neuropeptides (leucine and methionine enkephalin); to examine the relationship between motoneuron degeneration, motoneuron contents (CGRP, ubiquitin, acetylcholine esterase, choline acetyl transferase) and the number of receptors on the motoneurons.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. L.L. Vacca-Galloway (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1989.01
IMMUNOCYTOCHEMISTRY OF MOTONEURON DISEASE IN WOBBLER MOUSE: MODEL FOR INFANTILE MUSCULAR ATROPHY
It is hypothesized that early events in Wobber motoneuron disease may give clues about its etiology and cure. Therefore the objectives are: to define quantitatively the early parameters of the motoneuron disease during development in Wobbler mice by behavioural tests and by histochemistry of the cervical spinal cord, using light and electron microscopy and quantitative histochemistry of retrograde horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and cholera toxin (CT)-HRP uptake, acetycholine esterase (AChE) and possibly cholineacetyl transferase (CAT) content, as well as other peptide contents (ubiquitin, UB; calcitonin gene-related peptide, CGRP) in the cervical motoneurons; to determine quantitatively by immunocytochemistry and radioassay the distribution and content of the proposed neuromodulators early in the development of the Wobbler disorder; to study the effect of systemically administered neuropeptide and 5-HT precursors and analogs on the behavioural progress of the disease;to quantify cholinergic, neuropeptide and 5-HT receptors on cervical motoneurons by autoradiography in time-sequence in order to determine their relationship to the proliferation of immunolabeled presynaptic neurons during the development of the disease.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. L.L. Vacca-Galloway (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1993.10
CHANGES IN NMDA RECEPTOR AND NITRIC OXIDE (NO) CONTAINING NEURONS IN THE SPINAL CORD OF THE WOBBLER MOUSE DURING MOTONEURON DISEASE AS MEASURED BY IN SITU HYBRIDIZATION AND ENZYME HISTOCHEMISTRY
To set up in situ hybridization technique in my lab/Dept.; to quantify by photometry applied to in situ hybridization specimens, the expression of NMDA receptor in the ventral horn of the Wobbler mouse spinal cord compared with normal controls; to correlate, by quantitative enzyme histochemistry, the number of NO-containing neurons in the cervical spinal cord.
Investigator: Dr. L.L. Vacca-Galloway
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
HORMONAL REGULATION OF GROWTH AND MELANOGENESIS IN NORMAL AND MALIGNANT MELANOCYTES
To establish the basis of hormonal effects on pigmentation in normal melanocytes and in malignant melanoma.
Investigator: Professor B. Weatherhead
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1984.09
THE ANATOMICAL BASIS OF TRANSFORMATION INVASION AND METASTASIS IN MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN VIVO: A COMBINED IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL AND MORPHOMETRIC INVESTIGATION
To characterise certain structural features of both melanocytes and melanoma cells, and of the extracellular matrix during malignant transition in an experimental carcinogenesis system in vivo. This will permit us to determine those structural features which may be involved in halting or promoting the transformation of normal melanocytes and the subsequent invasion and metastasis of malignant melanoma. These data will also be correlated with the criteria introduced by Breslow and by Clark with a view to extending and refining the current structural bases for diagnosis and prognosis.
|
Investigators: |
Professor B. Weatherhead (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
|
Source of funding: |
Lee Wing Tat Medical Research Fund |
Starting date: 1990.07 Completion date: 1997.08
THE DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF SILICON ELASTOMER SUBSTITUTION AND IMPREGNATION TECHNIQUES IN HUMAN MORPHOLOGY
To exploit new techniques for the preservation of tissue by silicone substitution and impregnation.
Investigator: Professor B. Weatherhead
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: University Grants Committee Central Allocation
Starting date: 1994.07
DIETARY SOURCES AND INTAKE OF FLUORIDE AND ENAMEL FLUOROSIS IN CHILDREN IN HONG KONG
To systematically assess the F contents of foods and beverages commonly ingested by infants and children in Hong Kong; to estimate the daily total F intake of a cohort of about 170 children at ages six months, 2 years and 4 years. The estimated daily total F intake will be assessed by careful analysis of the consumption of water, beverages and food after the F content of the individual food/drink items have been determined; to assess the oral health status of this group of children in Shatin annually from 3 till 8 years of age with particular emphasis on the prevalence of enamel fluorosis.
|
Investigators: |
Professor S.H.Y. Wei (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Faculty of Dentistry |
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1988.07
IN VITRO SIMULATION OF CARIES-LIKE LESION FORMATION IN AN OCCLUSAL FISSURE MODEL
To identify the combination of conditions that will produce lesions in enamel similar to those produced in natural pit and fissure caries; to evaluate the development, the shape and size of such lesions; to analyse the mineral content of the plaque covering the lesions as well as the distribution of minerals within the lesions.
Investigator: Professor S.H.Y. Wei
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07 Completion date: 1997.08
FURTHER STUDIES IN THE OVERDRY AND THE OVERWET PHENOMENON IN DENTIN BONDING: INTERACTION OF DIFFERENT SOLVENT SYSTEMS WITH GENERIC PRIMER COMPONENTS
This study critically examines two important tissues in dentin bonding that had recently been observed by our group, with the use of generic bonding systems incorporating primer components that are frequently employed in commercially available adhesiv 1. The ability of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to re-expand and completely infiltrate a collapsed, deminieralized collagen matrix following acid-conditioning of dentin is a result of the presence of water as part of the primer solvent. 2. The of ethanol or acteone as a primer solvent affects the property of diarylsulfonedimethacrylate (DSDM), a hydrophilic resin monomer, in a moist bonding technique.
|
Investigators: |
Professor S.H.Y. Wei (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Faculty of Dentistry |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
OPTIMISING THE PERFORMANCE OF DENTIN ADHESIVE SYSTEMS
To define the optimal working conditions (ìthe window of opportunityî) for complete dentin hybridization and seal
in various contemporary adhesives; to seek for modifications of the wet bonding protocol to reduce the undesirable consequences of the ìOverwet Phenomenonî; to investigate different dentin substrates and adhesive component variables that may result in simplification, refinement and widening the ìoptimal conditionsî for future generations of dentin adhesives.
|
Investigators: |
Professor S.H.Y. Wei (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Faculty of Dentistry |
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1996.10
EVALUATION OF OTOLOGICAL AND RHINOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER
To investigate specific problems of hearing and nasal obstructions in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Professor W.I. Wei (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1985.12
HEARING PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA
To evaluate the hearing problems in patients suffering from nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.
Investigator: Professor W.I. Wei
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Simon K.Y. Lee Research Fund
Starting date: 1989.12
1. CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF HYPOPHARYNGEAL CANCERS. 2. COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL, MORPHOMETRIC AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY MALIGNANT LESIONS OF THE HEAD AND NECK
To study the route and pattern of spread of hypopharyngeal cancers by detailed study of the pathological specimens and correlate with the clinical progress; to determine whether quantitative histological, ultrastructural and immunological methods can be used to detect differences between normal, primary and secondary malignant hypopharyngeal on oral epithelial lesions of the head and neck.
|
Investigators: |
Professor W.I. Wei (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1992.07
ADJUVANT THERAPY FOR ADVANCED HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL WITH OR WITHOUT ORAL LEVAMISOLE AND FLUOROURACIL
To determine the efficacy of adjuvant therapy using oral levamisole and 5 fluorouracil in reducing recurrences and improving survival in patients with head and neck cancer after standard oncological resection; to assess the histological pattern of host response to tumour with or without the effect of levamisole.
|
Investigators: |
Professor W.I. Wei (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
MORPHOMETRIC AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF STRUCTURAL DESCRIPTORS OF MALIGNANT CHANGE IN HUMAN CHEEK AND PALATE
To use histological morphometry and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry to evaluate structural features of
normal cheek and palatal mucosa and of lesions from these sites which include hyperplasia, inflammation, lichen planus, mild, moderate and severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and poorly, moderately and well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1990.04
STRUCTURAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EPITHELIUM AND SUPPORTING STROMA IN THE PALATAL SHELVES OF THE DEVELOPING RAT PALATE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER ELEVATION
To define structural and antigenic differences in epithelial cells and the connective tissue of rat palatal shelves during the period of formation of the hard and soft palates to clarify the mechanisms involved in palatal shelf elevation and fusion.
Investigator: Professor F.H. White
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1991.10
HISTOLOGICAL MORPHOMETRY OF BENIGN AND MALIGNANT OESOPHOGEAL CANCER
To use morphometric, immunohistochemical and molecular biological methods to study the differentiation of oesophageal epithelium in inflammatory, hyperplastic, benign, premalignant and malignant lesions and in normal controls to determine the malignant potential of a particular lesion on a structural and molecular basis.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1991.10
ESTABLISHMENT OF ORAL SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA CELL LINES IN VITRO
To establish normal epithelial and carcinoma cell lines derived from various oral sites and to use immunohistochemical and stereological methods to determine whether the phenotypic features of the cells are maintained in vitro.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1991.10
EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS ON CELL LINES DERIVED FROM SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS
To use stereological and immunohistochemical methods to investigate the effects of a variety of chemotherapeutic agents on cell lines derived from oral cancers.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1991.10
THE APPLICATION OF MORPHOMETRY TO STUDY AGE CHANGES IN THE RAT ORAL MUCOSA AND SKIN
To investigate the development of oral mucosa and skin in defined intraoral sites using quantitative structural methods during foetal development, early maturity and in old animals.
Investigator: Professor F.H. White
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1991.10
AN ASSESSMENT OF HISTOLOGICAL AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF INVASION IN HUMAN MALIGNANT MELANOMA
To use reliable objective structural and immunohistochemical methods to characterise the melanocyte population in normal human skin and to compare these data with those derived from benign intraepidermal naevi and malignant melanomas.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1991.10
ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF GAP JUNCTION MODULATION BY RETINOIDS IN MALIGNANT EPITHELIAL CELL LINES
To evaluate gap junction turnover and assembly using a combination of stereology and connexin immunocytochemistry in malignant epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo and to evaluate the effects of vitamin A analogues (retinoids) on these systems.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Starting date: 1991.10
THE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS ON COLORECTAL ADENOCARCINOMAS IN VITRO
To develop and maintain human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinomas in vitro and to evaluate the effects of retinoids and hexamethylene bisacetamide on these cell lines using a combination of morphometry and immunohistochemistry.
|
Investigators: |
Professor F.H. White (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1991.10
ROLE OF PROTEIN KINASE C SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAY IN CELL PROLIFERATION, APOPTOSIS AND CELL CYCLE PHASE DISTRIBUTION IN HUMAN GASTRIC CARCINOMA CELLS
To study the effect of protein kinase C activation, down-regulation and inhibition by various pharmacological agents on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle phase distribution in human gastric carcinoma cell lines.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. B.C.Y. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Starting date: 1997.07
A SURVEY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS AND SATISFACTION OF THE PATIENTS ATTENDING THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL
To find out the characteristics of patients and their reasons for attending the A&E service as well as to seek answers to (i) whether a patient satisfaction questionnaire could be a valid and reliable instrument to measure patient perceived quality of care by the physicians in the A&E service? (ii) whether the use of mail questionnaire, a method which is relatively cheaper and subject to less interviewer bias as compared to telephone interview, could be feasible and reliable to collect patientís opinion about medical care and outcome of care from the A&E visit? (iii) whether the expected variations in satisfaction level are detectable from a patient satisfaction survey among different socio-demographic groups and triage categorisation groups (a recently introduced modification in the process of the service)?
|
Investigators: |
Dr. C.M. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Community Medicine |
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1996.06 Completion date: 1997.01
ESTIMATION OF VARIATIONS IN HEALTH CARE NEEDS BETWEEN SMALL AREAS IN HONG KONG USING ROUTINE STATISTICS ON MORBIDITY, MORTALITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION
To link information from three different sources, including the morbidity (based on hospital discharge statistics), mortality (data retrieved from medical certificates for the cause of death) and socioeconomic (census and by-census statistics) information and exam their variations by tertiary planning units (TPU); to examine the variations of the different measures of health care needs between geographical areas (TPU) in Hong Kong; to examine correlations between the morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic variables among TPUís; to consider each of the morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic indicators as a measure for health care needs in local areas; to consider the relevance of the estimates of health care need variations obtained by utilizing routinely collected data in determining health priorities and planning the distribution of health cae resources.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. C.M. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Community Medicine |
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1996.08
AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY STUDY OF DEMENTIA IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT
To identify the local needs for mental health services for the elderly.
|
Investigators: |
Mrs. G.K.C. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Community Medicine |
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1996.01
PYLOROPLASTY AND PYLOROMYOTOMY IN GASTRIC RECONSTRUCTION
Following resection for esophageal cancer, the stomach is used for replacement in over 90% of patients. The need for and the type of drainage of the denervated stomach is evaluated in controlled trials.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1990.01 Completion date: 1997.06
PREOPERATIVE CHEMOSTHERAPY AND POSTOPERATIVE RADIOTHERAPY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
To determine in separate clinical trials the value of adjuvant therapy on the survival of patients with esophageal cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1990.01 Completion date: 1997.06
TO ESTABLISH WHETHER A TRANSTHORACIC OR A NON-THORACIC APPROACH IS BETTER FOR CANCER OF THE ESOPHAGUS
Resection of cancer of esophagus is a major operation for elderly patients afflicted with this cancer. An approach that will minimise risk without jeopardising survival is being evaluated.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1990.01 Completion date: 1997.06
A COMPARISON OF HAND-SEWN AND MECHANICAL STAPLER FOR ESOPHAGEAL ANASTOMOSIS
Leakage of anastomosis following esophageal resection for cancer is associated with a high mortality. A controlled trial on different techniques of constructing the anastomosis will determine which is the safer method. Other complications of the anastomosis will also be examined.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1991.01 Completion date: 1997.06
A STUDY ON THE RISK FACTORS IN PREDICTING MORTALITY IN RESECTION FOR ESOPAGEAL CANCER
The commonest causes of death following resection are pulmonary complications and malignant cachexia. The study is to determine what preoperative factors are important in the prediction of death when elderly, compromised patients are operated on.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1991.01
DEVELOPMENT OF MYOPIA IN HONG KONG CHILDREN
To evalute the possible relationship between academic activities in preschool ages and later development of myopia.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
THORACOSCOPIC CARDIOMYOTOMY FOR ACHALASIA
To study the efficacy of a new approach of surgical treatment for achalasia, using endoscopic instruments via tiny incisions into the thoracic cavity, thus avoiding the complications and discomforts if long surgical incision from traditional surgical approach.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1994.01
RANDOMISED PROSPECTIVE TRIAL COMPARING THE USE OF NECK DRAIN AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY WITH CERVICAL ANASTOMOSIS
To evaluate the need of routine cervical drains after oesophagectomy.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1994.01
PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF UTILISING SMALL CLOSED SUCTION CHEST DRAIN AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER
To evaluate the use of small closed suction chest drain after oesophagectomy for cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1995.01
PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE USE OF CHEMORADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF ADVANCED CARCINOMA OF THE OESOPHAGUS NOT SUITABLE FOR RESECTION
To evaluate the use of chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of advanced carcinoma of the oesophagus not suitable for resection.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1995.01
RANDOMISED PROSPECTIVE TRIAL INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE CHEMO-RADIATION FOR RESECTABLE CARCINOMA OF THE OESOPHAGUS
To evaluate the use of preoperative chemo-radiation for treatment of oesophageal cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1995.01
RETROSPECTIVE AND PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE USE OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND CHEMORADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT DISEASE AFTER OESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER
To evaluate the use of chemotherapy and spare chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent disease.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1995.01
THE PREVALENCE OF BARRETTíS METAPLASTIC CHANGE ASSOCIATED WITH ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE OESPOHAGUS AND GASTRIC CARDIA. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
To find out the aetiology of adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and gastric cardia.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
Starting date: 1995.01
THORACOSCOPIC OESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CARCINOMA OF THE OESOPHAGUS
To study the efficacy of an endoscopic approach in the resection of oesophageal carcinoma without the necessity of a conventional open thoracotomy. This would have the benefit of decreasing the incidence of pulmonary complications and deaths related to these complications associated with conventional surgery. Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy will also be compared with the transhiatal approach to see whether there are differences in morbidit, mortality and survival.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1996.04
PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL METAPLASIA AND SPECIALIZED COLUMNAR EPITHELIUM IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE ENDOSCOPY. THE ASSOCIATION OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL AND DUODENOGASTRIC REFLUX WITH INTESTINAL METAPLASIA
To identify the prevalence of specialized columnar epithelium at the gastroesophageal junction; to detect physiologic derangements in patients who had positively identified specialized columnar epithelium on biopsy.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
A STUDY OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF INFLAMMATORY CELLS IN LUNG CANCER BY CHARACTERIZATION OF CELL SURFACE MARKERS AND CYTOKINE EXPRESSION
To study the in-vivo interaction between neoplastic cells, lymphoid cells and tumour-associated macrophages in lung cancer; to correlate the role of inflammatory cells in the regulation of tumour growth with histological types and clinical behaviour in lung cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Pathology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
CYTOKINE EXPRESSION BY MACROPHAGES AND NEOPLASTIC CELLS IN TUMOURS
To investigate the in situa interaction between neoplastic cells nd tumour-associated macrophages mediated by cytokines.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Pathology |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1994.11
A STUDY OF THE DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF BIOLOGICAL MARKERS DURING TUMOUR PROGRESSION IN NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMAS
To delineate the type and sequence of phenotypic and genetic changes in different grades of precursor lesions and invasive cancers of squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas of the lung.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Pathology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MICROSATELLITE ALTERATIONS IN TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF URINARY BLADDER AND THEIR DIAGNOSTIC APPLICATION IN URINARY SEDIMENT
To compare the usefulness and sensitivity of microsatellite analysis versus urine cytomorphology in the detection of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), and to identify the clinicopathological features of TCC patients for whom microsatellite analysis can be offered as a useful diagnostic tool.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. M.P. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Pathology |
Starting date: 1997.07
REGULATORY MECHANISMS GOVERNING THE EXPRESSION OF NEONATAL LIVER-SPECIFIC ENZYMES
To study the factors which control the development of liver-specific enzymes in liver cells. Elucidation of the mechanism governing their expression may provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying tissue differentiation.
Investigator: Dr. N.S. Wong
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
ELUCIDATION OF THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM CONTROLLING THE GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA CELLS
To understand why cells isolated from nasopharyngeal carcinoma are able to survive and proliferate continuously which is in contrast to their normal counterparts, which die rapidly on isolation. The alteration in the control mechanism of growth and survival of such cancerous cells will provide new insights in the understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
ELUCIDATION OF THE ROLE OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS CODED PROTEINS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA
To study the functions of Epstein-Barr virus proteins.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
TO STUDY THE GROWTH REGULATORY MECHANISM IN LMP-GENE TRANSFECTED HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELLS
To study the mechanism by which transfection of LMP genes would induce EGFR expression in epithelial cells and the relevance of the induction of these gene products to the growth regulation of these cells.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Biochemistry |
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1996.01
THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF SERUM-DEPENDENT, LOSS-OF-ANCHORAGE INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN HUMAN EPITHELIAL CELLS
To identify the unknown factors in serum which cause apoptosis in non-adherent epithelial cells and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism.
Investigator: Dr. N.S. Wong
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS LATENT MEMBRANE PROTEINS: A STUDY OF MECHANISM OF ACTION IN HUMAN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA TISSUE
To study the phosphorylation of LMP2A present in NPC tissue explants; since overexpression of EGF-receptor had been found in both LMP1-transfected epithelial cells and NPC biopsies, it is proposed to investigate the significance of this finding by comparing the biological response and the signalling functions of epidermal-growth-factor receptor in normal epithelial and EBV-possessing NPC cells.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Biochemistry |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.10
THE MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF EPIDERMAL-GROWTH-FACTOR INDUCED INHIBITION OF TUMOUR CELL GROWTH AND PROLIFERATION
To study the roles of the cell cycle inhibitor protein p21, the Shc-adaptor protein and the MAP-kinases in mediating the growth-inhibitory action of EGF on NPC-derived tumour cell lines.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Biochemistry
Starting date: 1997.07
THE MITOGENIC ACTIVITY OF ATP IN ASTROGLIAL CELLS
To investigate the role of extracellular ATP in brain function, in particular, its role as a mitogen for the growth of astrocytes.
Investigator: Dr. P.C.L. Wong
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07 Completion date: 1996.11
THE BEHAVIOUR OF PARTIAL MOLE
The behaviour of partial mole.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Starting date: 1979.07
CHEMOTHERAPY FOR RECURRENT CERVICAL CANCER
Chemotherapy for recurrent cervical cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Starting date: 1984.06
THE VALUE OF FREE b-SUBMIT AND a-SUBMIT IN THE PREDICTION AND MANAGEMENT OF POSTMOLAR TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE
The value of free b-submit and a-submit in the prediction and management of postmolar trophoblastic disease.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Starting date: 1987.07
ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR ADVANCED CERVICAL CANCER
Adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Starting date: 1987.08
ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR HIGH RISK CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS
Adjuvant chemotherapy for high risk cervical cancer patients.
|
Investigators: |
Professor R.L.C. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Starting date: 1987.08
IMMUNOFLUORESCENT ASSAY FOR THE SERODIAGNOSIS OF PENICILLIUM MARNEFFEI INFECTION
To develop a specific indirect immunofluorescent test for the rapid diagnosis of Penicillium marneffei infection and to study its sero-epidemiology in Hong Kong.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL TYPING OF SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS IN HONG KONG
To determine the prevalent strain types of Salmonella enteritidis in Hong Kong from 1988 to 1994 using different typing methods.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
A MOLECULAR STUDY OF CANDIDA PARAPSILOSIS AND CANDIDA KRUSEI FOR RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC MYCOSES
To develop a rapid antigen/antibody detection system for the diagnosis of systemic fungal infections due to Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MOLECULAR STUDY OF PENICILLIUM MARNEFFEI AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF PENICILLIOSIS MARNEFFEI INFECTION
To develop a specific and sensitive antigen / antibody detection system for early diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Microbiology |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.10
CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) INFECTION IN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
To elucidate and determine the clinical significance of the CMV genotypes in bone marrow transplant (BMT) and renal transplant recipients.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.S.Y. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Microbiology
Starting date: 1997.07
BRAIN ANGIOTENSIN II, VENTROLATERAL MEDULLA AND HYPERTENSION
To correlate the activities of brain Ang II, the effector peptide of the BRAS, the electrophysiological properties of VLM neurons and BP in rats of different ages particularly during the developmental stages when hypertension develops in SHR. Apart fromn BP, heart rate and cardiac output will also be determined so that the haemodynamic changes leading to hypertension are better understood. In order to determine the cause-effect relationship among brain Ang II, VLM cardiovascular neurons and BP, we will also study the effect(s) of artificial suppression of the synthesis of brain Ang II on the cardiovascular system and properties of VLM cardiovascular neurons by central administration of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor.
|
Investigators: |
Professor T.M. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Physiology |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1993.10
A STUDY ON THE CARDIAC K-OPIOID PEPTIDE(S)-IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION
To identify the types of k-opioid peptides in the rat heart; to measure the alterations in k-opioid peptides and mRNA for prodynorphin in myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion.
|
Investigators: |
Professor T.M. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
THE USE OF CULTURED CARDIAC MYOCYTES FOR THE STUDY OF CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF TOLERANCE IN THE K-RECEPTOR
To determine (1) if G-protein(s) and PLC is(are) involved in the signal transduction in the cardiac k-receptor; (2) the role of G-protein in the signal transduction in the cardiac k-receptor upon the development of tolerance to a k-agonist.
Investigator: Professor T.M. Wong
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
MUSCARINIC CHOLINERGIC RECEPTOR (MACHR) STIMULATION BY HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF MUSCARINIC AGONISTAND ITS INOTROPIC EFFECT IN CARDIAC MUSCLE
To determine mechanism and signal transduction of receptor mACHR stimulation by high concentrations of muscarinic agonists leading to increased contractility of cardiac muscle.
Investigator: Professor T.M. Wong
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
ROLE OF HYPOTHALAMIC PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS IN ENHANCED ACTIVITY OF MEDULLARY VASOMOTOR NEURONES IN HYPERTENSION
To study a region of the forebrain that plays a key role in the response to a variety of signals which if abnormal may be associated with high blood pressure such as, diet, salt intake, emotional stress and to determine and characetrise its connections to a region of the brain controlling blood pressure.
|
Investigators: |
Professor T.M. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Physiology |
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1997.01
MODULATORY ROLE OF K-RECEPTOR ON b-ADRENOCEPTOR IN THE HEART
To determine whether K-receptor stimulation attenuates the stimulatory effects of a-adrenoceptor stimulation on Ca2+ signal in the heart; to study the site and mechanism of action of K-receptor activation on the action of a-adrenoceptor stimulation.
Investigator: Professor T.M. Wong
Department: Physiology
Starting date: 1997.07
CLINICAL TRIAL OF BOTOX (BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A) INJECTABLE FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intramuscular injections of Botox in the management of spasticity in ambulatory cerebral palsied children.
Investigator: Professor V.C.N. Wong
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERIPHERAL AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM IN RELATION TO GROWTH AND PSYCHOMOTOR DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY LIFE
To study, by objective measures, the maturational pattern of the central and peripheral nervous pathways in relation to age, body parameters and various aspects of developmental skills in normal infants. We plan to follow body growth, psychomotor development and neurophysiological data in normal and infants at risk. This is a prospective study in 100 normal Chinese newborns to be followed i.e. 1993-96. The data on physical growth (body weight, body height, head circumference), and age achievement of various developmental milestones will be collected from birth to 3 years. To identify infants with high risk of early disturbance of psychomotor development - e.g. different degrees of asphyxia at birth - in order to see if abnormalities in the neurophysiological parameters can help in predicting the neurognosis.
|
Investigators: |
Professor V.C.N. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Paediatrics
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1995.01
USE OF FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT SCALES: A STUDY OF NEUROREHABILITATION PROGRAMME IN CHILDREN
To use objective measures to study the functional outcome of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities by using different modes of intervention programme.
Investigator: Professor V.C.N. Wong
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
AUTISTIC DISORDER AND DIURNAL MELATONIN RHYTHM
To study the diurnal rhythm and fluctuation of melatonin level in children with autistic disorder and to assess the efficacy of melatonin in alterating the behavioural characteristics.
|
Investigators: |
Professor V.C.N. Wong (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Paediatrics |
Starting date: 1997.07
INDUCTION OF PROSTATIC CARCINOMA IN THE NOBLE RAT
To compare morphometrically the Noble rat prostate in normal and during carcinogensis and to examine the expression of various oncogenes and growth factors during hormone induced carcinogenesis.
Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MESENCHYMAL FACTORS IMPORTANT FOR CYTODIFFERENTIATION OF THE MALE GENITAL TRACT
To establish a tissue culture system to enable the study of factors secreted by mesenchyme of urogenital sinus (UGS) and seminal vesicle (SV); to isolate and to identify the nature of the growth factors from mesenchymes of SV or UGS.
Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
BIOMARKERS FOR PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA AND NEOPLASIA IN THE NOBLE RAT
To characterize and to determine the nature of these proteins including their amino acid sequences as well as the genes involved. And whether any of these proteins may serve as markers of prostatic hyperplasia and dysplasia. The results from this st are potentially very important as there is no known markers for prostatic hyperplasia. Identification of such a marker or markers may have implications to our understanding and early detection of human BPH.
Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
EARLY CHANGES OF BIOMARKERS AND ONCOGENES DURING HORMONE-INDUCED PROSTATIC CARINOGENESIS IN THE RAT
To characterize the 12kD, 19kD and 110kD proteins and to determine the nature of these proteins including their amino acid sequences as well as their encoding genes. One important aim for studying these proteins is to ascertain whether the emergence/reduction of these proteins in the secretion are indicative of hyperplastic development in the LP. And whether any of these proteins may serve as markers of prostatic hyperplasia. To examine the early changes of a number of fctors or biomarkers using a combination of immunohistochemical and in situ hypbridization methods and to correlate the time of appearance and levels of expression of protein/mRNA signals of various growth factors with the development of histopathological lesions. In addition, the multi-step genetic events involved in the development of prostate cancer will be examined.
|
Investigators: |
Professor Y.C. Wong (Principal) |
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.09
TELOMERASE ACTIVITY AND TERMINAL RESTRICTION FRAGMENT IN HORMONE-INDUCED PROSTATIC CARCINOGENESIS
To detect telomerase activities in different stages of induced carcinogenesis and to compare the terminal restriction fragment (TRF) in diffeent stages of carcinogenesis, with the aim of understanding better the mechanism of prostatic carcinogenesis.
Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1996.09
DETECTION OF SPECIFIC MARKER PROTEINS IN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA
To detect new specific protein factors in secrection of BPH by a neonatal tolerization method; to isolation and characterize these new proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Investigator: Professor Y.C. Wong
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1997.07
THE STUDY OF b THROMBOGLOBULIN AND PLATELET FACTOR 4 IN STROKE
To measure PF4 which is a useful addition to the study of platelet pathophysiology.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. E.K.W. Woo (Principal) |
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Wu Chung Medical Research Fund
Starting date: 1984.06
CELL PROLIFERATION AND PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH (APOPTOSIS) IN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
To identify the abnormal expression of the genes responsible for cellular proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma; to determine the abnormal expression of the genes regulating apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma; to relate the level of imbalance in cellular proliferation and apoptosis between different hepatocellular carcinomas and to identify different subclasses of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Investigator: Professor P.C. Wu
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.11
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A PYRUVATE KINASE (PK) REACTIVATING FACTOR
Pyruvate kinase from certain non-mammalian sources are shown to be significantly inactivated after separation from other proteins by chromatography. This project aims to purify to homogeneity from cytosolic extracts a protein factor capable of restor activity to the inactivated enzyme; to characterize the purified protein factor; and to examine whether the factor can act similarly on human erythrocyte PK mutants.
Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Starting date: 1991.09
ROLE OF ALUMINIUM IN DIALYSIS DEMENTIA
To study the intestinal absorption of aluminium (Al), and the effect of Al on liver and brain enzymes, with a view to acquiring a better understanding of the role and possible toxic effect of Al and its association with dialysis dementia.
Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Starting date: 1991.09
ROLE OF ALUMINIUM AS A NEUROTOXIC AGENT
To study the biochemical effects of aluminium on cellular metabolism; to seek a relationship of aluminium to dialysis dementia and to Alzheimerís disease.
Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
ROLE OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN THE REGULATION AND EXPRESSION OF ENZYMES
To investigate the effect of different unsaturated fatty acids on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and protein kinase C; to study whether unsaturated fatty acids are involved in the expression of PEPCK.
Investigator: Dr. S.W.N. Wu
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
EFFECTS AND MECHANISM OF NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR ON ADULT MOTONEURON SURVIVAL
To investigate the effects and mechanism of neurotrophic factors on adult motoneuron survival.
Investigator: Dr. W. Wu
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE ON DEGENERATION OF CLARKEíS NEURONS AFTER TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY
To investigate whether nitric oxide is involved in death of the Clarkeís neurons and whether such death can be prevented by experimental manipulations.
Investigator: Dr. W. Wu
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1997.07
TOWARDS CONTROL OF INFECTION WITH MARINE PATHOGENS
To identify the origin of the contamination, develop an economical method of depuration and formulate measure to control the infection in the community. The study will focus on shell fish, which has been implicated as the most common source of the infection, and takes advantage of the ability of the bivalves to concentrate microorganism from the environment to facilitate detection of these marine pathogens.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. W.C. Yam (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Microbiology (Hospital Pathology
Services) |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1994.09
MOLECULAR STUDY ON THE EPIDEMIC SPREAD OF VIBRIO CHOLERAE IN HONG KONG
To study virulence factors of epidemic strains of Vibrio cholerae relating to its high endemicity in a molecular approach. This information will be useful in monitoring the spread of cholera, determining the origin of outbreaks, and implicating speci vehicles of transmission.
Investigator: Dr. W.C. Yam
Department: Microbiology (Hospital Pathology Services)
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
THE EFFECT OF ESMOLOL AND ALFENTANIL ON INTRA-OPERATIVE HYPERTENSION AND SERUM CATECHOLAMINES
To find out whether hypertension due to laryngeal stimulation (endotracheal intubation and extubation) is related to plasma catecholamine levels; what will be the effect of esmolol and alfentanil on plasma catecholamines and the clinical influence of these two drugs on patientís recovery from general anaesthesia.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J.C.S. Yang
(Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anaesthesiology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.09
ANALGESIC EFFECT OF KETAMINE ON BRACHIAL PLEXOPATHY
To investigate whether subanaesthetic doses of ketamine have any analgeaic effect on brachial plexus neuropathy.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J.C.S. Yang
(Principal) |
Department: Anaesthesiology
Starting date: 1995.07
PHYSIOLOGICAL (CATECHOLAMINE RESPONSE TO STRESS) AND PSYCHOLOGICAL (LOCUS OF CONTROL, MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING) DETERMINANTS OF OPTIMAL POST-OPERATIVE MORPHINE USAGE
To understand the roles played by stress, the patientís beliefs in health maintenance, and sensory and emotional factors in the patientís demand for optimal analgesics.
|
Investigators: |
Professor J.C.S. Yang
(Principal) |
|
Investigators: |
Anaesthesiology |
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
RESEARCH STUDY ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B CARRIERS STATE AND INFECTIONS IN HONG KONG CHILDREN
Research study on the epidemiology of haemophilus influenzae type b carriers state and infections in Hong Kong children.
|
Investigators: |
Professor C.Y. Yeung
(Principal) |
Department: Paediatrics
Starting date: 1992.01
THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF CLINICALLY APPLICABLE MOLECULES IN PROTECTING NEONATAL BRAINS FROM BILIRUBIN ENCEPHALOPATHY, ALONE OR IN ASSOCIATION WITH HYPOXIA AND ENDOTOXAEMIA
To use both cell culture and animal models for examining the cytotoxic effects of bilirubin in the absence or presence of hypoxia and endotoxaemia. The protective effects of several peptide growth factors will be evaluated using these models. The ultimate aim is to look for new therapeutic modalities which may be used in newborn babies clinically.
|
Investigators: |
Professor C.Y. Yeung
(Principal) |
Department: Paediatrics
Starting date: 1997.07
TO INVESTIGATE THE SOFT TISSUE AND HARD TISSUE RATIO OF 10 CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MANDIBULAR HYPERPLASIA BY USING 3-D CT IMAGING
To formulate a baseline data base for our Southern Chinese patient in terms of soft tissue and hard tissue ratio; to develop a computer program for 3-D planning of the orthognathic patient; to enhance further investigation of hard and soft tissue ratio in the post-surgically treated patient.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. R.W.K. Yeung (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
TO INVESTIGATE THE SOFT TISSUE AND HARD TISSUE RATIO OF 10 CHINESE PATIENTS WITH MAXILLARY HYPERPLASIA, NASOMAXILLARY HYPOPLASIA BY USING 3-D CT IMAGING AND POST-OPERATIVE SOFT TISSUE AND HARD TISSUE RATIO 1 YEAR AFTER THE OPERATION
To formulate a baseline data base for our Southern Chinese patient in terms of soft tissue and hard tissue ratio; to develop a computer program for 3-D planning of the orthognathic patient.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. R.W.K. Yeung (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.07
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EMBRYOTROPHIC FACTOR FROM HUMAN OVIDUCTAL CELLS
To purify the embryotrophic factor(s) by the human oviductal cells; to produce monoclonal antibodies against the embryotrophic factor(s); to characterize the factor(s) in terms of a) chromatographic and electrophoretic behaviour, b) immunocytochemical location in the fallopian tube, c) factors affecting the production of the embryotrophic factor(s), and, d) its effects on the enzyme activities of mouse embryos.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. W.S.B. Yeung (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
|
Source of funding: |
Hong Kong Research Grants
Council |
Starting date: 1995.11
THE USE OF CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE ENDOGENOUS AMINO ACID POOLS IN SINGLE MOUSE EMBRYOS
To establish a quantitative method for the determination of endogenous amino acid pool in a single mouse embyro; to determine the profile of endogenous amino acids in different strains of mouse embryos at different stages of development in vivo; to st the effect of exogenous amino acids on the endogenous amino acid pools in vitro.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. W.S.B. Yeung (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SPERMATOZOA/ZONA BINDING INHIBITORY FACTOR(S) FROM HUMAN FOLLICULAR FLUID
To characterize the spermatozoa/zona binding inhibitory factor(s) from human follicular fluid by (a) its zona binding inhibitory activity under various conditions; and (b) its chromatographic behaviour.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. W.S.B. Yeung (Principal) |
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Starting date: 1997.07
USE OF SKIN TRACTION PRE-OPERATIVELY
Evaluate its effectiveness for pain control.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. D.K.H. Yip (Principal) |
Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
BONDING OF LIGHT-CURED GLASS INONMER TO CHEMOMECHANICALLY PREPARED DENTINE
To develop an improved and simplified system for chemomechanical caries removal; to investigate the mineral content of the dentine remaining after chemomechanical caries removal; to investigate the interface between dental materials and untreated conventionally prepared dentine; to investigate the bonding properties of the modified, chemomechanically prepared, dentine substrate to adhesive restorative materials.
Investigator: Dr. H.K. Yip
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1995.07
THE BONDING INTERFACE BETWEEN RESIN-MODIFIED GLASS IONOMER AND SCLEROTIC ROOT DENTINE
To study the interfacial bonding properties and bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomers with sclerotic root dentine.
Investigator: Dr. H.K. Yip
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.07
CHARACTERIZATION OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) RECEPTOR EXPRESSION ON PERIPHERAL (PNS) AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) GLIA CELLS AFTER AXOTOMY AND ITS ROLE IN NERVE REGENERATION
To compare by receptor quantitation (immunoprecipitation assay) and light and electron microscopic localization, the time course of NGF receptors induction on Schwann cells after dorsal roots crush in newborn rats in which regeneration into the CNS usually occurs with a similar lesion in the adult rats which regeneration seldom occurs; to determine whether NGF receptors are induced in selected CNS regions after axotomy. At least four systems will be examined: a) denervated NGF-responsive central cholinergic neurons in hippocampus; b) optic nerve because it is frequently compared to peripheral nerve for its inability to promote regeneration; c) dorsal spinal cord after dorsal rhizotomy, because it will contain degenerative fibers of peripherally-derived, NGF-responsive neurons in a CNS environment; d) spinal cord subjected to hemisection.
Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip
Department: Anatomy
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1993.07
THE ROLE OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR (NGF) AND ITS LOW AFFINITY RECEPTOR (P75NGFR) IN DORSAL ROOT REGENERATION
To compare, by LM and EM localization and by receptor quantitation, the temporal and spatial expression of low affinity NGFr along the dorsal root pathway following injury to the dorsal root in newborn (where regeneration can occur) and in adult (whete regeneration seldom occur) animals. We shall determine the anatomical relationship of regenerating fibers and NGFr-bearing glian cells. To assess the role of CNS target tissues and of endogenous NGF as a possible target-derived substance in the CNS in the trophic support and regeneration of DRG neurons at early postnatal age. We shll quantify and compare the relative amount of NGF supplied to the DRG by either the central or peripheral axons in neonates and in adult animals. We shall define the time couse of changes of NGF levels in the central target areas (dorsal spinal cord) after dorsal rhizotomy.
Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1993.09
THE ROLE OF NERVE GROWTH FACTORS (NGF, BDNF) IN DORSAL ROOT REGENERATION
To examine whether the ability of injured dorsal root (DR) axons to regenerate back to the spinal cord is age dependent and to determine some of the factors involved in their successful reentry into the CNS. We shall compare the effectiveness of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) as a trophic and/or tropic agent in enhancing DR regeneraton. The possibility that the expression of neurite growth-inhibitory molecules on the oligodendrocytes could be the deterrent factor for the success of the DR regeneration will also be examined.
Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Croucher Foundation
Starting date: 1994.10
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATON OF CELLS THAT EXPRESS P75NGFR IN THE DEVELOPING RAT
To study the expression of p75NGFr in the developing rat and to determine whether the presence of p75NGFr in a subpopulation of cells of the nervous system can be used as a surface marker to identify phenotypically distinct, neural crest-derived cells
Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
EXPRESSION OF LOW-AFFINITY NEUROTROPHIN RECEPTOR (P75) IN THE DEVELOPING AND ADULT RAT RETINA
To characterize and localize p75 cells in the retina of embryonic, neonatal and adult rats using a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognize the rat p75 by in vitro autoradiography and immunohistochemistry (both LM and EM), especially to deline the close relationship between the retinal ganglion cell body and the surrounding Muller cell processes.
Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
EXPRESSION OF CELL ADHESION MOLECULES IN THE RETINAL AND OPTIC NERVE OF THE ADULT MOUSE FOLLOWING AXONAL INJURY AND INTRAVITREAL TRANSPLANTATION OF A PERIPHERAL NERVE GRAFT
To elucidate the effect of intravitreal transplantation of a peripheral nerve (PN) graft on the expression of specific cell adhesion molecules in the retina and optic nerve of the adult mouse and their roles in the axonal regrowth of axotomized retinal ganglion cells will also be assessed.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. H.K.F. Yip (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Anatomy |
Source of funding: Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
Starting date: 1997.01
THE EXPRESSION OF LOW AFFINITY NEUROTROPHIN RECEPTOR (P75) AND THE DETERMINING ROLE OF P75 IN THE ZEBRIN II+ PARASAGITTAL ZONE FORMATION IN THE DEVELOPING RAT CEREBELLUM
To study the expression of p75 and to find out whether the expression of these receptors can form the parasagittal bands; to compare the parasagittal banding structures of p75 and zebrin II and to find out whether or not the bands express p75 also express zebrin II.
Investigator: Dr. H.K.F. Yip
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1997.07
DETECTION OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS VIRAEMIA USING POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ON PLASMA SAMPLES OF BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
To develop a plasma PCR assay for the routine diagnosis of CMV disease in bone marrow transplant recipients.
|
Investigators: |
Professor K.Y. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Microbiology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
THE MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ACINETOBACTER CALCOACETICUS INFECTION
To study the pattern of hospital acquired acinetobacter infection by biotype, antibiotype and DNA fingerprinting.
|
Investigators: |
Professor K.Y. Yuen (Principal) |
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1997.06
A GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC STUDY OF STREPTOCOCCUS MILLERI
To use conventional biotype, antibiogram, and pulse field electrophoretic DNA fingerprint for the study of streptococcus milleri infection; its mode of transmission, the type of at-risk patient, and their preferred sites of infection.
Investigator: Professor K.Y. Yuen
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MOLD INFECTIONS IN BONE MARROWS TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
To elucidate the clinical significance of positive concentrated smears of mold infections in bone marrow transplant recipients.
|
Investigators: |
Professor K.Y. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Microbiology |
Starting date: 1997.07
ORAL DNA VACCINES
To organise vaccines laboratory; to develop 5 DNA vaccines and obtain Ethics Committee approval for clinical trial.
|
Investigators: |
Professor K.Y. Yuen (Principal) |
Department: Microbiology
Starting date: 1997.07
EVALUATION OF TYMPANOPLASTY PROCEDURES IN EAR SURGERY; EVALUATION OF OTOLOGICAL AND RHINOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCER
To control and improve the tympanoplastic procedures in ear surgery; otological and rhinological problems in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1986.06 Completion date: 1996.09
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PROFOUND SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS IN CANTONESE SPEAKING PATIENTS
To rehabilitate profoundly deaf Cantonese speaking patients by multichannel cochlear implant.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
|
Source of funding: |
Committee on Research and Conference
Grants |
Starting date: 1990.05
NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS - ITS RELATION TO SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
To evaluate 1) the prognostic value of nutritional parameters on surgical complications; 2) the efficacy of perioperative hyperalimentation to correct nutritional malnutrition and to reduce surgical complication; 3) to evaluate the nutritional status after curative operation.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal) |
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
TO IDENTIFY NEW PROGNOSTIC FACTORS FOR CARCINOMA OF TONGUE
To identify new prognostic factors for carcinoma of tongue by using whole organ serial sectioning, molecular biology, and immunohistochemical methods so that better treatment protocol can be employed.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MAPPING OF CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITY IN NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA BY COMPARATIVE GENOMIC HYBRIDIZATION
To locate the chomosomal abnormality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma for future search for novel oncogene and tumour suppressor gene.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. P.W. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Surgery |
Starting date: 1997.07
DNA PLOIDY AND CELL PROLIFERATION IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMA
To study the DNA ploidy and cell proliferation pattern of colorectal carcinoma by flow cytometric technique, and their correlation with survival and clinicopathological parameters.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.T. Yuen (Principal) |
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1991.07
GENETIC CHANGES IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMAS IN HONG KONG CHINESE
To study the genetic changes in colorectal carcinomas in Hong Kong Chinese. Tumour DNA as well as constitutional DNA will be studied by molecular biological methods from large well documented case series. This population has not been analyzed in this way before, but the epidemiology of this common tumour differs in very significant respects from that in Western caucasian populations of similar size; to document the various genetic changes in the Hong Kong tumours, relate them to prognosis, and attempt to identify the genetic basis for the epidemiological differences by formal comparison with a similar analysis taking place in Edinburgh. In the long term, this will contribute to our understanding of the colorectal carcinogenesis in general.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.T. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Pathology |
Source of funding: Croucher Foundation
Starting date: 1993.09
TO STUDY THE RELATION BETWEEN ESPTEIN-BARR VIRUS AND GASTRIC EPITHELIAL CARCINOMA
To determine the association of Epstein-Barr virus and conventional gastric adenocarcinomas and to investigate at what stage the virus infects the epithelial cells.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. S.T. Yuen (Principal) |
|
Departments: |
Pathology |
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
DENTAL PLAQUE FORMATION IN ìRAPIDî AND ìSLOWî PLAQUE FORMERS
To investigate ultra-morphological structure of the early and subsequent plaque formation of the ìrapidî and ìslowî plaque formers using SEM; to investigate ultra-morphological structure the early plaque formation of the ìrapidî and ìslowî plaque form using TEM; to investigate the changes in the dentogingival area and morphology of the microbial colonization in the ìrapidî and ìslowî plaque formers using SEM replication technique.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07 Completion date: 1996.09
A 3-YEAR LONGITUDINAL CLINICAL STUDY OF OSSEOINTEGRATED IMPLANTS (CRESCO TI CONCEPT) IN THE TREATMENT OF PARTIALLY DENTATE PATIENTS.
To investigate the clinical and functional performance of the Cresco Ti Concept implant system in partially dentate patients over a 3-year period.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Leung Kau Kui Research and Teaching Endowment Fund
Starting date: 1994.07
A LONGITUDINAL MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY ON OSSEOINTEGRATED TITANIUM IMPLANTS IN PARTIALLY DENTATE PATIENTS FROM A SOUTHERN CHINESE POPULATION
To identify and monitor the microbial population which inhabit the peri-implant crevices in a group of partially dentate Hong Kong Chinese patients.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
DISTRIBUTION AND COMPOSITION OF SUBGINGIVAL PLAQUE ALONG PERIODONTALLY INVOLVED ROOT SURFACES
To investigate the distribution and composition of subgingival plaque along the root surfaces of extracted periodontally involved teeth.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY OF PUTATIVE PATHOGENS IN CHINESE PERIODONTAL PATIENTS
To investigate the antibiotic sensitivity of the putative periodontal pathogens cultivable in Chinese patients suffering from advanced periodontal disease.
|
Investigators: |
Dr. K.Y. Zee (Principal) |
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.07
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