Research Project
Medicine, Dentistry and Health
Research Projects
Administrative,
Business and
Social Studies
Medicine,
Dentistry
and Health:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Civil and
Structural
Engineering
Electrical and
Electronic
Engineering
Computing
Sciences,
Information
Technology
and Applied
Mathematics
Mechanical,
Production and
Industrial
Engineering
including
Textiles and
Clothing
ASSESSING TRAVEL ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS AMONG THE HONG KONG POPULATION AND MEASURES TO REDUCE THEM - A PILOT STUDY
To obtain information on frequency of travel, prevalence of cost of travel-related illness and to examine the feasibility of a larger scale study including a randomised control trial in this aspect.
Investigator: Dr. A.S.M. Abdullah
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1998.01
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN HONG KONG
To evaluate the effectiveness of the present system of screening in Hong Kong and make appropriate recommendations for any change in policy.
Investigator: Dr. P. Adab
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.11
POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL SMOKING CONTROL PROJECT
To introduce a smoking control programme to the Hong Kong police training school and assess the effectiveness of the programme in changing officers' knowledge, altitude and behaviour towards smoking.
Investigator: Dr. P. Adab
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Police
Starting date: 1997.02 Completion date: 1999.02
THE PATTERN OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN HONG KONG
Cervical cancer is an important public health problem which can largely be prevented by adequate screening. The international literature suggests that untargeted screening is likely to be inequitable, less effective, waste resources and may cause unnecessary harm. In Hong Kong there is some screening activity, but it is not co-ordinated and there are no local guidelines nor policies. There is insufficient information on the coverage and frequency of screening amongst women. We also do not know what factors affect the uptake of screening and what barriers to screening there are in Hong Kong. In this study, a cross-sectional survey will be used to estimate the coverage of screening and screening intervals for women in Hong Kong. The survey will also allow us to describe the characteristics of the unscreened population. The results will be used to estimate the potential number of life years saved and whether this could be improved if a screening policy which targets women at higher risk was implemented.
Investigators: Dr. P. Adab (Principal)
Dr. S.M. McGhee
Dr. C.M. Wong
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1997.07
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CANTONESE TONE TRAINER FOR USE WITH SPEECH AND HEARING IMPAIRED PEOPLE
To develop a prototype computer programmed Cantonese tone speech viewer.
Investigators: Mr. D.K.K. Au (Principal)
Dr. L.K.H. So
Departments: Surgery
Speech and Hearing Sciences
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANTONESE SPEECH AUDIOMETRY FOR ADULTS
To provide a clinical tool for assessing auditory sensitivity of Cantonese speakers; to be able to correlate with pure tone threshold results to counter-check inconsistent response from the subjects being tested; to be able to distinguish the effect of different types of hearing loss on speech discrimination.
Investigators: Mr. D.K.K. Au (Principal)
Dr. C.S. Leung
Departments: Surgery
Speech and Hearing Sciences
Source of funding: Simon K.Y. Lee Research Fund
Starting date: 1993.04
OTOACOUSTIC EMISSION MEASUREMENT (OAE) IN PATIENT RECEIVING STREPTOMYCIN INJECTION
To study the value of OAE as more sensitive screening test than pure tone audiogram in identifying patient who is more vulnerable to the ototoxic effect of streptomycin. So that modification of treatment regimen can be implemented before irreversible damage occur.
Investigators: Mr. D.K.K. Au (Principal)
Professor W.I. Wei
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
THE MECHANISM OF ADENOSINE RELEASE FROM SKELETAL MUSCLE
To investigate the manner in which a pH change influences the release of adenosine from skeletal muscle, and the role of lactic acid formation in the release of adenosine.
Investigator: Dr. H.J. Ballard
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Lee Wing Tat Medical Research Fund
Starting date: 1992.07
THE ROLE OF NITRIC OXIDE IN ACTIVE HYPERAEMIA OF RED SKELETAL MUSCLE
To determine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in active hyperaemia of red skeletal muscle.
Investigator: Dr. H.J. Ballard
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
METABOLIC CONTROL OF SKELETAL MUSCLE BLOOD FLOW DURING ISOTONIC CONTRACTION
To investigate the vasodilator response to isotonic muscle contractions and the release of metabolic controlling factors in this condition.
Investigator: Dr. H.J. Ballard
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
THE INFLUENCE OF LACTIC ACIDOSIS ON ADENOSINE OUTPUT FROM THE HEART
To carry out 3 series of experiments to determine (i) whether adenosine output from the heart is stimulated by lactic acidosis, and (ii) whether adenosine and lactate outputs from the heart are correlated at different workloads.
Investigator: Dr. H.J. Ballard
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE RESPONSES OF THE SKELETAL MUSCLE VASCULATURE TO LOCAL HYPOXIA OR BLOOD-BORNE AGENTS DURING SYSTEMIC HYPOXIA
To characterise the vascular response to a period of hypoxia that is localised to the muscle under examination; to determine the levels of vasoactive metabolites in the arterial and venous blood of an isolated skeletal muscle under control conditions and during a period of hypoxia that is localised to the muscle under examination; to determine the levels of vasoactive metabolites in a microdialysate of the interstitial fluid of an isolated skeletal muscle under control conditions and during a period of hypoxia that is localised to the muscle under examination; to characterise the reflex response to hypoxia arising from the stimulation of ergoreceptors in an isolated skeletal muscle during a period of phyoxia that is localised to the muscle under examination; to characterise the vascular response and determine the changes in the arterial, venous and interstitial levels of vasoactive metabolites in an isolated skeletal muscle that result from changes in the delivery of metabolites or hormones to the muscle during system hypoxia.
Investigator: Dr. H.J. Ballard
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.11
THE ATTITUDES OF DOCTORS TOWARD RAPE VICTIMS
To have an objective assessment of what the prevalent attitudes are; to ascertain if there is a gender bias; to compare local data with data from other countries; to compare data with other professional groups.
Investigator: Dr. S.L. Beh
Department: Pathology
Starting date: 1993.06
DRUG ANALYSIS IN HUMAN HAIRS
To share experience and expertise in the detection of drugs in human hair to the Department of Pathology at the University of Hong Kong; to validate detection results obtained at the two different institutions and its comparison with currently accepted standards of blood or urine levels; to identify possible effects of storage under different circumstances on the detectability of drugs in human hair samples; to establish a standard and easy to follow protocol of practice to enable the application of such expertise in different screening procedures including drug addict screenng programs, drug screening in sports and drug compliance in clinical trials.
Investigators: Dr. S.L. Beh (Principal)
Professor W. Bonte
Departments: Pathology
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Germany
Source of funding: Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
Starting date: 1998.01
A STUDY OF NURSES' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN THE GENERAL OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENTS (GOPDS) IN HONG KONG
To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice of nurses performing health education and how these relate to their present tasks in the GOPDs.
Investigators: Dr. C.L. Betson (Principal)
Miss S.S.C. Chan
Professor T.H. Lam
Departments: Community Medicine
Nursing Studies
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1996.01
A RANDOMISED CONTROL TRIAL (RTC) OF A HEALTH EDUCATION INTERVENTION PROVIDED BY NURSES TO MOTHERS OR GRANDMOTHERS OF SICK CHILDREN IN HONG KONG
To study the effects of nurses providing a health education intervention to mothers or grandmothers about the effects of ETS exposure on children.
Investigators: Dr. C.L. Betson (Principal)
Miss S.S.C. Chan
Professor T.H. Lam
Dr. P.L. Ma
Departments: Community Medicine
Department of Health, Hong Kong Government
Nursing Studies
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1996.03
THE COMBINED ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF SURFACTANT AGENTS AND GLASS IONOMER CEMENTS ON CARIOGENIC ORGANISMS
To determine if combinations of GIC and surfactant agents have the ability to eliminate bacterial viability of infected dentine associated with dental caries under restorations.
Investigators: Dr. M.G. Botelho (Principal)
Professor L.P. Samaranayake
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
RECEPTOR RESERVE AND EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING IN AIRWAY SMOOTH MUSCLE
To establish the relationship between the number of functional receptors for an agonist and the excitation-contraction coupling mode associated with this agonist. Can the status of internal calcium stores affect the number of functional receptor for an agonist?
Investigator: Dr. J.P. Bourreau
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
CELLULAR APPROACH TO STUDY THE ALPHA ADRENERGIC REGULATION OF HUMAN GRAFT BLOOD VESSELS
It represents a collaborative effort to put basic science of vascular biology into clinical perspective; to establish a pharmacological profile, at the cellular level, of graft vessels used during coronary bypass surgery at Grantham Hospital.
Investigators: Dr. J.P. Bourreau (Principal)
Professor G.W. He
Departments: Physiology
Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
TYPE II NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE INHIBITION: EFFECT ON VASCULAR REACTIVITY TO VASOCONSTRICTIVE STIMULI AND ON MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTILITY IN TISSUES ISOLATED FROM ENDOTOXEMIC RATS
To evaluate "in vitro" the selectivity of new compounds in inhibiting NO synthase induced during sepsis while preserving the integrity of the endogenous, regulated isoform of this enzyme.
Investigator: Dr. J.P. Bourreau
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
BIOMEDICAL WRITING FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS WHOSE MOTHER TONGUE IS CHINESE: A NOVEL COURSE BASED ON INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA
Two tasks need to be accomplished. Firstly, how best to teach and learn the art and craft of creating a manuscript suitable for submission to an international journal. Secondly, how to develop a teaching tool that is sensitive to the specific difficulties encountered by individuals whose usual channels of communication are Chinese. The unifying strategy is to create and interactive web site that can be used, in combination with face-to-fac teaching, to develop the desired writing skills and attitudes.
Investigators: Dr. I.C. Bruce (Principal)
Dr. R.Y.P. Chan
Dr. P.W.F. Poon
Dr. Q. Xia
Departments: Physiology
Centre for the Advancement of University Teaching
School of Medicine, ZheJiang University, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: Teaching Development Grants issued by The University Grants Committee of Hong Kong
Starting date: 1999.02
IDENTIFICATION AND UTILIZATION OF TUMOR SPECIFIC SEROLOGICAL MARKERS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
It is estimated that 50,000 people develop esophageal cancer each year in the developed countries, and at least 10 times of that number in developing countries, especially in China. Only about 10% of these patients recover from the disease after treatment. This is largely because early symptoms of the cancer is innocuous, and therefore it is not diagnosed until the disease is at an advanced stage. The proposal aims to develop a test for early diagnosis of this cancer in order to improve patients' chance of recovery. The project will be carried out in 3 stages. The first is to identify genes that are specifically expressed in the cancer at high levels. The second is to develop tests to detect the products encoded by these genes. The third is to carry out clinical trails to determine which of these tests can be used for early diagnosis with adequate sensitive and specificity.
Investigators: Dr. L. Cao (Principal)
Professor M.H. Ng
Department: Microbiology
Starting date: 1995.07
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN EPSTEIN BARR VIRAL (EBV) PROTEINS AND P53 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA (NPC)
To confirm that functional p53 protein abnormality commonly seen in NPC tumors may be largely ascribed to epigenetic mechanisms, rather than aberrations of p53 gene; to identify the host and EBV specific proteins from these tumors that may influence the function of wild type p53 protein by binding directly or indirectly to it; to study the structure and function of such interacting protein complex by investigating: (a) nature of this association, i.e. whether the association is direct or indirect; (b) specificity of this interaction with wild type and mutant forms of p53 proteins; (c) transcription activation via p53 protein binding sites with wild type p53; (d) co-accumulation of both p53 and its viral (cellular) binding proteins inside individual cells; (e) conformational change of p53 protein upon the binding of the viral proteins; to analyze the natural occurrence of both p53 and the viral protein in NPC tumor specimens.
Investigators: Dr. L. Cao (Principal)
Professor M.H. Ng
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Croucher Foundation
Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS OF PENICILLIUM MARNEFFEI INFECTION USING FUNGAL RECOMBINANT PROTEIN
Developing, clinical evaluating and manufacturing the Penicillium Test(ab) for the detection of the presence of specific antibodies; evaluation of the possibility of an antigen test (Penicillium Test(ab)) using antibody generated against the recombinant protein, pilot production and production and evaluation of the test.
Investigator: Dr. L. Cao
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Industry Dept. of Hong Kong Government :- Industrial Support Fund
Starting date: 1996.07
CLONING GENES FOR PROTEINS THAT INTERACT WITH LMP1 OF EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS USING YEAST TWO HYBRID SYSTEM
To understand the biological function of a latent membrane protein (LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus in the process of cell transformation and nasopharyngeal carcinoma development. It utilises a yeast two hybrid system to clone genes for LMP1 interacting proteins. The genes, once cloned, will be expressed and examined for their interactions with LMP1 protein.
Investigator: Dr. L. Cao
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
THE EFFECT OF POSITIONING ON BACK PAIN EXPERIENCED BY CHINESE PATIENTS AFTER CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY: ENHANCING PATIENT COMFORT THROUGH NURSING RESEARCH
To measure the effect of different positionings on reduction of back pain after coronary angiography; to explore the effect of different positionings on the incidence of bleeding from catheter insertion sites after coronary angiography.
Investigators: Ms S.Y. Chair (Principal)
Miss S.S.C. Chan
Departments: Nursing Studies
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.05
AN INVESTIGATION OF LAY KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL TRAUMA IN HONG KONG
To investigate, by means of a postal questionnaire, the knowledge of a group of physical education teachers in Hong Kong, whom might be involved with the emergency phase of dental injury in children.
Investigators: Dr. A.W.K. Chan (Principal)
Dr. T.K.S. Wong
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Nursing and Health Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Starting date: 1998.09 Completion date: 1999.05
DEFINING THE MOLECULAR CONSEQUENCE OF NC2 MUTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHMID METAPHYSEAL CHONDRODYSPLASIA
To recreate these two mutations using site-directed mutagenesis and to analyse the consequence of these mutations using an established cell-free translation prototcol to express these mutant molecules and study the repercussion of these two mutations on collagen X biosynthesis and assembly.
Investigator: Dr. D. Chan
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.02
MECHANISMS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN HUMAN ANTI-DNA AUTO-ANTIBODIES AND HUMAN GLOMERULAR MESANGIAL CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS
To determine the subset of human anti-DNA antibodies that can bind to human glomerular mesangial cells; to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction between anti-DNA antibodies and mesangial cells, in particular the modulatory roles of DNA and histones; to identify mesangial cell membrane proteins responsible for interacting with human anti-DNA antibodies; to determine the relationship between anti-DNA/mesangial cell binding and clinical manifestations.
Investigators: Professor D.T.M. Chan (Principal)
Dr. F.K. Li
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.09
PRE-EMPTIVE TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS B EXACERBATION BASED ON SERUM HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBV) DNA LEVELS IN PATIENTS AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION
To prove that serial monitoring of serum HBV DNA level allows early detection of hepatitis B exacerbation in immunosuppressed renal transplant recipients, before deterioration of liver function; to show that early suppression of HBV replication in renal transplant recipients can prevent death and reduce liver damage due to activation of hepatitis B; to determine the pathogenetic relationship between hepatitis B virus replication and liver disease in immunosuppressed subjects.
Investigators: Professor D.T.M. Chan (Principal)
Professor C.L. Lai
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE EFFECTS OF GLUCOSE, TGF-BETA, AND HEPARIN ON THE EXPRESSION OF PROTEOGLYCANS AND EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX MOLECULES BY HUMAN PERITONEAL MESOTHELIAL CELLS
To determine and characterise the profile of ECM components synthesized and secretes by HPMC; to identify changes in the synthesis and secretion of ECM molecules, in particular the PGs perlecan and decorin by HPMC cultured in the presence of different glycaemic conditions and TGF-beta; to determine the effects of heparin and neutralising antibodies to TGF-beta on PG and ECM protein synthesis by HPMC; to examine the ultrastructural changes within the peritoneum of patients maintained on CAPD with reference to ECM components in particular PGs.
Investigators: Professor D.T.M. Chan (Principal)
Dr. S.M. Chu
Dr. F.K. Li
Professor Y.C. Wong
Dr. S. Yung
Departments: Medicine
Anatomy
Institute of Nephrology, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, U.K.
Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital
Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.12
DEVELOPMENT OF AN INFRARED SENSING SYSTEM FOR FUNCTIONAL IMAGING OF THE BRAIN - A NONINVASIVE APPROACH
To develop an infrared sensing system for functional imaging of the brain.
Investigators: Professor F.H.Y. Chan (Principal)
Dr. J.C.K. Chan
Dr. P.W.F. Poon
Mr. A.T.P. So
Departments: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Physiology
Medicine
Source of funding: HKUST Biotechnology Research Institute
Starting date: 1993.01
APPLICATION OF THE APACHE II AND III PROGNOSTIC SCORING METHODS IN THE 14-BED INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL
To evaluate the usefulness of the APACHE II and III prognostic scoring methods in the 14-bed ICU at Queen Mary Hospital; to compare our ICU performance in terms of actual mortality with the predicted mortality based on the APACHE II predictive equation; to correlate the APACHE II and III severity scores. As the mortality prediction equation for APACHE III is only commercially available, a close correlation between APACHE II and III scores would support using the APACHE II scoring and prediction method as the standard method rather than financially investing in the APACHE III system.
Investigators: Dr. J.C.K. Chan (Principal)
Professor W.K. Lam
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Queen Mary Hospital Charitable Trust Training and Research Assistance Scheme
Starting date: 1995.07
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN THE BRAIN: ROLES OF GANGLIOSIDE-STIMULATED PROTEIN KINASE
To establish the functional roles for a novel ganglioside-stimulated protein kinase. These investigations are designed to provide further evidence for our unifying hypothesis that gangliosides can serve as multifuncitonal biomodulators in neural signal transduction.
Investigator: Dr. K.F.J. Chan
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Wing Lung Bank Medical Research Fund
Starting date: 1993.07
MOLECULAR CLONING AND EXPRESSION OF SCHISTOSOME FUCOSYLTRANSFERASE FOR VACCINE DEVELOPMENT
To characterize the alpha1-3 fucosyltransferase found in Schistosoma japonica through molecular cloning, DNA sequencing and protein expression of the parasitic enzyme. These investigations are prerequisites in the development of a vaccine for prevent of Schistosome infection and the spread of the disease.
Investigator: Dr. K.F.J. Chan
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
REGULATION OF NERVE CELL SYNAPTIC VESICLE PROTEIN PHOSPHORYLATION BY GANGLIOSIDE-STIMULATED PROTEIN KINASE AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINAL HERBS
To provide evidence for a functional role of ganglioside-stimulated protein kinase in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. The bioassay systems developed during this investigation are applicable for subsequent determination and identification of neuroactive components in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.
Investigator: Dr. K.F.J. Chan
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
GENETIC STUDY OF ADULT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE (APKD) IN HONG KONG
To establish a technique for early diagnosis of APKD in local Chinese patients so as to aid genetic counselling. APKD manifests about the age of 40 and is a disease of severe morbidity. Its gene frequency is common at about 1 in 1,000.
Investigators: Dr. K.W. Chan (Principal)
Dr. I.K.P. Cheng
Departments: Pathology
Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1998.12
TO INVESTIGATE THE USEFULNESS OF CELL PROLIFERATION MARKERS IN DIFFERENT SUBPOPULATIONS OF INFLAMMATORY CELLS INFILTRATING THE ALLOGRAFT KIDNEY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF GRAFT REJECTION
Proliferation of inflammatory cells within an allograft kidney may be an important feature of rejection. The aim of the study is to define the proliferative activities in different types of inflammatory cells, namely T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and possibly histiocytes, that infiltrate the transplanted kidney, and the usefulness of this parameter as a marker for grading the rejection activity.
Investigator: Dr. K.W. Chan
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1998.12
HIGH RISK ONCOGENIC HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUSES, OVEREXPRESSION OF TGF-BETA, P53, C-MYC, RAS, MUTATIONS OF P53 TUMOUR SUPPRESSOR GENE AND RAS ONCOGENE IN ONCOGENESIS AND PROGRESSION OF BLADDER CANCERS
To determine the prevalence of high risk oncogenic HPV in bladder cancer; to determine the frequency of TGF-beta, p53, c-myc, ras overexpression; to determine the frequency and the mutations of p53 and ras genes in bladder cancers. The purpose of the study is to find out the roles played by oncogenic HPV, abnormal TGF-beta, c-myc, p53, and ras expression, mutations of p53 and ras genes in oncogenesis and progression of bladder cancer.
Investigator: Dr. K.W. Chan
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.12
MUTATION IN PTEN, A PUTATIVE PROTEIN TYROSINE PHOSPHATASE GENE IN HONG KONG CHINESE PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS
To determine the frequency and nature of the PTEN gene mutation in prostate cancers in our patients.
Investigators: Dr. K.W. Chan (Principal)
Dr. C.K. Choo
Departments: Pathology
Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
GROWTH AND FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN KIDNEY TUBULAR CELLS AND TRANSGENIC MOUSE KIDNEYS AFFECTED BY MUTATED ADULT POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE GENE, PKDL
To find an effective treatment for APKD. In vito and in vivo models have enhanced similar researches in many other diseases. We think that the successful production of APKD models is crucial to future studies in APKD.
Investigators: Dr. K.W. Chan (Principal)
Dr. C.K. Choo
Dr. S.K. Chung
Departments: Pathology
Medicine
Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.09
CASE CONTROL STUDY OF CHILDHOOD LEUKAEMIA IN HONG KONG
To determine whether infection is a significant determinant of childhood leukaemia in Hong Kong.
Investigators: Professor L.C. Chan (Principal)
Dr. F. Alexander
Professor T.H. Lam
Professor Y.L. Lau
Dr. N.K. Leung
Dr. P. Yuen
Departments: Pathology
Community Medicine
Paediatrics
Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Paediatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital
Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, U.K.
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1994.11
MUTATION SCREENING OF VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR GENE
To compare ethnic (Chinese and Caucasian) diversity and heterogeneity in von Willebrand Disease.
Investigators: Professor L.C. Chan (Principal)
Dr. J. Pasi
Departments: Pathology
Haemophilia Centre and Haemostasis Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1997.01
MECHANISMS OF CHORAMPHENICOL INDUCED DAMAGE OF HAEMOPOIETIC STEM CELL
To investigate the effects of chloramphenicol on haemopoietic stem cells.
Investigator: Professor L.C. Chan
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06
CLONING AND CHARACTERISATION OF A NOVEL FUSION GENE AND ITS RELATED FAMILY MEMBER(S) IN HUMAN LEUKAEMIA
To clone and characterise the function of the gene from which the novel sequence derived from.
Investigators: Professor L.C. Chan (Principal)
Mr. E.C.W. So
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.10
STUDIES ON THE PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN A NOVEL FUSION GENE, MLL-EEN, IN LEUKAEMIA
To study the interaction between the SH3 domain of EEN and proline rich sequences in MLL.
Investigators: Professor L.C. Chan (Principal)
Dr. L. Wiedemann
Departments: Pathology
Chester Beatty Laboratories, Leukaemia Research Fund Centre, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1997.11
MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY OF VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE
To analyse the cDNAs of the von Willebrand Factor gene of Chinese patients suffering from von Willebrand's disease; to correlate genotype with phenotype i.e. clinical severity.
Investigator: Professor L.C. Chan
Department: Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL SERUM FERRITIN LEVEL WITH PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS AND OUTCOME
To study the relationship between maternal serum ferritin level and pregnancy complications and outcome; to determine the relationship between serum ferritin level and the occurrence of anaemia during pregnancy.
Investigators: Dr. P.L. Chan (Principal)
Dr. T.T.H. Lao
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.02
USE OF "MULTIPLEX" REVERSE TRANSCIPTASE-POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (RT-PCR) IN MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS AND RISK-GROUP STRATIFICATION IN CHILDHOOD MALIGNANCY
To establish the technique of using "multiplex RT-PCR in diagnosing childhood malignancy including acute leukemia with specific chromosomal translocation. To simplify the standard RT-PCR procedure by using "multiplex" technique so several PCR reactions can be processed at the same time. It will decrease both the working time and expenses. To apply this "multiplex' RT-PCR technique to study the frozen stored or fresh blood, bone marrow specimens obtained at diagnosis. a) It can help to stratify children with acute leukemia into different risk-groups and then risk-group directed therapy can be given accordingly. b) It can complement the cytogenetic and immunophenotyping result in confirming the diagnosis and assessing the prognosis for childhood leukemia. c) It may become a cost effective tool for the study of minimal residual disease in childhood leukemia.
Investigators: Dr. S.Y. Chan (Principal)
Dr. G.C.F. Chan
Dr. S.Y. Ha
Professor Y.L. Lau
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION BY TRANSMEMBRANE EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF) PRECURSOR
To evaluate the biological role and signalling pathway of transmembrane EGF precursor in cell growth and differentiation.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y. Chan
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06
THE RET PROTO-ONCOGENE IN KIDNEY DEVELOPMENT AND KIDNEY DISEASES
To localize the ret protein (RET) during kidney development and in differentiated kidneys; to confirm nuclear localization of activated RET; to study the involvement of RET in kidney diseases.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y. Chan
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
ANIMAL MODEL FOR STUDYING THE ROLE OF RENAL EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR
To define cis-regulatory DNA sequences in the mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene which can confer organ and cell-specific expression in the kidney; to create of an animal model with null/reduced renal EGF by using the identified sequences to drive anti-sense EGF expression.
Investigator: Dr. S.Y. Chan
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1998.11
APPLICATION OF DNA TECHNOLOGY IN GENETIC DISEASES AND BLOOD CANCERS
Studies in the molecular biology of other neurogenetic diseases: spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and fragile X syndrome; development of simpler techniques in the diagnosis of thalassaemia and haemophilias; application of fluorescent-in-situ hybridization to (a) prenatal diagnosis and (b) detection of minimal disease in blood cancers; detection of mixed chimerism after bone marrow transplantation as early detection of engraftment and/or relapse.
Investigators: Professor V.N.Y. Chan (Principal)
Professor T.K. Chan
Dr. E.K.W. Chiu
Professor Y.L. Kwong
Professor R.H.S. Liang
Professor V.C.N. Wong
Departments: Medicine
Paediatrics
Source of funding: Croucher Foundation
Starting date: 1993.09
NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF COMMON GENETIC DISEASES IN HONG KONG
To develop non-invasive techniques for prenatal diagnosis of alpha and beta thalassemias, haemophilis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Investigators: Professor V.N.Y. Chan (Principal)
Professor T.K. Chan
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1994.11
CORRELATING THE PHENOTYPE WITH THE GENOTYPE IN HBH SYNDROME
To identify risk factors in HbH syndrome in order to optimise the care of and prevention of complications in HbH patients.
Investigators: Professor V.N.Y. Chan (Principal)
Dr. J.C.S. Chim
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06
LINKAGE OF GENETIC LOCUS/LOCI IN THE HUMAN GENOME TO IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS
To link the genetic locus/loci to the phenotype by use of panels of fluorescent-based microsatelite markers of the human genome.
Investigators: Professor V.N.Y. Chan (Principal)
Dr. D. Lu
Professor K.D.K. Luk
Departments: Medicine
Hospital Aurthority
Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
CHARACTERISATION OF THE VENTRAL MEDULLARY (VM) NEURONS OF THE NORMOTENSIVE AND SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS
To characterize the VM neurones of normotensive and hypertensive rats in different physiological states and hope that by doing so, we may obtain useful information as to the exact site(s) and its (their) role(s) in the control of circulation.
Investigators: Professor Y.S. Chan (Principal)
Professor T.M. Wong
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Croucher Foundation
Starting date: 1990.02
INFORMATION PROCESSING IN THE OTOLITH SYSTEM IN NORMAL AND LESIONED STATES
To unravel the role of the otolith system in coding head movements in the normal and lesioned states.
Investigator: Professor Y.S. Chan
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
PROPERTIES OF OTOLITH NEURONS IN THE VESTIBULAR NUCLEUS: INFLUENCE OF THE VESTIBULOCEREBELLUM
To determine the contribution of the cerebellar uvulonodular lobe to the properties of central otolith neurons.
Investigator: Professor Y.S. Chan
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1998.12
DISTRIBUTION OF GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR SUBUNITS IN OTOLITH NEURONS OF THE VESTIBULAR NUCLEI
To use immunohistochemical methods to map the distribution of vestibular nuclear neurons that express glutamate receptor subunits; to identify among the positive neurons subpopulation that can be activated by selective stimulation of the otolith receptors; to map the distribution of glutaminergic otolith-spinal neurons in adult rats.
Investigator: Professor Y.S. Chan
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAT OTOLITH SYSTEM
To investigate the programme of functional maturation of otolith-spinal neurons in the vestibular nuclei; to determine the time course of expression and the distribution of various glutaminergic receptor subunits in functionally activated otolith-spinal neurons of an age-graded series of rats; to reveal the time course of maturation and the orientation of the response vector of otolith-forelimb reflex in an age-graded series of rats with the use of the electromyographic techniques.
Investigators: Professor Y.S. Chan (Principal)
Dr. K.K.L. Yung
Departments: Physiology
Biology, The Hong Kong Baptist University
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Outstanding Researcher Award, Vice Chancellor's Development Fund
Starting date: 1998.09
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CLONED RETINAL GANGLION NEURONOTROPHIC FACTORS
Retinal ganglion neuronotrophic factors (RGNTF) have recently been cloned in my laboratory from the lambda-gt 11 and E.coli system. It will be important to purify and characterize these cloned RGNTFs in order to understand their biochemical properties and biological effects in vitro as well as in vivo.
Investigator: Dr. R.M.W. Chau
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Leung Kau Kui Research and Teaching Endowment Fund
Starting date: 1993.07
CLONING FOR ERYTHROID DIFFERENTIATION AND DENUCLEATION FACTORS (EDDFS) SPECIFIC FOR THE MATURATION OF RED BLOOD CELLS
Erythropoietin is known as the major differentiation factor for the development of red blood cells. It is now believed that more differentiation and denucleation factors are involved in the terminal stages of maturation for red blood cells. Novel techniques will be used for the identification and cloning of these EDDFs.
Investigator: Dr. R.M.W. Chau
Department: Anatomy
Starting date: 1995.01
BIOINFORMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSES OF THE MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONAL HOMOLOGY OF RETINAL GANGLION NEURONOTROPHIC FACTORS (RGNTFS)
Structural homology and functional homology analyses of the neurotrophic factor specific for the retina ganglion neurons.
Investigator: Dr. R.M.W. Chau
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Boehringer Ingelheim (Hong Kong) Ltd.
Starting date: 1999.04
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF ERYTHROID DIFFERENTIATION AND DENUCLEATION FACTORS (EDDFS)
Bioinformatics and computational approaches in determining the molecular structural homology and the functional homology of the EDDFs in relationship to their super family of gene members.
Investigator: Dr. R.M.W. Chau
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Biotech Company (Growthfactor, Hong Kong)
Starting date: 1999.04
BIOINFORMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSES OF THE MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONAL HOMOLOGY OF DOPAMINERGIC NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR (DNTF) AND ITS GENE FAMILY MEMBERS
Structural homology and functional homology analyses of the neurotrophic factor for the dopaminergic neuron.
Investigator: Dr. R.M.W. Chau
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Biotech Company (Growthfactor, Hong Kong)
Starting date: 1999.04
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF MOTONEURONOTROPHIC FACTORS (MNTFS)
Bioinformatics and computational approaches in determining the molecular structural homology and the functional homology of the MNTFs in relationship to teir super family of gene members.
Investigator: Dr. R.M.W. Chau
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Biotech Company (Growthfactor, Hong Kong)
Starting date: 1999.04
TYPE XI COLLAGEN GENE EXPRESSION IN MOUSE AND MAN
The production of DNA and monoclonal antibody probes for the detection of expression of type XI collagen mRNA and protein. These tools will be used to study the expression of the alpha chains of type XI collagen during embryogenesis in mouse and man. These studies should extend our knowledge of the structure, function, growth and development of cartilage and bone.
Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)
Professor M.E. Grant
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council, UK
Starting date: 1989.01
DEFINING TYPE X COLLAGEN FUNCTION; TRANSGENIC MOUSE AND GENE TARGETING APPROACHES
To use gene targeting in mouse embryonal stem cells and mouse chimaeras to determine and study the function of type X collagen; to study early onset osteoarthritis in STR/ORT mice as a model for the human disease.
Investigator: Professor K.S.E. Cheah
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council, UK
Starting date: 1992.02
THE ROLE OF TYPE II PROCOLLAGENS ENCODED BY ALTERNATIVELY SPLICED FORMS OF AI(II) PROCOLLAGEN MRNA IN CARTILAGE DIFFERNETIATION AND GROWTH
To gain insight into the function of type IIA procollagen by: a) performing a loss-of function test by introducing into the mouse germ line, a mutation in the alpha1(II) collagen gene in which exon 2 is deleted, using gene targeting; determining the phenoypic consequence of reduced levels of expression or failure to express type IIA procollage; generating monoclonal antibodies to the cysteine-rich domain within the aminopropeptide of type IIA procollagen.
Investigator: Professor K.S.E. Cheah
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council, UK
Starting date: 1994.01
CHARACTERIZATION OF AN INSERTIONAL MUTATION AFFECTING THE REGULATION OF PIGMENTATION AND BEHAVIOUR
To define the molecular defect underlying the pigmentation and behavioral abnormalities in these mice and to identify any developmental anomalies which may be associated with this mutation.
Investigator: Professor K.S.E. Cheah
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.10
A CORE TRAINING AND SERVICE FACILITY ESSENTIAL FOR THE TRANSFER OF TRANSGENIC TECHNOLOGY TO THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY OF HONG KONG
To provide training and service to people who are already engaged in biotechnology industry, and people who will find an immediate application of this technology in their work.
Investigator: Professor K.S.E. Cheah
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government
Starting date: 1995.11
GENETIC FACTORS AFFECTING BONE FRACTURE REPAIR: THE EFFECT OF TYPE X COLLAGEN DEFICIENCY
To study the role of collagen X in fracture healing by assessing the effect of collagen X deficiency on the healing process and the properties of repaired bone. It arises from the generation of collagen X deficience mice in Hong Kong and their utility as a model for fracture repair.
Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)
Mr. J.G. Andrew
Departments: Biochemistry
Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Manchester, Oxford, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1997.01
THE DEVELOPMENTAL ROLE OF TYPE II PROCOLLAGENS ENCODED BY ALTERNATIVELY SPLICED FORMS OF ALPHA1(II) PROCOLLAGEN MRNA
To gain insight into the function of type IIA procollagen by introducing into the mouse germ line, a mutation in the Col2a-1 gene in which exon 2 is deleted and determining the phenotypic consequence of the failure to express type IIA procollagen.
Investigator: Professor K.S.E. Cheah
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06
DEFINING THE ROLE OF THE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR SOX9 IN SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT BY TISSUE-SPECIFIC GENE INACTIVATION
To inactivate the mouse Sox9 gene selectively and specifically in developing cartilage tissue in order to understand the role of Sox9 in skeletal formation and the relationship between loss of Sox9 gene function and skeletal malformation.
Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)
Dr. R.H. Lovell-Badge
Departments: Biochemistry
Development Genetics, National Institute for Medical Research, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1998.02
DEVELOPMENT OF A GENE THERAPY APPROACH FOR SEVERE DYSTROPHIC EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA
To use COL7A1 gene constructs to initiate gene transfer pilot studies aimed at rescuing the type VII collagen deficiency in keratinocytes from patients with severe recessive dystrophic EB.
Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)
Professor L. Bruckner-Tuderman
Departments: Biochemistry
Dermatology, University Munster, Germany
Source of funding: Germany/Hong Kong Joint Research Scheme
Starting date: 1998.04
UNDERSTANDING GENE FUNCTION AND MOLECULAR BASES OF DISEASE USING TRANSGENIC AND GENE TARGETING TECHNOLOGY
To use gene targeting and "Cre-lox" technology in a concerted research program to unravel the functional roles of several genes in disorders affecting cell proliferation and differentiation during: a) formation of the growth plate and craniofacial skeleton, b) neuronal differentiation, c) haematopoietic differentiation.
Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)
Professor L.C. Chan
Dr. S.Y. Chan
Dr. W.Y. Chan
Dr. S.K. Chung
Dr. Y. Han
Dr. W.S. O
Dr. D. Opstelten
Dr. M.H. Sham
Professor P.P.L. Tam
Professor J. Wang
Professor Y.C. Wong
Dr. H. Xue
Departments: Biochemistry
Anatomy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Anatomy
Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia
Institute of Molecular Biology
Paediatrics
Pathology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council (Competitive Bid Projects)
Starting date: 1999.03
INSIGHT UPON RECOVERY FROM PSYCHOSIS
To study the re-emergence of insight (awarness of illness) as a patient recover from a psychoytic illness, and its relationship with diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and other clinical varibles. This project is the first stage of a program looking at the nature of insight and ways to maximze the degree of insight in post-psychotic patients.
Investigator: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
N400 EVENT-RELATED POTENTIAL AND SEMANTIC PROCESSING IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
To study the neurophysiological correlate of semantic processing in schizophrenia using the N400 Event Related Potential (ERP); and to test the hypothesis that N400 abnormality is specifically associated with the symptom of formal thought disorder in schizophrenia.
Investigators: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen (Principal)
Dr. R.Y.L. Chen
Dr. K.F. Chung
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
COGNITIVE AND MOTOR INTERACTION IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS: ASSESSMENT USING A COMPUTERIZED MAZE TEST
To develop a computerised version of the Maze test for studying the interaction between cognitive planning and motor execution.
Investigator: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.11
LONGITUDINAL COURSE OF NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: A 3 YEAR PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF FIRST EPISODE PATIENTS
To measure the incidence, extent and the evolution of neurocognitive impariments in the first three years of a schizophrenic illness; to identify prognostic indicators for the evolution of neurocognitive impariments.
Investigators: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen (Principal)
Dr. R.Y.L. Chen
Dr. K.F. Chung
Professor P.W.H. Lee
Dr. K.Y. Mak
Professor F. Mak-Lieh
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09
THE ROLE OF NEURAL SYNCHRONIZATION IN CORTICAL COMPUTATION ABNORMALITIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
To test the hypothesis that failure of neural synchronization underlies a wide range of cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia.
Investigators: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen (Principal)
Professor W.A. Phillips
Departments: Psychiatry
Psyhology, University of Stirling, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1998.03
ATTENTIONAL AND MEMORY PROCESSES UNDERLYING LATENT INHIBITION IN SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS AND IN NORMAL SUBJECTS
To examine a form of "attentional learning", called latent inhibition (LI) in healthy and schizophrenic subjects.
Investigators: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen (Principal)
Dr. B.K.Y. Yee
Departments: Psychiatry
Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
LONGITUDINAL COURSE OF NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: A 3 YEAR PROPSPECTIVE STUDY OF FIRST EPISODE PATIENTS
To measure the incidence, extent and the evolution of neurocognitive impairments in the first three years of a schizohprenic illness; to identify prognostic indicators for the evolution of neurocognitive impairments.
Investigators: Dr. E.Y.H. Chen (Principal)
Dr. R.Y.L. Chen
Dr. K.F. Chung
Professor P.W.H. Lee
Dr. K.Y. Mak
Professor F. Mak-Lieh
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.09
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION STUDIES OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS CORE PROTEIN
To examine tumorigenicity of HCV core protein in Rat-1 fibroblast cells; to define a transforming domain of HCV core protein; to understand the molecular mechanism of HCV core protein mediating cell transformation.
Investigators: Dr. N.N.T. Chen (Principal)
Dr. L. Cao
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.04
THE INHIBITORY ROLE OF CDKN2 (P16) GENE IN THE MALIGNANT TRANSFORMATION OF ORAL MUCOSA
To observe the genetic change of the CDKN2 (p16) in oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the possible inhibitory effects of CDKN2 gene on the cell lines of OSCC.
Investigators: Dr. Q.M. Chen (Principal)
Dr. B.G. Li
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
West China University of Medical Sciences, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: The National Nature Science Foundation in China
Starting date: 1996.01
THE VALUE OF APOPTOSIS IN THE PROGNOSIS PREDICTION IN ORAL PREMALIGNANT LESIONS
To search for a possible malignancy transformation prediction markers in oral premalignant lesions using apoptosis related indexes such as TUNELL labelled cells, Fas, Fasl, etc.
Investigators: Dr. Q.M. Chen (Principal)
Dr. B.G. Li
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
West China University of Medical Sciences, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: Ministry of Public Health, People's Republic of China
Starting date: 1997.09
CELL CYCLE REGULATORY PROTEINS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TYPE I DURING ORAL CARCINOGENESIS
To identify cell cycle regulator proteins in oral carcinogenesis; to search for a possible malignancy transformation prediction marker in oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) and metastatic prediction marker in OSCCs.
Investigators: Dr. Q.M. Chen (Principal)
Professor L.P. Samaranayake
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.03
TECHNETIUM-99M-HMPAO BRAIN SPECT STUDY OF THE CHANGE IN REGIONAL CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IN TREATMENT-RESISTANT SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS AFTER CLOZAPINE TREATMENT
To identify the change in the pattern of regional cerebral blood flow measured by SPECT in treatment resistant schizophrenic patients at resting and frontal activation state after clozapine treatment; to correlate the change in regional cerebral blood flow with clinical response to clozapine treatment; to study the effect of clozapine on neurocognitive functioning of treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients.
Investigators: Dr. R.Y.L. Chen (Principal)
Dr. E.Y.H. Chen
Dr. K.F. Chung
Dr. W.Y. Ho
Departments: Psychiatry
Diagnostic Radiology, Nulcear Medicine Unit, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
BRAIN SPECT STUDY ON TREATMENT RESPONSE TO HALOPERIDOL AND ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC (RISPERIDOL) IN DRUG NAIVE FIRST EPISODE SCHIZOPHRENIC PATIENTS
To study the inter-relation between regional cerebral blood perfusion, neurocognitive function and clinical correlates in drug naive first episode schizophrenic patients; to study the efficacy of low dose Haloperidol on drug naive first episode schizophrenic patients; to compare the efficacy of high dose Haloperidol with atypical antipsychotic (Risperidol) on patients with poor initial response to low dose Haloperidol; to study the clinical value of serial brain SPECT assessment on treatment response.
Investigators: Dr. R.Y.L. Chen (Principal)
Dr. E.Y.H. Chen
Dr. K.F. Chung
Dr. W.Y. Ho
Departments: Psychiatry
Nuclear Medicine Unit, Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
DEVELOPING CLINICAL COMPETENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING THROUGH CONTRACT LEARNING
To explore the use of contract learning to develop the undergraduate students' clinical competence in mental health nursing; to identify factors which enhance a student's responsibility, independence and motivation of learning in the clinical context; investigate individual students' styles of learning clinical nursing skills; to devleop teaching strategies which enhance the integration of theory and practice in mental health nursing.
Investigator: Mr. B.S. Cheng
Department: Nursing Studies
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.11
A STUDY ON MICROREGIONAL PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL TUMOUR-HOST INTERACTIONS IN WOMEN WITH LOCALLY ADVANCED CERVICAL CARCINOMA TREATED BY IRRADIATION
To further explore the micro-regional tumour host interactions, in particular to map the oxygen tension and vascular diffusion distance, in women with cervical cancer both before and during irradiation.
Investigators: Dr. D.K.L. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. A.N.Y. Cheung
Dr. T.Y. Ng
Professor H.Y.S. Ngan
Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.12
THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN CHINESE WOMEN WITH CANCER
To investigate the prevalence of alternative medicine use in a subgroup of local cancer sufferers; to assess the economic impact such treatment has on these patients; to assess the patients's satisfaction derived from such treatment.
Investigator: Dr. D.K.L. Cheng
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
CHARACTERIZATION OF RAT HAEMOGLOBINS BY IMMOBILINE ISOELECTRO-FOCUSSING
To delineate the underlying mechanisms of haemoglobin switching and to characterize the chain composition of various rat haemoglobins.
Investigators: Dr. L.Y.L. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. V.M.S. Lam
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GENOMIC ALPHA-GLOBIN GENE OF RAT
To isolate the genomic alpha-globin gene and perform restriction mapping with the view to further characterize the control of its expression.
Investigators: Dr. L.Y.L. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. V.M.S. Lam
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
A STUDY OF THE REGULATORY SEQUENCES OF THE RAT BETA-GLOBIN GENES
To characterize the control of beta-globin gene expression and to investigate the haemoglobin switching phenomenon.
Investigators: Dr. L.Y.L. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. V.M.S. Lam
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
PHYSIOLOGY OF THE AMPULLARY GLAND AND VENTRAL PROSTATE: A POSSIBLE REGULATORY ROLE IN MAMMALIAN FERTILITY
To interpret unsuccessful pregnancies (silent abortions ?).
Investigators: Dr. L.Y.L. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. P.P.H. Cheong
Departments: Biochemistry
Anatomy
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.02
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROLE OF THE AMPULLARY GLAND SECRETIONS ON MAMMALIAN FERTILITY
To identify and characterize, from the ampullary gland secretions, the protein component(s) that bind to the plasma surface of the spermatazoa. These may play a regulatory role in the control of fertilization in the hamster. The findings may have implications on human fertility.
Investigator: Dr. L.Y.L. Cheng
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF SERUM LIPOPROTEIN (A) AND THE PROGRESSION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE
To determine the rate of progression of atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease (PVD) in the Chinese population in relationship to demographic and biochemical risk factors; to test the hypothesis that an elevated level of serum lipoprotein (a) is associated with more rapid progression of PVD; to determine whether treatment of elevated lipoprotein (a) with combination of niacin and neomycin will result in a reduction in the progression of atherosclerotic PVD.
Investigators: Dr. S.W.K. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. A.C.W. Ting
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.01
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF VENOUS HEMODYNAMICS IN LOWER LIMB CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
To perform a quantitative assessment of three key factors responsible for lower limb venous hypertension: obstruction, venous reflux, and muscle pump function; to correlate the non-invasive parameters with clinical severity of disease; to determine the etiology and best strategy of treatment based on these findings.
Investigator: Dr. S.W.K. Cheng
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.12
PREVALENCE OF RADIATION-ASSOCIATED ATHEROMATOUS DISEASE OF THE EXTRACRANIAL CAROTID ARTERY
To determine the prevalence of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease in a group of high risk patient with radiation to the head and neck; to correlate risk factors for radiation - induced atherosclerotic disease; to study the long term effect of carotid stenosis in this group of patients.
Investigators: Dr. S.W.K. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. L.K. Lam
Dr. A.C.W. Ting
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE EFFECT OF ADRIAMYCIN ON APOPTOSIS IN RECANALIZATION OF DUODENUM IN FETAL RATS
To verify the epithelial proliferation, formation of solid core and recanalization in murine embryonic duodenal development; to study if apoptosis is responsible for recanalization of the solid core in duodenal development; to study how adriamycin cau duodenal atresia in murine fetuses.
Investigators: Dr. W. Cheng (Principal)
Professor P.K.H. Tam
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
HIRSCHSPRUNG'S DISEASE MAY NOT BE A LOCALISED NEUROPATHY: AN INTESTINAL TRANSIT AND AUTONOMIC AND SENSORY NERVE FUNCTION STUDY
To test the hypothesis that neuropathy in Hirschsprung's disease is not confined to rectal intrinsic ganglia by the following investigations in children with Hirschsprung's disease: 1. Intestinal transit study after curative resection of aganglionic bowel by means of radio-isotope scintigraphy; 2. Autonomic nerve function study; 3. Sensory nerve function study.
Investigators: Dr. W. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. W.Y. Ho
Professor P.K.H. Tam
Departments: Surgery
Nuclear Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
COMMUNITY CARE AND THE ELDERLY IN HONG KONG: A STUDY OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE ELDERLY
To identify and document health care and community support service utilization patterns among the elderly in Hong Kong; to study the association between the health-related quality of life and health care service utilization among the elderly; to study the association between the health-related quality of life and community support service utilization among the elderly; to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community support service utilization in relation to health-related quality of life among the elderly.
Investigators: Dr. Y.H. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. K.W. Boey
Professor I. Chi
Miss L.S.F. Ko
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
Community Medicine
Social Work and Social Administration
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY ON OBSTACLES TO PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY IN NON-EMPLOYMENT FIELDS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
(1) To identify key obstacles or sources of discrimination faced by persons with a disability in their daily life in respect to education; access to premises; provision of goods, services and facilities; disposal or management of premises; consent for assignment or sub-letting; clubs and sport activities; and government. (2) To identify the degree and manifestation of hindrance posed by obstacles or discrimination to persons with the following types of disability: physical handicap with mobility problems; visual impairment; hearing impairment; mental handicap; mental illness; chronic illness.
Investigators: Dr. Y.H. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. R. Fielding
Dr. S.M. Stewart
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
Community Medicine
Source of funding: Equal Opportunities Commission
Starting date: 1998.05
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON JOB SATISFACTION AND EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN HONG KONG.
To examine job satisfaction and educational needs of health workers in private elderly homes in Hong Kong.
Investigators: Dr. Y.H. Cheng (Principal)
Dr. L.W. Chu
Ms W.J. Law
Ms L.H. Wu
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
Community Nursing Service, Queen Mary Hospital
Health Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Medicine
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1998.10
CYTOKINES IN THE PITUITARY GLAND: AN IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL AND IN SITU HYBRIDISATION STUDY
To establish that cytokines are involved in the paracrine and autocrine regulation of pituitary function
Investigator: Dr. A.L.M. Cheung
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1998.12
DETECTION OF TELOMERASE EXPRESSION BY IN SITU HYBRIDISATION IN NASOPHARYNGEAL EPITHELIUM AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF TUMOURIGENESIS
To develop an in situ hybridisation method for detecting telomerase expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma; to detect telomerase expression at different stages of pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma; to evaluate the potential application of telomerase expression in early detection of premalignant lesions in nasopharyngeal epithelium.
Investigators: Dr. A.L.M. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. G.S.W. Tsao
Department: Anatomy
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
TELOMERASE ACTIVITY IN GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE
To assess the telomerase activity in normal placenta, hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma to achieve a better understanding of their pathogenesis and to evaluate the possible role of telomerase activity as a diagnostic marker and prognostic indicato
Investigators: Dr. A.N.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Professor H.Y.S. Ngan
Dr. G.S.W. Tsao
Departments: Pathology
Anatomy
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
IN SITU ANALYSIS OF TISSUE DYNAMICS IN GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE
To achieve a better understanding of the growth dynamics associated with the genesis and progression of gestational tropholastic disease (GTD).
Investigators: Dr. A.N.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. U.S. Khoo
Professor H.Y.S. Ngan
Departments: Pathology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
IN SITU ANALYSIS OF TISSUE DYNAMICS IN GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISEASE
To analyze the growth dynamics of different categories of gestational trophoblastic diseases with respect to their levels of cell proliferation and cell death. The proliferation and apoptotic markers in the various categories of GTD will be compared with each other and with the normal placenta to evaluate the role of growth dynamics in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Correlation with clinical outcome of the patients will be made to assess the prognostic significance of the markers. Possible effects from relevant oncogenes and growth factors will also be elucidated.
Investigators: Dr. A.N.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. U.S. Khoo
Professor H.Y.S. Ngan
Departments: Pathology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.10
INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF THE PLASMA B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE ASSAY TO DETECT LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY
To investigate the use of the B-type natriuretic peptide assay as a new screening test for left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. It is anticipated that this straightforward and cost-effective blood test will reduce the need for echocardiography and identify this high-risk group of patients.
Investigators: Dr. B.M.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Professor C.P. Lau
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
COST IMPLICATIONS OF NEW GUIDELINES ON CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE
To compile a database of patients with coronary heart disease under the care of the Division of Cardiology of Queen Mary Hospital and identify those requiring lipid-lowering therapy; to analyse the costs, benefits, and cost-effectiveness of treating hypercholesterolaemia in coronary heart disease patients using statins; to assess the cost-effectiveness of dietary classes and interviews.
Investigators: Dr. B.M.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Professor C.R. Kumana
Professor C.P. Lau
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1996.06
THE ROLE OF BRADYKININ IN THE CONTROL OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN MAN
To measure bradykinin in man by a new radioimmunoassay; to investigate if plasma bradykinin in related to hypertension, angiotensin converting enzyme genotype, first-dose hypotension and cough induced by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
Investigators: Dr. B.M.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Professor C.R. Kumana
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION IN CLOSE RELATIVES OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS
To determine the prevalence of hypertension in the close relatives of hypertensive patients, and thereby identifying the pattern of inheritance of hypertension.
Investigator: Dr. B.M.Y. Cheung
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW SALT DIET IN LOWERING BLOOD PRESSURE IN HONG KONG CHINESE
To investigate the relationship between blood pressure and sodium intake in the general populaton; to compare the effectiveness of dietary salt reduction with conventional treatment in lowering blood pressure; to compare cost of low salt diet and standard drug therapy.
Investigators: Dr. B.M.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Professor C.P. Lau
Dr. S.M. McGhee
Ms P.P.Y. Ng
Departments: Medicine
Community Medicine
Dietetics, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1998.04
THE ROLE OF ADRENOMEDULLIN IN INFLAMMATORY DISEASES OF THE AIRWAYS - ASTHMA AND BRONCHIECTASIS
To test the hypothesis that adrenomedullin level in plasma or sputum in patients with asthma and bronchiectasis reflects inflammatory activity in the airways.
Investigators: Dr. B.M.Y. Cheung (Principal)
Professor M.S.M. Ip
Professor C.R. Kumana
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
TRANSMYOCARDIAL REVASCULARISATION BY CO2 LASER AS A TREATMENT FOR INTRACTABLE ANGINA
To confirm the hypothesis that Transmyocardial Revascularisation with CO2 laser can effectively and safely treat patients with coronary artery disease and angina who have no other options for interventional therapy; to determine whether the relief of angina is due to increase in the perfusion in the ischemic areas of the myocardium which had channels created by the procedure; to determine whether there is improvement of left ventricle function.
Investigators: Dr. D.L.C. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. L. Chow
Dr. W.H. Chow
Dr. S.M. Fan
Departments: Surgery
Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital
Medicine
Starting date: 1995.08
THE EFFECT OF INSTRUMENT DESIGN ON THE SHAPING EFFICIENCY OF ULTRASONICALLY POWERED ENDODONTIC FILES
To determine the ability of endodontic instruments of different designs powered by the magnetostrictive and the piezoelectric (ultrasonic) devices to shape the root canals in vitro. The ultimate goal is to come up with an optimum design for the endosonic files which would provide for the safest and most efficient shaping of the root canal.
Investigator: Dr. G.S.P. Cheung
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
A CONFOCAL MICROSCOPIC INVESTIGATION ON THE CUTTING MECHANISM INVOLVED IN ROOT CANAL PREPARATION
To examine the dynamic event(s) of dentine cutting by manually operated endodontic instruments.
Investigators: Dr. G.S.P. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. A.W.K. Chan
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
DETERMINATION OF SUCCESS RATE OF PULP RESINFYING THERAPY CARRIED OUT IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
To determine the success rate of pulp resinfying therapy and to compare it with that of root canal treatment carried out in the People's Republic of China.
Investigator: Dr. G.S.P. Cheung
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Sun Yet-Sen University of Medical Sciences, and, Guangzhou and Shanghai 2nd Medical University, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
TREATMENT OUTCOME OF ROOT CANAL THERAPY
To evaluate the long term treatment outcome of root canal therapy provided in a dental teaching hospital.
Investigator: Dr. G.S.P. Cheung
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1999.04
THE ROLE OF COLLAGEN X IN BONE FRACTURE REPAIR AND NON-UNION
To test the effect of lack of collagen X on fracture healing using collagen X mutant mice as a model.
Investigators: Dr. K.M.C. Cheung (Principal)
Mr. J.G. Andrew
Professor K.S.E. Cheah
Departments: Orthopaedic Surgery
Biochemistry
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.10
ACUPUNCTURE IN TREATMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN
To compare the treatment of low back pain by physiotherapy alone and in combination with acupuncture.
Investigators: Dr. K.M.C. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. J. Chiu
Dr. K. Yuen
Departments: Orthopaedic Surgery
Physiotherapy David Trench Rehabilitation
Source of funding: Faculty Reserve Fund
Starting date: 1998.04
PRODUCTION OF SCOLIOSIS IN RHESUS MONKEYS BY PINEALECTOMY
To perform pinealectomies in young rhesus monkeys and to examine its effect on the growth of the spine.
Investigators: Dr. K.M.C. Cheung (Principal)
Professor A. Carl
Professor Y.G. Hu
Professor J.C.Y. Leong
Professor K.D.K. Luk
Departments: Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery, Albany Medical College, U.S.A.
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE REHABILITATION OF REPAIRED ALVEOLAR CLEFTS WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS
To evaluate the success of restoring the missing dentition in the grafted alveolar cleft with intraosseous dental implants.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. L.H. Kei
Dr. N. Samman
Professor H. Tideman
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1991.05
THE STABILITY OF MANDIBULAR BODY OSTEOTOMY WITH MINIPLATE FIXATION
To evaluate the long-term stability of mandibular body step osteotomy using titanium miniplates.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. J. Lo
Dr. N. Samman
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Starting date: 1992.08
THE MICRO-VASCULAR ANATOMY OF THE RAIDAL FOREARM FLAP
To improve the understanding of the micro-circulation in the vascularized free forearm flap.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. N. Samman
Dr. C.P. Zhang
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Shanghai Second Medical University, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MORPHOMETRIC AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES OF TASTE BUDS FOLLOWING RADIATION AND LINGUAL NERVE INJURIES
To analyse the influence of radiation and mechanical nerve injuries on taste buds of the tongue.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. N. Chan
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanjing Medical University, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
CELL CULTURED MUCOSAL GRAFT FOR CLINICAL APPLICATION
To evaluate the feasbility of using cell cultured autologous graft for vestibuloplasty.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. G.L. Tipoe
Dr. M.P. Wong
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Anatomy
Pathology
Starting date: 1997.12
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF INTRA-ORAL DISTRACTORS
To apply intra-oral distractor to lengthen the hypoplastic mandibles and determine the bone quality of distraction segment.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. A.B.M. Rabie
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.12
DENTAL IMPLANTS IN RECONSTRUCTED JAWS
To asses the survival of dental implants in reconstruction cases and determine the factors influencing their longevity.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. L.J. Jin
Dr. L.H. Kei
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1998.06
DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS FOR MAXILLARY RECONSTRUCTION
To develop a maxillary distractor; to develop an animal model for maxillary reconstruction by distraction osteogenesis; to study the histological healing of the distraction process in maxillary bone; to assess the success of bone transport by distraction in restoration of alveolar ridge and closure of naso-maxillary defect.
Investigators: Professor L.K. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. M.P. Wong
Professor Z.G. Zhang
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, People's Republic of China
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
TO STUDY THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 IN NEURAL DEGENERATION USING A TRANSGENIC MOUSE MODEL
To generate a transgenic mice line with IGF-I over-expression driven by the MBP promoter; to document the effect of oligodendrocyte-specific IGF-I over-expression on neonatal oligodendroglial development; to test the hypothesis that such IGF-I over-expression protect oligodendrocytes against hypoxic-ischaemic insult.
Investigators: Dr. P.T. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. S.K. Chung
Departments: Paediatrics
Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.07
DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICALLY APPLICABLE MOLECULAR GENETIC DIAGNOSTIC STRATEGY FOR PATIENTS WITH ANDROGEN INSENSITIVITY SYNDROMES
To apply advanced knowledge in molecular genetics in clinical management of patients suffering from androgen insensitivity syndromes (AIS). To achieve this, the basic genetic defects occurring in the local Chinese patients will first be studied, in familial cases and a number of sporadic cases of AIS. Reasonably rapid protocol to identify similar defects will then be established and tested prospectively to evaluate the efficacy and/or practicality of such approach. As male infertility can be due to the same molecular defects, the successful application of the current proposal will have a broader clinical implication than for ambiguous genitalia or severe hypospadias. Furthermore, the general approach can be adopted for comparable clinical dilemmas.
Investigators: Dr. P.T. Cheung (Principal)
Professor L.C.K. Low
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
INTERACTION BETWEEN ENDOTHELIAL AND ASTROGLIAL CELLS IN HYPERBILIRUBINAEMIA: ROLE OF CYTOKINES AND INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I AND MODULATION BY HYPOXIC-ISCHAEMIA
To study the interaction between the endothelial and neural cells, especially the astroglial cells, focusing on the ET family of peptide and selected cytokines - IGF-I, TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6.
Investigators: Dr. P.T. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. S.K. Chung
Professor C.Y. Yeung
Departments: Paediatrics
Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
A TRANSGENIC MOUSE MODEL FOR A HUMAN HEREDITARY NEURODEGENERATIVE DISORDER OF MOTOR NEURON, SPINAL AND BULBAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY, CAUSED BY TRINUCLEOTIDE CAG REPEAT EXPANSION IN THE ANDROGEN RECEPTOR GENE
To study the pathophysiology of progressive motor neuron degeneration in SBMA by systematically testing the interaction of individual components under the aforestated premise.
Investigators: Dr. P.T. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. C.K. Choo
Dr. S.K. Chung
Departments: Paediatrics
Medicine
Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1999.01
ASCENDING NORADRENERGIC LOCUS COERULEUS SYSTEM AND NEUROPEPTIDE Y IN FOCAL CEREBRAL ISCHAEMIA IN RATS
To study the effects of unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-mediated damage of the right-sided ascending noradrenergic locus coeruleus system on the infarction volume following reversible experimental right-sided middle cerebral artery occlusion; to study the effects of intra-carotid infusion of neuropeptide Y on the infarction volume following reversible experimental right-sided middle cerebral artery occlusion and 6-hydroxydopamine-mediated damage of the right-sided ascending noradrenergic locus coeruleus system.
Investigators: Dr. R.T.F. Cheung (Principal)
Professor T.M. Wong
Departments: Medicine
Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
NEUROPROTECTION OF MELATONIN AGAINST FOCAL CEREBRAL ISCHAEMIA IN RATS
To test whether melatonin protects against cerebral ischaemia in rats.
Investigator: Dr. R.T.F. Cheung
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF CEREBRAL PERFUSION AND BLOOD-BRAIN-BARRIER PERMEABILITY IN ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE
To test whether a novel computed tomographic (CT) method can provide reliable, quantitative measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT), and blood-brain-barrier index (BBBI) during the acute phase of ischaemic stroke.
Investigators: Dr. R.T.F. Cheung (Principal)
Dr. P.W. Cheng
Dr. S.L. Ho
Dr. W.Y. Ho
Dr. T.Y. Lee
Dr. L. Leong
Departments: Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Western Ontario, Canada
Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital
Nuclear Medicine Unit, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1998.11
UTILIZATION OF THE FLEXIBLE BRONCHOSCOPIC SYSTEM IN PAEDIATRIC CARDIAC PATIENTS
To explore the potential and usefulness of flexible bronchoscopic investigation in paediatric patients after cardiac surgery.
Investigators: Dr. Y.F. Cheung (Principal)
Professor M.P. Leung
Department: Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE OLDER PEOPLE IN HONG KONG
To identify how the psycho-social factors affect various health indicators and life-satisfaction directly or indirectly; to study how psycho-social factors interact with each other (moderating effect); to identify the relationship between different health indicators and psychological well-being with or without the effect of the psycho-social factors as mediators or moderators.
Investigators: Professor I. Chi (Principal)
Dr. K.W. Boey
Dr. K.L. Chou
Departments: Social Work and Social Administration
Research, The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1998.11
BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION IN HONG KONG
To study prospectively the clinical results of bone marrow transplantation in Hong Kong Chinese patients with haematological malignancies.
Investigators: Dr. E.K.W. Chiu (Principal)
Professor T.K. Chan
Professor R.H.S. Liang
Professor D. Todd
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Blood Cancer Research Fund
Pfizer Asia Corporation
Starting date: 1990.05
G-CSF TRIAL
G-CSF trial.
Investigator: Dr. E.K.W. Chiu
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Roche Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals Ltd.
Starting date: 1992.01
TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF PROSTHETIC HIP JOINT REPLACEMENT ON BONE MASS AND TO DETERMINE THE IDEAL PROSTHESIS FOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT IN THE CHINESE FEMORA
To determine the natural history of bone remodelling after total hip arthroplasty; to evaluate a total hip prosthesis designed specifically for Asian patients.
Investigators: Dr. P.K.Y. Chiu (Principal)
Dr. D. Yip
Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1994.10
LOWER LIMB ALIGNMENT IN CHINESE ADULTS
To find out the normal alignment of lower limbs in Chinese adults. The data will be very useful in planning corrective surgery around the knee, such as osteotomy or prosthetic joint replacement.
Investigators: Dr. P.K.Y. Chiu (Principal)
Mr. W.M. Tang
Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BONE CEMENT - THE EFFECTS OF CHILLING THE MONOMER AND PREHEATING THE PROSTHESIS
To find out what is the optimal way of preparing bone cement in joint replacement surgery. The effect of chilling the monomer and preheating the prosthesis on the mechanical properties of bone cement will be evaluated in this study.
Investigator: Dr. P.K.Y. Chiu
Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE ROLE OF HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 6 (HHV-6) AND HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 7 (HHV-7) IN FEBRILE SEIZURE AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM INFECTIONS IN YOUNG CHILDREN
To examine the role of HHV6 and HHV7 infection in children with initial and recurrent febrile seizure, aseptic meningitis and meningoencephalitis.
Investigators: Dr. S.S.S. Chiu (Principal)
Dr. J.S.M. Peiris
Departments: Paediatrics
Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
PRIMARY INFECTION AND REACTIVATION OF HUMAN HERPERVIRUS 6 AND HUMAN HERPESVIRUS 7 IN YOUNG CHILDREN
To develop and validate new approaches to the laboratory diagnosis of primary human herpesvirus 6(HHV6) and 7(HHV7) infections which can be done on single specimens taken early in the disease and provide diagnosis in a clinically relevant time frame, and using the techniques, to evaluate the role of HHV6 and HHV7 in febrile seizures and meningo-encephalitis in childhood.
Investigators: Dr. S.S.S. Chiu (Principal)
Dr. J.S.M. Peiris
Departments: Paediatrics
Microbiology
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1998.11
ASSOCIATION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR WITH CIGARETTE SMOKING AND HELICOBACTER PYLORI ON THE PATHOGENESIS OF PEPTIC ULCER
To delineate the association of EGF (also polyamines) with the ulcerogenic actions of cigarette smoking and HP; to design a better therapeutic strategy and rationale in the treatment of peptic ulcers in cigarette smokers and in patients with HP infecti
Investigators: Professor C.H. Cho (Principal)
Professor S.K. Lam
Departments: Pharmacology
Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.10
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE ULCEROGENIC COMPONENT(S) IN CIGARETTE SMOKE: THEIR MECHANISMS OF ACTION ON ULCER FORMATION AND HEALING
It is known that there is a close relationship between cigarette smoking and peptic ulceration. Epidemiology studies showed that cigarette smokers were found to have more ulcers and they were usually healed slower but relapsed faster. However, which ulcerogenic substances in cigarette smoke are responsible for sucy actions and also the mechanisms by which cigarette smoke affects ulcer formation and healing, are still undefined. Therefore the purposes of this study are to isolate and identify this substance(s) and study how this substance(s) affects ulcer formation and healing.
Investigators: Professor C.H. Cho (Principal)
Dr. J.Y. Wang
Dr. M. Zhu
Departments: Pharmacology
Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Surgery, University of Maryland, U.S.A.
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.11
ALCOHOL-INDUCED GASTRITIS: ITS IMPLICATIONS WITH ULCER FORMATION AND DELAY IN HEALING
To attenuate the symptoms of gastritis and also prevent ulcer formation in the stomach.
Investigator: Professor C.H. Cho
Department: Pharmacology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
A STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEPARIN AND OTHER SIMILAR POLYSACCHARIDES FROM ANGELICA SINENSIS DIELS AS NEW ANTIULCER AGENTS FOR GASTRIC ULCER
To study the ulcer healing effects of heparin in a gastric ulcer model and determine which fraction of polysaccharides from the unfractionated heparin is responsible for such effects; to investigate whether the ulcer healing effect of heparin is acting through the anti-inflammatory action together with the stimulation of proliferation and angiogenesis at the ulcer site; to delineate which mediators and growth factors are involved in these actions; to isolate similar types of polysaccharides from Danggui as compared with heparin and investigate their mechanisms of antiulcer action; to isolate a group of compounds with specific molecular sizes of polysaccharides with significant antiulcer property but with less anticoagulant activity.
Investigators: Professor C.H. Cho (Principal)
Dr. J.K.S. Ko
Dr. Q.B. Mei
Departments: Pharmacology
Pharmacology, 4th Military Medical University, People's Republic of China
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.12
ANDROGEN RECEPTOR AND PROSTATE CANCER
To investigate the involvement of aberrant androgen receptor in prostate cancer.
Investigators: Dr. C.K. Choo (Principal)
Dr. K.W. Chan
Professor Y.C. Wong
Departments: Medicine
Anatomy
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
CHARACTERIZATION OF HPR-1, AN IMMORTALIZED CELL LINE DERIVED FROM NORMAL PROSTATE EPITHELIAL CELL
To characterize the HPr-1 cell line at the morphological and molecular levels; to investigate the response of HPr-1 cells to androgens, analogues and antagonists.
Investigators: Dr. C.K. Choo (Principal)
Dr. K.W. Chan
Departments: Medicine
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
MESSAGES OF HEALTH AND HEALTH RELATED ACTIVITIES PRESENTED TO HONG KONG ADOLESCENTS BY TEEN MAGAZINES
To obtain the perceptions of health messages and health related activities that adolescent women and men identify in teen magazines.
Investigator: Dr. J.D. Chow
Department: Nursing Studies
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.08
A REVIEW OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF GASTRODUODENAL SMOOTH MUSCLE TUMOURS
To review more than 100 patients who suffered from gastroduodenal smooth muscle tumours from 1979 to present, and to study the course of the disease and the response to surgical treatment.
Investigators: Dr. L.W.C. Chow (Principal)
Dr. W.M. Chow
Dr. K.W. Chu
Dr. J.C.Y. Ho
Dr. F.P.T. Mok
Dr. S.T. Yuen
Departments: Surgery
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Wu Chung Medical Research Fund
Starting date: 1990.05
CHEMOSENSITIVITY STUDY USING A BREAST CANCER CELL LINE
To test the effect of combination chemotherapy on cell growth in a breast cancer cell line.
Investigator: Dr. L.W.C. Chow
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1996.05
IN-VITRO CHEMOSENSITIVITY TESTING FOR BREAST CANCER USING HISTOCULTURE DRUG RESPONSE ASSAY (HDRA)
To optimize the chemotherapy regimen for individual breast cancer patients to produce an improved tumour response and patients survival.
Investigator: Dr. L.W.C. Chow
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
THE PREDICTION OF PERSISTENT DRAINAGE, SEROMA FORMATION AND WOUND NECROSIS AFTER MASTECTOMY
To determine whether matrix metalloproteinases account for the delay in wound healing and persistent collection of fluid after mastectomy and axillary dissection.
Investigator: Dr. L.W.C. Chow
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
REINFORCEMENT OF DENTURE BASE POLYMERS WITH HIGH MODULUS FIBRES
The mechanical properties of reinforced resin will be investigated and an important part of this project will be devoted to the study of fatigue properties, as PMMA dimensional changes during processing and further re-processing. Attention will also be given to the clinical applications of the reinforced resin.
Investigators: Dr. T.W. Chow (Principal)
Mr. Y.Y. Cheng
Mr. C.F. Ho
Dr. N.H. Ladizesky
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Dental Technology Unit
Interdisplinary Research Centre in Polymer Science and Technology, University of Leeds, U.K.
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Dental Research Fund
Starting date: 1988.02
TRANSLATION AND VALIDATION OF ARTHRITIS IMPACT MEASUREMENT SCALES 2 (AIMS2) INTO CHINESE
To translate the AIMS2 into Chinese and evaluates its validity and reliability as a health status measure for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Hong Kong.
Investigators: Ms E.M.Y. Chu (Principal)
Dr. W.C.S. Lau
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Health Care and Promotion Fund
Starting date: 1999.08
A CLINICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY OF SYMPTOMATIC DENTAL ROOT CANALS AND THE EFFECTS OF INTRA-CANAL MEDICATION
To identify the microbial species in dental root canals in symptomatic patients; to evaluate the efficacy of different intra-canal medication on the elimination of root canal micro-organisms, and clinical signs and symptoms.
Investigator: Dr. F.C.S. Chu
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.02
FALLS AND FALL-RELATED INJURIES IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING ELDERLY PERSONS IN HONG KONG - A STUDY ON RISK FACTORS, FUNCTIONAL DECLINE AND HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION AFTER FALLS
To investigate the risk factors associated with repeated falls; to investigate the risk factors associated with a single (isolated) falls; to investigate the effect of falls in relation to functional decline, mortality, nursing home placement and health services utilizations: in a sample of community-dwelling elderly population in Hong Kong.
Investigators: Dr. L.W. Chu (Principal)
Professor I. Chi
Departments: Medicine
Social Work and Social Administration
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1998.03
A PHASE II STUDY OF IFL IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA
To study the efficacy of IFL chemotherapy in patients advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Investigators: Dr. D.T.T. Chua (Principal)
Dr. D.L.W. Kwong
Professor J.S.T. Sham
Department: Clinical Oncology
Starting date: 1997.09 Completion date: 1999.06
FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (FMRI) OF THE NEURAL CORRELATES OF ABNORMAL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATTERNS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
To use fMRI to map out which cerebral regions are engaged in neuropsychological task performance in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
Investigators: Dr. S.E. Chua (Principal)
Dr. K.S. Tai
Departments: Psychiatry
Diagnostic Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
ACCURACY OF PAIN ASSESSMENT BY SENIOR STUDENT NURSES
To identify the results of student nurses' pain assessment on four patients with different indicators of pain as described in two clinical vignettes; to compare the level of pain, rated by student nurses, of a patient having vital signs within a high-normal range to the level of pain, rated by the same group of student nurses, of another patient having vital signs within a low-normal range, as described in a clinical vignette; to compare the level of pain, rated by student nurses, of a patient with a smile to the level of pain, rated by the same group of student nurses, of another patient with grimaces, as described in another clinical vignette; to compare the accuracy of pain assessment, on four patients with different objective indicators of pain as described in two clinical vignettes, performed by senior student nurses with different nursing education background.
Investigators: Mr. P.K.C. Chuk (Principal)
Mrs. A.K.L. Lau
Dr. A.F.Y. Tiwari
Department: Nursing Studies
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.04
CHANGES IN SLEEP ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPH (EEG) IN TREATMENT RESISTANT SCHIZOPHRENIA AFTER CLOZAPINE TREATMENT
To investigate the changes in sleep EEG in treatment resistant schizphrenic patients before and after clozapine treatment; to study the value of sleep EEG in predicting clinical response to clozapine in treatment resistant schizophrenic patients; to study the power spectrum of sleep EEG using computerized technique.
Investigators: Dr. K.F. Chung (Principal)
Dr. E.Y.H. Chen
Dr. R.Y.L. Chen
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
INSIGHT, NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND ONE-YEAR OUTCOME IN FIRST-EPISODE SCHIZOPHRENIA
To prospectively evaluate schizophrenia patients early in the course of their illness, in terms of clinical/symptomatic outcome and psychosocial/occupational functioning.
Investigators: Dr. K.F. Chung (Principal)
Dr. E.Y.H. Chen
Department: Psychiatry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
TISSUE SPECIFIC EXPRESSION AND REGULATION OF DIFFERENT SPLICE VARIANTS OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF)
To determine the expression pattern of different splice variants of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in different cell types and to determine the regulation of this pattern by different modulators.
Investigators: Dr. L.P. Chung (Principal)
Dr. S.Y. Leung
Dr. M.P. Wong
Departments: Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
EXPRESSION OF ANGIOPOIETINS AND THEIR RECEPTOR (TIE2) IN TUMOURS
To determine which members of the newly discovered gene family of angiopoietins are expressed in human tumours by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR); to identify the cellulr sources of angiopoietins in tumours by In Situ Hybridisation (ISH); to study the expression of Tie2 in tumours by RT-PCR and ISH; to compare the expression patterns of angiopoietins and Tie2, and determine the role of these molecules in tumour angiogenesis.
Investigators: Dr. L.P. Chung (Principal)
Dr. S.Y. Leung
Dr. M.P. Wong
Dr. S.T. Yuen
Departments: Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY ESSENTIAL GENE, ENDOTHELIN-1, USING TWO-TIERED TRANSGENIC APPROACH
To investigate the function of endothelin-1 (ET-1) during embryogenesis.
Investigator: Dr. S.K. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1995.08 Completion date: 1999.08
SCHWANN CELL-SPECIFIC INACTIVATION OF NEURO-PROTEINS, ALDOSE REDUCTASE, TO STUDY ITS ROLE IN DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
To develop mutant mice that lack aldose reductase (AR) in the Schwann cells specifically and see how it affects the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Investigator: Dr. S.K. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: HKUST Biotechnology Research Institute
Starting date: 1996.09
THE CELL TYPE-SPECIFIC KNOCKOUT OF ENDOTHELIN-1 GENE TO UNDERSTAND ITS FUNCTION
To develop mutant mice that lack endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the vascular endothelial cells and see how it affects the development and function of the vascular system as well as other organs which are regulated by this hormone.
Investigator: Dr. S.K. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.10
THE THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF GROWTH ASSOCIATED PROTEIN-43 ON DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES USING TRANSGENIC MOUSE MODEL
To investigate whether the targeted over-expression of GAP-43 to neurons will prevent axonal degeneration associated with diabetes and will enhance successful axonal regeneration to alleviate diabetic mice from neuropatic symptoms.
Investigator: Dr. S.K. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
THE ROLE OF ENDOTHELIN-1 AND NITRIC OXIDE ON THE HOMEOSTASIS OF VASCULAR TONE IN THE ET-1 AND NOS TRANSGENIC AND KNOCKOUT MICE
To make use of these ET-1 and eNOS transgenic/knockout mice and investigate NO produced by which cell type participates in the regulation of ET-1 expression in which tissues, and visa versa, and determine how their levels contribute to the blood pressure during normal physiological and chronic hypoxic conditions.
Investigators: Dr. S.K. Chung (Principal)
Professor P.C.W. Fung
Dr. F.F.M. Mo
Departments: Institute of Molecular Biology
Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
REGULATION OF SODIUM/MYOINOSITOL CO-TRANSPORTER GENE EXPRESSION
To clone the mouse sodium/myoinositol co-transporter gene to use as a probe to study the regulation of its gene expression, and to develop transfection vectors to knock out this gene in mouse.
Investigator: Dr. S.S.M. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.01
OSMOTIC RESPONSIVE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF THE ALDOSE REDUCTASE GENE
To identify the ORE of AR gene by transfection assay; to confirm the ORE by in vivo footprinting; to analyze the ORE by gel retardation assay; to clone the ORTF.
Investigator: Dr. S.S.M. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.10
OSMOREGULATION IN LENS
It is imperative to have a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to various cataracts such that preventive measures can be developed. Since maintaining the ionic strength and ionic composition in the lens is essential for the transparency of the lens, we plan to study the mechanism of osmoregulation in this organ. Transgenic mice that over-express aldose reductase and sodium dependent myoinositol transporter in their lenses will be used to increase the lens' level of sorbitol and myoinositol, respectively. We will determine if high level of these osmolytes causes cataract development, and see when the level of one osmolyte is high, will the lens compensate by reducing the level of other osmolytes. We will also determine whether high intracellular osmotic pressure affects the regulation of expression of genes that control the level of osmolytes such as aldose reductase, sodium dependent myoinositol transporter, and taurine transporter.
Investigator: Dr. S.S.M. Chung
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Outstanding Researcher Award, Vice-Chancellor's Development Fund
Starting date: 1998.09
MOLECULAR GENETICS IN GASTROINTESTINAL POLYPOSIS SYNDROME
To define the molecular genetic changes in three polyposis syndromes; to establish methods for efficiency screening of at-risk individuals within these families.
Investigators: Dr. R.J. Collins (Principal)
Dr. L.P. Chung
Dr. J.W.C. Ho
Dr. S.T. Yuen
Departments: Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Morbid Anatomy/Cytology)
Pathology
Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
ENDOSSEOUS DENTAL IMPLANTS
Endosseous dental implants.
Investigator: Dr. M.B. Comfort
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1989.01
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CT AND MRI IN IMPLANT SURGERY
To determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the quantity and quality of bone in the jaws before implant surgery, and to compare its accuracy in this field with X-ray computerised tomography (CT).
Investigator: Dr. M.B. Comfort
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1990.05
MICROBIOLOGY OF TITANIUM DENTAL IMPLANTS
To monitor prospectively the putative pathogenic flora around titanium dental implants in an attempt to elucidate the relationship, if any, between the success of dental implants and the prevalence of pathogens.
Investigators: Dr. M.B. Comfort (Principal)
Professor L.P. Samaranayake
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
A CONTROLLED PILOT STUDY ON THE USE OF THINNER 3.3MM FIXTURES IN NARROW JAWS
To evaluate the short-term and long-term clinical and radiographic effects of fixtures in narrow jaws over a 5 year period; to compare the function and use of 3.3mm fixtures to 3.75mm fixtures in patients with narrow jaws.
Investigators: Dr. M.B. Comfort (Principal)
Dr. T.W. Chow
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Nobelpharma AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
Starting date: 1994.10
USE OF BONE GRAFTING MATERIALS IN IMPLANT SURGERY
To evaluate the effectiveness of allograft material for alveolar bone augmentation in areas of the jaws with insufficient bone volume to accommodate endosseous implants.
Investigator: Dr. M.B. Comfort
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
COMPARISON OF CEPHALOMETRIC ANALYSES USING SONIC DIGITISATION (DOLPHIN WORKSTATION) AND CONVENTIONAL CEPHALOMETRIC RADIOGRAPHS
To evaluate the innovative Dolphin sonic digitisation system in respect of cephalometric measurements; to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the Dolphin workstation with special reference to points constructed geometrically (e.g. Sella and Incisor Apices); to compare cephalometric analyses using the Dolphin workstation with conventional methods.
Investigators: Professor M.S. Cooke (Principal)
Dr. H.S. Tsang
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1995.01 Completion date: 1999.06
SPACE ANALYSIS USING THE DOLPHIN SONIC DIGITISATION WORKSTATION. AN EVALUATION AND COMPARISON WITH MANUAL METHODS
To evaluate the innovative Dolphin sonic digitisation system in respect of model space analysis; to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the Dolphin workstation during model space analysis; to compare the results of space analysis by the Dolphin workstation with conventional manual methods.
Investigators: Professor M.S. Cooke (Principal)
Dr. K.H.Y. Mok
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1995.01 Completion date: 1999.06
EFFECTS OF THE HEADGEAR-ACTIVATOR APPLIANCE ON CHINESE CHILDREN WITH INCREASED UPPER INCISOR PROTRUSION
To investigate the comprehensive effects of the HeadGear Activator (Van Beek style) on growing Chinese children with increased overjet (i.e. class 11 division 1 malocclusions). The study will include head posture, muscle activity, temporomandibular joint, soft tissue, dental and skeletal evaluations.
Investigators: Professor M.S. Cooke (Principal)
Dr. L. Peng
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1996.06
COMPARISON OF "CUSTOM MADE" WITH "OVER THE COUNTER" MOUTHGUARDS IN PATIENTS WEARING FIXED ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES
a) Patient evaluation, by questionnaire, of "custom made" and "over the counter mouthguards"; b) Laboratory evaluation of the two types of mouthguards; c) Detailed evaluation of an ideal mouthguard material and design for subjects wearing fixed orthodontic appliances.
Investigators: Professor M.S. Cooke (Principal)
Dr. P.R.H. Newsome
Dr. C.D. Tran
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1998.01
A LONGITUDINAL EVALUATION OF USE OF ORAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND ORAL HEALTH STATUS IN A GROUP OF HONG KONG ELDERLY
To monitor logitudinally the utilization of available oral health care services in as many as possible of a group of 537 elderly subjects previously surveyed in 1990-91 and to assess barriers to the utilization of available oral health care services; to monitor the development and progression of dental caries (coronal and root caries), periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral mucosal conditions in as many as possible of a group of 537 elderly subjects previously surveyed in 1990-91; to identify risk factors for the development of oral progression of dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral mucosal conditions in the studied subjects; to monitor the dental treatment (restorations, tooth extractions, dental prostheses) received by as many as possible of 537 elderly subjects previously surveyed in 1990-91.
Investigator: Dr. E.F. Corbet
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1994.10
EVALUATION OF THE ADEQUACY OF DENTAL CURRICULA FOR THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY IN HONG KONG
To assess the views of dental graduates from the University of Hong Kong on the adequacy of their course of dental studies in preparing them for the practice of dentistry in Hong Kong; to assess the views of dental graduates, who obtained their primary dental degree during the period 1985-94 and who are registered on the Hong Kong Dentist List, on the adequacy of their course of dental studies in preparing them for the practice of dentistry in Hong Kong; to compare the views of these two categories of recent dental graduates on the adequacy of their courses of dental studies in preparing them for the practice of dentistry in Hong Kong.
Investigator: Dr. E.F. Corbet
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
MULTIPLE CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIUM CALCULATIONS
To develop the design of an algorithm and to implement the programming for numerical modelling of polyelectrolyte solutions.
Investigator: Professor B.W. Darvell
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1988.01
MAGNETS IN DENTISTRY
Magnets have been used in dentistry for over 50 years. With the development of the rare-earth-cobalt alloy magnets, their use became widespread both as retention aids for prostheses and for orthodontic tooth movement. Such magnetic systems are available commercially. However, in the development of such systems the available literature reveals that basic physical principles have largely been ignored or erroneous baseless assemptions made. The force-distance relationship has been said to be according to the inverse-square law or some other "laws". The keeper has largely been ignored. Retention has been claimed to be dependant on the speed of separation. These claims and others will be examined both theoretically and experimentally.
Investigator: Dr. A.P.L.H. Dias
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1992.01 Completion date: 1999.02
MICROBIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF DENTURE HYGIENE AND DENTURE PLAQUE DEVELOPMENT IN A COHORT OF HONG KONG DENTURE WEARERS
To test a microbiological method of objectively measuring denture hygiene and to monitor the development of plaque on the fitting surface of dentures.
Investigators: Dr. A.P.L.H. Dias (Principal)
Professor L.P. Samaranayake
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
CLINICAL EVALUATION OF THE MAGFIT MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT
To evaluate the function of the Magfit Magnetic Attachment as a retentive device for overdentures and implant supported prostheses.
Investigators: Dr. A.P.L.H. Dias (Principal)
Professor K. Hiranuma
Professor Y.S. Kim
Dr. T.H. Lin
Professor Y.Y. Shian
Professor Y. Tanaka
Professor Y.M. Zhao
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Academic Prosthetic Dentistry, Taiwan
Aichi Gakuin University, Japan
Fourth Medical University, People's Republic of China
National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Seoul National University, Korea
Source of funding: Aichi Steel Works Ltd., Nagoya, Japan
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.04
IN VIVO GENE DELIVERY IN LIVE ANIMAL
To investigate the feasibility of delivering genetic material directly into live mouse and study the expression pattern of the delivered genetic material.
Investigators: Dr. P. Dickens (Principal)
Dr. S.L. Beh
Dr. C.K. Choo
Departments: Pathology
Medicine
Starting date: 1998.06
EFFECTS OF AUTOCLAVING ON THE PERFORMANCE OF DENTAL AIR TURBINE HANDPIECES
To investigate the effects of autoclaving on the speed, torque, power, efficiency and bearing resistance of dental air turbine handpieces with reference to clinical usage.
Investigators: Dr. J.E. Dyson (Principal)
Professor B.W. Darvell
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
ARTIFICIAL LIVER SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS WITH LIVER FAILURE IN HONG KONG
To establish a system of artificial liver for treatment of terminal liver failure.
Investigator: Professor S.T. Fan
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Oriental Press Charitable Fund Association
Starting date: 1993.12
LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IN HONG KONG
To evaluate the outcome of liver transplantation in Hong Kong.
Investigator: Professor S.T. Fan
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Oriental Press Charitable Fund Association
Starting date: 1995.07
VASCULAR INFLOW OCCLUSION BY PRINGLE MANOEUVRE IN HEPATECTOMY - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL
To investigate whether vascular inflow occlusion by Pringle manoeuvre during hepatectomy can be safe and effective in reducing blood loss by a randomized and prospective comparison with a group of patients undergoing hepatectomy without Pringle manoeuvre.
Investigator: Professor S.T. Fan
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.09 Completion date: 1999.08
I.M.M.D. (INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN MALIGNANT DISEASE)
To improve the education in, and practice of communications to patients with malignant disease. This constitutes a second phase of this project. IMMD is implemented in two countries, namely Hong Kong and Scotland, U.K. The project will produce comparative data from these countries.
Investigators: Dr. R. Fielding (Principal)
Dr. M.L.M. Gilhooly
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
University of Glasgow, Scotland
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
EFFECTS OF MIGRATION ON THE CORONARY HEART DISEASE RISK PROFILES OF HONG KONG CHINESE LIVING IN MANCHESTER, UK AND VANCOUVER, CANADA
To explore changes in CHD risk factor profiles among a group of first and second generation migrants to the UK and Canada with a group of Hong Kong subjecs; to explore which behavioural and lifestyle factors associated with migration and adaptation to country of adoption influence CHD risk factor profiles.
Investigators: Dr. R. Fielding (Principal)
Professor S. Donnan
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
School of Epidemiology and Public Health, The University of Manchester, U.K.
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07
QUALITY OF LIFE OF CANCER PATIENTS IN HONG KONG
To recruit and follow up a sample of cancer patients referred for palliative radiotherapeutic care to monitor changes in the trajector of quality of life (QoL) during later stage cancer.
Investigators: Dr. R. Fielding (Principal)
Professor C.L.W. Chan
Professor J.S.T. Sham
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
Clinical Oncology
Social Work and Social Administration
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1998.04
THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES AND INTERNS REGARDING ACUTE PAIN AND POST-OPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL
To investigate knowledge regarding implementation and efficacy of post-operative pain control procedures and limitations among nurses and medical interns; to investigate the attitudes towards, and perceptions of the impact of post-operative pain control procedures for hospitalised patients and barriers to their implementation among a group of nurses and interns in a Hong Kong regional hospital.
Investigators: Dr. R. Fielding (Principal)
Dr. M.G. Irwin
Departments: Behavioural Sciences Unit
Anaesthesiology
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1999.04
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT OF CHINESE WOMEN AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS TO THE IMPACT OF BREAST CANCER AND TREATMENTS
To explore the illness perception of breast cancer held by Chinese women with breast cancer and by their significant others, and to understand the physical and psychosocial adjustment of Chinese women and their significant others to the impact of early breast cancer and its treatments.
Investigator: Dr. R. Fielding
Department: Behavioural Sciences Unit
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1999.05
ANALYSIS OF VARIATION PROFILE IN LOWER LEG LENGTH OF CHINESE INFANTS
To extend existing models to incorporate prognostic factors for studying simultaneously the mean and variation dynamics in clinical studies; to analyse the variation profile in lower leg length of Chinese infants in Hong Kong.
Investigators: Dr. D.Y.T. Fong (Principal)
Professor J.P.E. Karlberg
Departments: Clinical Trials Center
Paediatrics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.05
PREVALENCE OF AND RISK FACTORS FOR DENTAL FEAR AMONG HONG KONG CHILDREN
To measure the prevalence of dental anxiety among selected age groups of children in Hong Kong; to investigate the factors which determine the development of dental fear in these children.
Investigators: Dr. D.S.H. Fung (Principal)
Professor E. Schwarz
Department: Faculty of Dentistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
INVOLVEMENT OF BRAINSTEM OXYGEN SENSING MECHANISMS IN THE NEURAL CONTROL OF RESPIRATION
To evaluate the hypothesis that the oxygen sensing mechanisms are co-localized in the lateral region of the rostral pons that mediates the hypoxic depression of respiration.
Investigator: Dr. M.L. Fung
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
THE ENHANCEMENT OF NEURONAL EXCITABILITY WITH PROLONGED OXYGEN DEPRIVATION
To understand the mechanisms of the neuronal response to oxygen deprivation.
Investigator: Dr. M.L. Fung
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE ROLE OF VOLTAGE-GATED NA+CHANNELS IN CENTRAL NEURONS DURING HYPOXIA
To study the role of Na+ channels in the anoxic response of CNS neurons.
Investigator: Dr. M.L. Fung
Department: Physiology
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1998.11
FREE RADICAL MEDICINE OF LIVER DAMAGE AND PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANTS
(i) To find effective animal models to reveal the generation mechanism and the roles played by free radicals in liver damaged caused by CC14 or other harmful chemicals. The free radicals are detected by EPR techniques. (ii) to measure the amount of free radicals present as well as the degree of liver damage after administration of some natural antioxidants in order to find effective medicine which could protect liver damage. Moreover, we are in the process of developing "instant NO Trap" or other means for NO detection in clinical usage. This hopefully would be a breakthrough in various branches of medicine.
Investigators: Professor P.C.W. Fung (Principal)
Mr. X.H. Zhang
Ms W. Zhu
Departments: Medicine
Physics
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
IDENTIFICATION OF GENOMIC ALTERATIONS RELATED TO TUMOR METASTASIS IN HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA
To analyze the differences of genomic changes between primary HCC tumor and its corresponding metastasis by CGH, in order to detect the specific chromosome alterations related to the metastatic poetentials of HCC.
Investigator: Dr. X.Y. Guan
Department: Clinical Oncology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.08
CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC EFFECT ON CARIES ASSOCIATED BACTERIA WITH TOOTHPASTE CONTAINING ANTIBACTERIAL AGENTS IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS AT HIGH CARIES RISK
To evaluate the chemotherapeutic effect on caries associated microorganisms like mutans streptococci and lactobacilli using fluoride toothpaste with different antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine, triclosan and xylitol in children with high caries risk.
Investigators: Professor E.U.O. Hagg (Principal)
Professor L.G. Petersson
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Preventive Dentistry, Medical and Dental Health Centre, Halmstad, Sweden
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07
ACTIVE FORWARD POSITIONING OF THE MANDIBLE - A MOLECULAR, BIOCHEMICAL, HISTOLOGICAL AND BIOMETRIC STUDY
To use the soaring advances in molecular and biochemical techniques to examine whether forward mandibular positioning could affect the growth of TMJ.
Investigators: Professor E.U.O. Hagg (Principal)
Dr. A.B.M. Rabie
Professor A. Veis
Departments: Faculty of Dentistry
Oral Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, U.S.A.
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
MAINTENANCE OF A BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY
Maintenance of a bone marrow donor registry.
Investigator: Dr. B.R. Hawkins
Department: Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Immunology)
Source of funding: Hong Kong Marrow Match Foundation
Starting date: 1992.01
APPLICATION OF DNA-BASED TECHNIQUES TO THE EVALUATION OF BONE MARROW DONORS IN A CHINESE POPULATION
Various DNA-based laboratory techniques have been developed by the U.K. team to assess the compatibility of unrelated BMT donors and recipients (3,4). Some of these techniques are currently available in Hong Kong but others are not. The initial aim of this project is to establish all these techniques in Hong Kong with the assistance of the University of Bristol team. Having set up the techniques it will be necessary to jointly evaluate their efficacy in predicting the outcome of unrelated BMT in the genetically distinct populations of U.K. and Hong Kong. This will require the establishment of a protocols and evaluative criteria. The evaluation process itself will be a long term project requiring patient follow-up over several years. Whilst the project has immediate benefits in exchanging technology, therefore, it will also form the basis of a long-term collaborative study with clear implications for the clinical management of BMT patients in both geographical areas.
Investigators: Dr. B.R. Hawkins (Principal)
Professor B.A. Bradley
Departments: Pathology (Hospital Pathology Services Immunology)
Transplantation Sciences, University of Bristol, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1995.10
FUNCTION OF CORONARY ENDOTHELIUM AND SMOOTH MUSCLE RELATED TO CARDIAC SURGERY
To investigate the effect of ischemia, reperfusion, and cardioplegia on the function of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the coronary circulation.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1999.06
IS THE SIZE OF INTERNAL MAMMARY ARTERY (IMA) SUITABLE FOR CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS IN CHINESE?
To study the correlation between the size of IMA and the size of coronary artery in Chinese to answer the above question.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.H. Chow
Departments: Surgery
Medicine
Starting date: 1996.07
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF TYPE A AORTIC DISSECTION
To determine the long-term results of different surgical methods in treatment of type A aortic dissection.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1996.07
ANGIOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF THE RADIAL ARTERY PATENCY AFTER CORONARY ARTERY SURGERY
To study the patency of the radial artery graft in patients after coronary bypass surgery.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.H. Chow
Departments: Surgery
Medicine
Starting date: 1996.07
LONG-TERM SURVIVAL AFTER REPAIR OF VALSALVA ANEURYSM
To establish the long-term survival pattern after repair of this congenital heart disease.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.K. Au
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06
CORONARY ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION RELATED TO OPEN HEART SURGERY AND ITS PROTECTION
To investigate the effect of ischemia (hypoxia) and cardioplegia (and organ preservation solutions) on the function of endothelial cells in the coronary circulation and therefore, to develop a method to protect the coronary circulation during open heart surgery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.09
COMPARISON OF NITROVASODILATORS IN THE HUMAN RADIAL ARTERY
To compare the two major nitrovasodilators in the radial artery in order to provide useful information for clinical use of the nitrovasodilators.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.01
HYPERPOLARIZING ARREST COMBINED WITH HYPERKALEMIC CARDIOPLEGIA - THE ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION
To investigate the possible role of hyperpolarizing agents added in hyperkalemic cardioplegia with regard to endothelial function.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.01
CORONARY ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AFTER EXPOSURE TO CARDIOPLEGIA IN MICROVASCULATURE
To investigate the change of endothelial function in microvasculature after cardioplegia exposure.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.01
POTASSIUM CHANNEL OPENER KRN 4880 - THE EFFECT IN THE HUMAN IMA
To study the interaction of KRN 4880 and vasoconstrictors in the human internal mammary artery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.05
INTERACTION OF ANGIOTENSIN II AND K CHANNEL OPENERS IN HUMAN ARTERIES
To investigate the effect of K channel openers in inhibition of vasoconstriction in human arteries.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.05
USE OF THROMBOXANE A2 ANTAGONISTS TO RELIEVE VASOSPASM IN THE HUMAN RADIAL ARTERY
To search the possibility to relieve vasospasm in the human radial artery by using thromboxane A2 antagonists.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.05
EFFECT OF PDE III INHIBITORS IN THE HUMAN RADIAL ARTERY
To evaluate the clinically used vasodilator-inotropic drug milrinone regarding its possible use for radial artery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.05
INTERACTION BETWEEN EDRFS IN THE CORONARY CIRCULATON
To investigate the interaction between EDRFs in the coronary arteries.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.05
ANGIOTENSIN II ANTAGONISTS IN THE HUMAN ARTERIES
To study the role of angiotensin II antagonists in relieving vasospasm in human arteries.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.05
RISK FACTORS OF OPERATIVE MORTALITY FOR HEART VALVE SURGERY
To identify the operative risk factos in order to further improve the operative results.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.S. Suen
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
HEART VALVE SURGERY FOR ENDOCARDITIS
To analyse the clinical data of patients with endocarditis undergoing valve surgery.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.S. Chau
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
LONG-TERM SURVIVAL AFTER RESECTION OF CARDIAC MYXOMA
To determine the factors influencing the survival after surgery for myxoma.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.H. Chui
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
ROLE OF CALCIUM ANTAGONISTS IN HUMAN RADIAL ARTERY
To investigate the effect of a number of calcium antagonists in the human radial artery to provide useful information for the radial artery grafting.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
HYPERPOLARIZATION OF HUMAN ARTERIES USED AS CORONARY BYPASS GRAFTS
To investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of human arteries used as coronary bypass grafts.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
CLINICAL CHOICE OF ARTERIAL GRAFTS FOR CORONARY SURGERY
To choose optimal arterial grafts for coronary artery bypass surgery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
EDNO AND EDHF INTERACTION IN THE HUMAN VEIN
To investigate the possible interacton between EDNO and EDHF in the human saphenous vein.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
HEART PRESERVATION METHODS AND ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION
To search an optimal method to preserve endothelial function for heart transplantation.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.06
ROLE OF INTRALUMINAL INJECTION OF VASODILATOR TO OVERCOME VASOSPASM OF ARTERIAL GRAFTS
To analyse clinical data on the intraluminal injection of vasodilators by coronary catheter after coronary bypass surgery.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.H. Chow
Dr. K.Y.M. Fan
Departments: Surgery
Medicine, Hospital Authority
Medicine
Starting date: 1998.06
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTS WITH IMPLICATIONS IN CORONARY SURGERY
To investigate the biological characteristics of blood vessels used as coronary bypass grafts with regard to the smooth muscle and endothelial function in order to understand the behaviour of the grafts and to develop new clinical antispastic strategy to further improve the short and long term results of coronary bypass surgery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
DIFFERENCE IN HYPERPOLARIZATION BETWEEN THE HUMAN INTERNAL MAMMARY ARTERY AND SAPHENOUS VEIN
To investigate possible difference in the smooth muscle hyperpolarization between internal mammary artery and saphenous vein - two common grafts for coronary bypass surgery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1998.07
PHARMACOLOGICAL PRECONDITIONING OF CORONARY ARTERIES DURING ISCHEMIA
To study the possible protective effect of pharmacological agents on the coronary arteries during open heart surgery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Departments: Surgery
St. Vincent Medical Foundation, U.S.A.
Starting date: 1998.07
RISK FACTOR ANALYSIS FOR HEART VALVE SURGERY
To identify the risk factors for mortality and morbidity in heart valve surgery.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. W.S. Suen
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1999.01
THE VASORELAXANT EFFECT OF VEGF IN THE HUMAN ARTERY USED AS BYPASS GRAFTS
To study the endothelium-dependent relaxation of VEGF in the human internal mammary artery.
Investigator: Professor G.W. He
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1999.01
CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN MICRO-CORONARY ARTERIES RELATED TO CARDIAC SURGERY
To investigate the endothelium and smooth muscle function in the micro-circulation of the heart related to cardiac surgery.
Investigators: Professor G.W. He (Principal)
Dr. S.W. Chiu
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1999.07
EVALUATION OF SMOKING PREVENTION ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG: COST EFFECTIVENESS IN HIGH RISK GROUPS OF SMOKERS AND NON-SMOKERS
To examine current knowledge, attitudes and behaviour with respect to smoking in specific target groups in the general population; to identify the factors associated with smoking and non-smoking in the selected groups and the factors associated with smoking cessation in ex-smokers; to measure the background smoking initiation and cessation rates in the selected target groups and establish a model of smoking patterns in Hong Kong; to determine the probable impact of special smoking prevention events such as "No Smoking Days" on attitudes and smoking cessation rates.
Investigators: Professor A.J. Hedley (Principal)
Dr. C.M. Wong
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Medical Faculty Research Grant Fund
Starting date: 1988.12
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER AIDED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH ACUTE ABDOMINAL PAIN IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
To establish a multi-disciplinary working group between the Department of Surgery (Prof. D.J. Leaper, Prof. J. Wong and Dr. F.J. Branicki), Community Medicine (Prof. A.J. Hedley and Mr. C.M. Wong) and Statistics (Prof. J. Aitchison and Dr. J. Bacon-Shone); initiate new studies on the diagnosis of acute abdominal pain using both knowledge-based and statistical reasoning with the aim of developing a flexible clinical decision support system.
Investigators: Professor A.J. Hedley (Principal)
Dr. J.H. Bacon-Shone
Dr. C.M. Wong
Professor J. Wong
Departments: Community Medicine
Social Sciences Research Centre
Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Roche Asian Research Foundation
Starting date: 1989.05
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR A CLINICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND EVALUATION OF ITS IMPACT ON MEDICAL CARE
To design, implement and evaluate a clinical information system to support the work of a specialist unit; to seek support for phase one in which baseline studies will be carried out which will form the basis for future evaluation of the system.
Investigators: Professor A.J. Hedley (Principal)
Professor J.C.Y. Leong
Dr. S.G. Ong
Departments: Community Medicine
Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1992.07
A COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF INFLUENZA PREVENTION IN HONG KONG
To ascertain whether Hong Kong residents would benefit from prevention of influenza and whether the benefits exceed the costs; to compare findings with those from other countries.
Investigators: Professor A.J. Hedley (Principal)
Professor K.F. Shortridge
Departments: Community Medicine
Microbiology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1993.07
SERVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULOSIS IN HONG KONG: EVALUATION OF THE EXPERIENCE OF A COHORT OF PATIENTS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
To determine the extent to which services provided for the treatment of patients with tuberculosis in Hong Kong are matched to need, in terms of type of care received by different categories of patients, and the referral pattern between service components; to determine the resource use by different ctaegories of patients, and examine the efficiency of service provision; to develop a case-mix classification system applicable to out-patients and in-patients; to determine the pattern and type of care provided to a representative sample of patients; to allocate patients in the sample to case-mix categories for the duration of the treatment programme; to analyse the process and outcome of care provided to patients in different case-mix categories (including examination of the interface between and within primary and secondary care sites); to provide basic information which can be used to facilitate the development of a clinical information sytem and universal medical record with the aim of improving communication and coordination betwen care sites; to provide relevant information for the planning of service development at a strategic level.
Investigators: Professor A.J. Hedley (Principal)
Dr. S.M. McGhee
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1995.06
SURVEY OF EFFECTS OF THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON THE HEALTH OF THE TRAFFIC POLICE
To identify and quantify health risks which can be directly attributable to air quality in the working environment and other factos.
Investigator: Professor A.J. Hedley
Department: Community Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Government
Starting date: 1995.07
ASSESSMENT FOR SHORT-TERM HEALTH EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION AND THE EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN LIMITING SULPHUR CONTENT OF INDUSTRIAL FUELS
To assess the short-term effects of air pollution on daily mortality during July 1989 to June 1991; to assess the effect of a government intervention implemented after July 1990 in controlling sulphur content of industrial fuels.
Investigators: Professor A.J. Hedley (Principal)
Professor R. Anderson
Mr. S.S.L. Ma
Dr. C.M. Wong
Departments: Community Medicine
Public Health Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, U.K.
Source of funding: UK/HK Joint Research Scheme (British Council / Hong Kong Research Grants Council)
Starting date: 1999.06
MOLECULAR AND PHENOTYPIC ANALYSIS OF DUCK T AND B LYMPHOBLASTOID CELL LINES
To define the gene reorganizations that occur in the duck Ig H chain locus during the transcription and expression of Mu, Nu, Nu(~Fc) and Alpha H chain isotypes; to complete our repertoire of genetic and serological reagents defining the duck T and B cell phenotypes and subpopulations; to apply the reagents to studies of the anatidine immune system during development and in disease.
Investigators: Dr. D.A. Higgins (Principal)
Dr. S.H. Cheng
Professor G.W. Warr
Departments: Pathology
Biochemistry, Medical University of South Carolina, U.S.A.
Biology, City University of Hong Kong
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1998.09
PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY IN CHINESE PATIENTS: MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS TO IDENTIFY PREDICTORS OF EARLY PROCEDURAL SUCCESS, IN-HOSPITAL COMPLICATIONS AND LONG-TERM CLINICAL OUTCOME
To identify those patient characteristics (e.g. absence of diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia, younger age, male sex, etc.) and coronary vessel characteristics (e.g. larger vessel size, absence of side branches or calcifications, straight vessel, concentric stenosis, short discrete lesion, etc.) that may be associated with a high procedural success rate, low in-hospital complication rate and good long-term clinical outcome following PTCA; to identify those patients characteristics (e.g. presence of diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolaemia, older age, female sex, etc.) and coronary vessel characeristics (e.g. stenosis, long diffuse lesion, etc.) that may be associated with a poor procedural success rate, high in-hospital complication rate and poor long-term clinical outcome following PTCA.
Investigators: Dr. D.S.W. Ho (Principal)
Professor C.P. Lau
Dr. C.K. Wong
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.10 Completion date: 1998.12
SIBRAFIBAN VERSUS ASPIRIN TO YIELD MAXIMUM PROTECTION FROM ISCHAEMIC HEART EVENTS POST ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES (THE SYMPHONY TRIAL)
To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sibrafiban in two dose regimens to that of aspirin in patients following an episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (i.e. Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), non-Q-wave MI, or unstable angina).
Investigators: Dr. D.S.W. Ho (Principal)
Professor C.P. Lau
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Private donation
Starting date: 1998.05 Completion date: 1999.06
A PHASEIII, MULTICENTER, INTERNATIONAL, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLINDED, ASPIRIN-CONTROLLED TRIAL TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TWO REGIMENS WITH XUBIXTM (SIBRAFIBAN; RO 48-3657), AN ORAL PLATELET GLYCOPROTEIN IIB/IIIA RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST, AS THERAPY FOR THE LONG TERM PREVENTION OF SECONDARY VASCULAR EVENTS IN PATIENTS AFTER AN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
To compare the efficacy of long-term sibrafiban therapy in two regimens (high-dose sibrafiban; low-dose sibrafiban plus aspirin) to that of long-term aspirin therapy in preventing the independent occurrence of death, myocardial infarction or (re)infarction, severe recurrent ischemia, stroke, reversible coronary ischemia, coronary revascularization, and rehospitalization; to collect pharmacoeconomic data for patients taking sibrafiban and patients taking aspirin.
Investigators: Dr. D.S.W. Ho (Principal)
Professor C.P. Lau
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: F Hoffmann-La Roche and Co. Ltd.
Starting date: 1999.05 Completion date: 1999.08
A CASE-CONTROL STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND FAMILIAL RISK FACTORS FOR COLORECTAL CANCER IN HONG KONG
To identify hereditary and acquired risk and protective factors for colorectal cancer in Hong Kong so that: 1) appropriate health measures can be devised to prevent disease development; 2) individuals at high risk of developing colorectal cancer can be identified and preventive health measures and screening programmes can be targeted to this high risk group.
Investigators: Dr. J.W.C. Ho (Principal)
Professor T.H. Lam
Dr. S.T. Yuen
Departments: Surgery
Community Medicine
Pathology
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1997.10
A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED COMPARISON OF VAGINAL AND ORAL MISOPROSTOL WHEN COMBINED WITH MIFEPRISTONE IN TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER
To compare the efficacy of vaginal and oral misoprostol in termination of second trimester pregnancy when combined with mifepristone.
Investigators: Professor P.C. Ho (Principal)
Dr. C.S.W. Ngai
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Starting date: 1996.01 Completion date: 1998.09
PILOT STUDY ON THE USE OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS TO DECREASE THE DURATION OF BLEEDING IN PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY WITH MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL
To study whether starting combined oral contraceptive pills 1 day after medical abortion will affect the duration of vaginal bleeding after abortion; to study whether starting combined oral contraceptive pills 1 day after medical abortion will affect the incidence of complete abortion.
Investigators: Professor P.C. Ho (Principal)
Dr. F.O.S. Tang
Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Hospital Authority)
Source of funding: World Health Organization
Starting date: 1997.04
THE EFFECT OF DAILY LOW DOSE MIFEPRISTONE ON THE ENDOMETRIUM - A STUDY OVER FOUR CONSECUTIVE CYCLES
To determine the effect that 2mg per day and 5mg per day of mifepristone given over four cycles, has on endometrial histology, proliferation and steroid receptor content; to determine the effect on menstrual bleeding and the ovarian cycle of continuous low dose mifepristone during this period; to monitor any changes in biochemical and haematological parameters and the glucocorticoid axis during the continuous administration of low dose mifepristone; to monitor the development of non-functioning cysts during mifepristone treatment with monthly ultrasound scans.
Investigators: Professor P.C. Ho (Principal)
Dr. F.O.S. Tang
Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Hospital Authority)
Source of funding: Contraceptive Research and Development Program, U.S.A.
Starting date: 1997.12
A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMISED COMPARISON OF VAGINAL (200 UG EVERY 3 HOURS) AND ORAL MISOPROSTOL (400 UG EVERY 3 HOURS) WHEN COMBINED WITH MIFEPRISTONE IN TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY IN THE SECOND TRIMESTER
To test our hypothesis that oral misoprostol 400 ug every 3 hours is as effective as vaginal misoprostol 200 ug every 3 hours in termination of second trimester pregnancy when combined with mifepristone.
Investigators: Professor P.C. Ho (Principal)
Dr. C.S.W. Ngai
Dr. F.O.S. Tang
Departments: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Hospital Authority)
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
DEVELOPMENT OF NON-RADIOACTIVE OLIGOTYPING FOR CHARACTERISATION AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASES (ESBLS) IN MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ENTEROBACTERIACEAE
To develop a non-radioactive method for oligotyping of ESBLs in members of the family Enterobacteriaceae; to study the molecular epidemiology of ESBLs in Hong Kong.
Investigators: Dr. P.L. Ho (Principal)
Dr. W.S. Ng
Dr. W.C. Yam
Departments: Microbiology
Microbiology (Hospital Pathology Services)
School of Professional and Continuing Education
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
BETA-LACTAM/BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITOR RESISTANCE AND EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASE IN BURKHOLDERIA PSEUDOMALLEI
To test the in vitro activity of newer beta-lactams alone and in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors against B. pseudomallei; to study the kinetic and genetic basis of beta-lactamase-mediated resistance in B. pseudomallei.
Investigators: Dr. P.L. Ho (Principal)
Dr. P.Y. Chau
Professor K.Y. Yuen
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.09
CHARACTERISATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES STRAINS CAUSING INVASIVE DISEASES IN HONG KONG
To characterise at the molecular and phenotypical levels, the invasive GAS strains collected from 4 major hospitals in Hong Kong; to review the clinical characteristics of patiens with invasive GAS infections and their correlation with bacterial strain characteristic.
Investigators: Dr. P.L. Ho (Principal)
Dr. E.L. Kaplan
Dr. T.K. Ng
Dr. T.L. Que
Dr. W.M. Tang
Dr. D.N.C. Tsang
Departments: Microbiology
Orthopaedic Surgery
Princess Margaret Hospital
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Tuen Mun Hospital
World Health Organisation
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
THE IMPACT OF CHANGING ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING POLICIES ON THE PATTERN OF COLONISATION AND INFECTION BY MULTIRESISTANT MICROBES IN AN ADULT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
To determine if the establishment of an antibiotic prescribing policy can reduce the incidence of infection and colonisation by resistant microbes in an adult ICU.
Investigators: Dr. P.L. Ho (Principal)
Dr. K.K. Young
Departments: Microbiology
Intensive Care Unit, Queen Mary Hospital
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1999.04
A STUDY OF THE HUMAN CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE (COMT) IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
To identify and characterize structural differences in the human COMT gene between PD and control populations using methods which we have optimized; to determine the functional significance of these structural differneces in the promoter regions which control the expression of the gene using commercially available vectors; to determine the distribution of COMT within the human brain using recently available commercial RNA preparations of various parts of the human brain; to develop an invitro human brain model based on commercially available human astrocyte cultures, and then test the effects of vairous compounds, such as Ldopa, catecholamines and MPTP on COMT expression.
Investigators: Dr. S.L. Ho (Principal)
Dr. D.B. Ramsden
Dr. X. Tao
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1997.10
AN INVITRO BRAIN MODEL OF HUMAN CATECHOL-O-METHYLTRANSFERASE (COMT) GENE EXPRESSION
To initially develop an invitro human brain model using astrocyte culture.
Investigators: Dr. S.L. Ho (Principal)
Mr. H. Jiang
Mr. T. Xie
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
HIGH FREQUENCY VESTIBULAR AUTOROTATION TEST AS AN EFFICIENT AND SENSITIVE TEST FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM POSITIONING VERTIGO
To use the vestibular autorotation test to diagnose and monitor the progress of patients with vertigo on changing posture and active head movements.
Investigators: Dr. W.K. Ho (Principal)
Mr. D.K.K. Au
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1995.07
EFFECT OF CHEMOTHERAPY ON COCHLEAR FUNCTION
To assess the severity of cochlear damage in patient receiving chemotherapy for cancer.
Investigator: Dr. W.K. Ho
Department: Surgery
Starting date: 1996.06
DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMIZED STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY AND TOLERABILITY OF 4 WEEK'S COURSE OF AZELASTINE HCL NASAL SPRAY WITH ORAL LORATADINE IN PATIENTS WITH PERENIAL NON-ALLERGIC RHIMITIS
To assess the efficacy of a topical antihistamine.
Investigators: Dr. W.K. Ho (Principal)
Dr. P.W. Yuen
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Asta Medica Ag, Asta Medica China Ltd.
Starting date: 1998.02
MOLECULAR GENETICS OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA
Nasophyaryngeal carcinoma (NPC) is common in Hong Kong. The molecular genetics in the development of this cancer is still not well understood. The present research proposal aims at evaluation of the genetic abnormalities of NPC.
Investigators: Dr. W.K. Ho (Principal)
Professor W.I. Wei
Department: Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
INVESTIGATION OF THE VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE
To quantify the viscoelastic (time dependant) mechanical properties of the lower spine, and to identify to what extent these properties are dependant on the mode of loading that the spine is subject to: pure compression or compression coupled with bending.
Investigators: Dr. A.D. Holmes (Principal)
Professor J.C.Y. Leong
Dr. W.W. Lu
Professor K.D.K. Luk
Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.06
A STUDY TO VALIDATE A SYMPTOM SEVERITY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PATIENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA
To develop and validate an instrument to measure the severity of symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia.
Investigators: Dr. W.H.C. Hu (Principal)
Dr. C.L.K. Lam
Departments: Medicine
Family Medicine Unit
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1998.10
CHARACTERIZATION OF MYOSIN VA PUTATIVE CARGO BINDING DOMAIN
To narrow down the MyoVA cargo-binding domain, to study the properties of different tissue specific forms and to determine the mutation effects on the tail region.
Investigator: Dr. J.D. Huang
Department: Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1999.02
EVALUATION OF NOVEL NEUROEUDOCRINE PROBES FOR ASSESSING NEURAL 5-HT FUNCTION
To evaluate some novel 5-HT agonists with selectivity and potency towards respective 5-HT receptor subtypes for their potential applications as selective 5-HT neuroendocrine probes.
Investigators: Professor S.S.C. Hui (Principal)
Mr. T.Y. Chan
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Source of funding: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Starting date: 1997.05
A STUDY OF LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY (LVH) REGRESSION BY PHARMACOLOGICAL AGENTS IN A RAT MODEL OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
Clinically, the angiotension converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors and calcium antagonists are effective in causing LVH regression. A clinically tested formulation of Chinese medicinal preparation 'Wen Xin Bao' has similar efficacy but offers a high therapeutic index. Since the process of LVH regression is not clearly defined and reported in the literature, the present study intends to elucidate on this and to compare the effects of the three pharmacological agents. The findings will contribute towards understanding and treatment of CHF in humans.
Investigator: Professor S.S.C. Hui
Department: School of Professional and Continuing Education
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
EIGHT UNIQUE DIAGNOSTIC KITS
To develop 3 unique test kits for commercial production and 5 prototype test kits for clinical evaluation.
Investigators: Dr. S.W.K. Im (Principal)
Dr. P.L. Ho
Professor M.H. Ng
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government
Starting date: 1997.07
STUDIES OF HEPATITIS E: THE ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES OF INFECTION, THE PREVALENCE OF THE DISEASE, AND THE VIROLOGICAL AND SEROLOGICAL PROFILE DURING THE COURSE OF INFECTION
To extend our understanding of the cause (e.g. environment sources) of endemic hepatitis E in our community; to document the extent of endemicity of hepatitis E in southern China - in particular, Hong Kong and its vicinity; to provide an accurate description of the clinical course of hepatitis E in terms of viraemia, faecal shedding of the virus, and serological responses to infection.
Investigators: Dr. S.W.K. Im (Principal)
Professor M.H. Ng
Department: Microbiology
Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)
Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09
MECHANISMS OF LUNG TISSUE DESTRUCTION IN CHRONIC BRONCHIAL INFECTIONS
To study the cellular and biochemical mechanisms of proteoglycan metabolism and their roles in the destruction of lung tissue in chronic bronchial infection.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Dr. D.K.Y. Shum
Departments: Medicine
Biochemistry
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1998.10
ROLE OF CYTOKINES AND ADHESION MOLECULES IN THE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE OF BRONCHIECTASIS
To study the profile and actions of cytokines and cell adhesion molecules in the chronic and acute on chronic inflammatory response in bronchiectasis.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Professor W.K. Lam
Dr. D.K.Y. Shum
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang
Departments: Medicine
Biochemistry
Source of funding: Lee Wing Tat Cardiothoracic Research and Education Fund
Starting date: 1996.01
STUDY OF LEUCOCYTE-ENDOTHELIAL ADHESION IN CHRONIC BRONCHIAL INFECTION
To study the role and mechanisms of leucocyte-endothelial adhesion in the recruitment of neutrophils to the airways in bronchiectasis with chronic bronchial infection.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Dr. M.P. Wong
Departments: Medicine
Pathology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1998.10
PREVALENCE OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA IN MIDDLE-AGED CHINESE IN HONG KONG AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS
To estimate the prevalence of obstructive sleep anpoea in the Chinese population in Hong Kong between the age of 40-65 years; to define the anthropometric characteristics associated with this condition in a Chinese population.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Dr. K.F. Chung
Professor W.K. Lam
Professor W.C.G. Peh
Departments: Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Psychiatry
Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council
Starting date: 1996.09
THE EFFICACY OF THE MODIFIED ORAL APPLIANCE IN THE TREATMENT OF MILD AND MODERATE OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
To assess the efficacy, side effects and patient acceptance of an oral appliance in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea; to define the clinical, anthropometric, polysomnographic and cephalometric characteristics that determine treatment response.
Investigator: Professor M.S.M. Ip
Department: Medicine
Starting date: 1997.02
THE EFFECT OF ORAL APPLIANCE (OA) IN TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
To study the efficacy of OA in treatment of mild/moderate OSA; to study the safety profile of OA.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Professor M.S. Cooke
Dr. S. Kim
Professor W.C.G. Peh
Departments: Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Faculty of Dentistry
Starting date: 1997.06
THE INTERACTION OF AIRWAY SECRETIONS AND BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL CELLS IN THE REGULATION OF AIRWAY INFLAMMATION IN BRONCHIECTASIS
To evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF) by bronchial epithelial cells in the context of chronic bronchial infection; to evaluate the modification of this release by drugs.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Professor W.K. Lam
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang
Department: Medicine
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1998.07
RANDOMISED CONTROLLED STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT IN MILD TO MODERATE SLEEP APNOEA
To evaluate the effectiveness of active treatment (with nasal continuous positive airway pressure or oral appliance) versus conservative management only in patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea.
Investigators: Professor M.S.M. Ip (Principal)
Professor M.S. Cooke
Professor J.P.E. Karlberg
Dr. C.L.K. Lam
Professor W.K. Lam
Dr. K.W.T. Tsang
Dr. L.Y.C. Yam
Departments: Medicine
Faculty of Dentistry
Family Medicine Unit
Paediatrics
Source of funding: Health Services Research Fund
Starting date: 1999.08
MICROSATELITE INSTABILITY ANALYSIS AND DETECTION OF MUTATIONS OF THE HPMSI AND HPMS2 MISMATCH REPAIR GENES IN OVARIAN CANCER
To analyze allelic losses of several tumour suppressor genes and to detect mutations of the hPMS1 and hPMS2 mismatch repair genes in ovarian cancer as well as to assess the usefulness of microsatellite markers in plasma DNA samples as a new method for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Investigators: Dr. S.M. Ip (Principal)
Professor H.Y.S. Ngan
Department: Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants
Starting date: 1997.07
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