Newsletter No. 37

No.37 December 1992- CUHK Newsletter Seminar on Congenital Heart Diseases The Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology and the Hong Kong Division of the International Academy of Pathology hosted a one-day seminar on congenital heart diseases on 30th October. Prof. R. H. Anderson from the Cardiothoracic Institute of Brompton Hospital, London, was invited to be the guest speaker of the function, which was attended by some 35 pathologists, paediatricians, obstetricians and cardiothoracic surgeons from local medical institutions. The seminar consisted of lectures, video demonstration of dissection of infantile hearts with congenital heart diseases, slide seminars and gross specimen examinations. Participants also exchanged views on a wide range of topics such as the sequential approach to congenital heart pathology, adult congenital heart diseases, the atrioventricular defect and its relationship to the Down's Syndrome. Experts Present Latest Research Findings on Male Fertility Over 60 scientists and clinicians from around the world converged on the CUHK campus on 7th November to discuss the latest research findings on male fertility, and explore better methods of contraception and infertility treatment for men. The first of its kind ever held in Hong Kong, the symposium was organized by the University's Department of Physiology and sponsored by the International Society of Andrology. Participants included world-famous experts in human reproduction as well as officials and consultants of the World Health Organization. The main theme of the symposium was the study of the basic physiology of the epididymis - a part of the male reproductive organ where spermatozoa undergo maturation - and its role in the treatment of reproductive disorders and birth control. One important discussion topic was the adoption of the epididymal approach in male contraception, i.e. to achieve birth control by interfering with sperm maturation during their passage through the epididymis. Advantages of this approach include quick impact, fast reversibility, and minimal effect on hormone production. Another major topic was the cause of abnormal epididymal function. Researchers pinpointed gene mutation as a plausible cause. Participants also discussed the use of cultured human epididymal cells to enhance sperm quality ‘in vitro'. This method was developed by Prof. Harry Moore of the Institute of Zoology, University of London. If successful, this technique could significantly enhance the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa of men who have had their epididymal ducts removed in operations. Chinese Psyche under Probe in International Conference An international conference on psychotherapy for the Chinese was held on the campus from 8th to 10th November. Organized by the University's Department of Psychiatry, the meeting brought together 160 professionals and scholars from 12 countries and regions. The goal was to discuss the clinical application of Western psychotherapeutic theories and techniques in Chinese communities. Wh i le psychotherapy has been practised in the West for nearly a century, it is a relatively new subject in Chinese societies. But as interest in psychotherapy gradually grows in mainland China and Taiwan, and following the influx of Chinese immigrants into various Western countries in recent years, the conference was a timely forum for the exchange of information and expertise on the subject. Key speakers included Prof. Yang Kuo-shu, professor of psychology of National Taiwan University, known for his studies of the Chinese personality; and Prof. Liu Shu- hsien, chairman of The Chinese University's Department of Philosophy, who spoke from the Confucian perspective of nurturing the ‘hsin' (mind-heart). Doctors, psychologists, social workers and academics from Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand also shared their experience in treating Chinese clients in their respective communities. The conference was co-sponsored by the Pacific Rim College of Psychiatrists and the Division of Clinical and Community Psychology of the International Association of Applied Psychology. 3