Newsletter No. 266

Support for Nine More Projects T he following nine research projects undertaken by faculty members of the University have attracted funding support from various quarters: • A Web Game on Democracy and Citizenship ( 民主及 公民知識寶庫網上遊戲）（ HK$168,000) Sponsor ： Incentive Scheme for Developing Instructional Software Principal investigator: Mrs. Annie Lai Chan Wei-ling (Audio- Visual Division) • The Impact of Nocturia on Sleep and Quality of Life (HK$25,000) Sponsor: Hong Kong Obstetrical and Gynaecological Trust Fund Principal investigator: Dr. Grace Kong Wing-shan (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) • Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Pre-eclamptic Women (HK$30,000) Sponsor: Hong Kong Obstetrical and Gynaecological Trust Fund Principal investigator: Prof. Ronald Wang Chi-chiu (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) • 2005-06 Chinese Opera Information Centre (HK$300,000) Sponsor: Hong Kong Arts Development Council Principal investigator: Prof. Chan Sau-yan (Department of Music) • Cooperative of Safety of Medicines in Children Scoping Study to Analyse Interventions to Reduce Errors in Calculation of Paediatric Drug Doses (£10,000) Sponsor ： National Patients Safety Research Programme, UK CUHK investigator: Prof. Kenneth Lee Kwing-chin (School of Pharmacy) • Cerebrovascular Risk Factors and Late-life Suicide (US$162,000) Sponsor: National Institutes of Health, US Principal investigator: Prof. Sandra Chan Sau-man (Department of Psychiatry) • Investigating the Health Status of Office Workers, and the Workplace Safety and Health Performance in Hong Kong (HK$259,785) Sponsor: Occupational Safety and Health Council Principal investigator: Mrs. Frances Cheng (Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion) • State Effectiveness and Democracy: What Lessons Can China Learn from Other Countries' Experience? (US$70,900) Sponsor: Ford Foundation Principal investigator: Prof. Wang Shaoguang (Department of Government and Public Administration) • Creative Media and Artistic Education for Culture and Media Industries: A Comprehensive Policy Study of Korea, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia (US$30,000) Sponsor: Asia-Pacific Educational Policy Research Initiative/ Korean Educational Development Institute Principal investigator: Dr. Angel Lin (Department of Curriculum and Instruction) New Fi nd i ngs i n Diabetes Research Diabetes and Kidney Damage in Hypertensive Sufferers A study by the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics found that a quarter of people with hypertension above the age of 55 also had previously undiagnosed diabetes and another 40.9 per cent had impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose, both of which are prediabetic states. Furthermore 26.2 per cent of hypertensive patients had albuminuria or increased protein in urine. A similar study was conducted by a community-based specialist diabetes centre in collaboration with a group of family physicians. Results from both confirmed the importance of global risk assessment in hypertensive patients. Family physicians also play a pivotal role in identifying these high risk subjects through opportunistic screening and education. In subjects with one or more risk factors, oral glucose tolerance test should be used to screen for diabetes to avoid misdiagnosing. The detection of albuminuria calls for regular monitoring of kidney function and the use of medication with protective effects on kidneys. Kidney Function and Heart Disease Researchers at the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics carried out a three-year prospective analysis on 4,421 diabetic patients attending the Prince of Wales Hospital and found that half have reduced kidney function. Using a staging method for kidney function, they found progressive increases in the rates of death, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases in subjects with progressive decline in kidney function. The close association between heart disease and kidney function is now increasingly recognized. Kidney is the key organ in the body for excretion of waste products. It also plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of our bone metabolism and production of red blood cells. Thus progressive decline in kidney function will lead to major changes in our internal environment, resulting in anaemia and hardening of blood vessels, which further increase cardiovascular risk. The researchers urge diabetic patients to undergo comprehensive assessments on a yearly basis to document kidney function as well as eye and foot examinations. Patients with any risk factors must be regularly mon i t o r ed w i th aggressive control of blood pressure, blood glucose, and b l ood lipids and the use of appropriate medication. The department hosted the Seventh Hong Kong Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk Factors — East Meets West Symposium at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 1st and 2nd October 2005. The meeting, where close to 30 local and overseas experts presented the latest advances in the epidemiology and management of diabetes, was attended by some 600 delegates. New AsiaWelcomes Non - Loca l and Exchange Students N ew Asia College extended a warm welcome to 66 non-local undergraduates and 89 exchange students by hosting a dinner in their name at the newly renovated New Asia Gymnasium on 21st September 2005. Prof. Lawrence J. Lau, vice-chancellor of the University, and Prof. Henry N.C. Wong, head of New Asia College, greeted the students and expressed the hope that the broader student mix would provide a unique opportunity for students to learn and to enjoy campus life; and more importantly to understand and accept different cultures. T he d i n n e r was a c c o m p a n i e d by performances by student interest groups, non-local unde r g r adua t es and exchange students. United College Toastmasters Club T he United College Toastmasters Club has successfully chartered with the Toastmasters International on 6th September 2005. The Club is now the second chartered Toastmasters Club at the University. With Take the Stage, Speak your World' as its motto, its aim is to promote English-speaking skills and English standard among United College students. At toastmasters meetings, members have the opportunity to speak in groups and work with others in a supportive environment. Members receive training on impromptu speaking, public speaking and presentation, and effective listening and leadership through practice as well as the aid of structured training manuals and feedback from their fellow club members. A demonstration session for recruiting new members was held on 15th September 2005. Experienced toastmasters were present to give coaching on proper public speaking skills. The club recruited 40 members after the meeting. On 24th September 2005, the club held its inauguration ceremony. Ms. Ruth Gee, director of the British Council (Hong Kong), has been invited to serve as patron of the club. (From left) Prof. K.P. Fung, head of United College, Ms. Ruth Gee, Miss Teresa Tong, president of United College Toastmasters Club, and Mr. Arthur Ting, Toastmasters Club Division H Governor, Hong Kong, performing the cake cutting ceremony Teacher's New Book Key Topics in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by T.W. Chiu and A. Burd London and New York: Taylor and Francis ISBN 1-84184-478-0 192 pages £29.95 2 No. 266 19th October 2005