MBBS Enrichment Year 2018-19

MBBSIII Enrichment Year – Electronic Poster Choi Yui Chak – UID: 3035380112 First Semester – Research attachment (Department of Microbiology, QMH), Supervised by Prof. SKP Lau Title: Molecular cloning of upstream and downstream sequence of GABA transaminase, Nitrate reductase and Nitrite transporter genes in Talaromyces marneffei Background: Talaromyces marneffei , previously known as Penicllium marneffei , is the most important thermal dimorphic fungi that can cause respiratory, skin, and systemic mycosis in Southeast Asia. Mycoviruses are commonly present in a variety of fungi. Talaromyces marneffei partitivirus-1 (TmPV1) is the first mycovirus reported in T. marneffei or in other thermally dimorphic fungi that are important human pathogens. Moreover, TmPV1-infected T. marneffei is found to have enhanced virulence in mice models comparing to TmPV1-free isogenic isolates. It is hypothesized that the TmPV1 increase the virulence of T. marneffei by upregulating three genes, the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transaminase, nitrate reductase and nitrite transporter genes comparing to the virus-free isogenic isolates. In this study, the aim is to investigate on the difference in virulence in TmPV1-infected T. marneffei with the above three genes knocked out and TmPV1-infected T. marneffei with the above three genes present. Therefore, molecular cloning of the respective upstream and downstream sequences will be the first step of the gene knock-out project. The gene-knock-out was carried out using pAN 7-1 as the vector. The idea of the knock-out process is shown below (Figure 2). Second Semester – HKUWW Exchange activity at University of Lausanne, Switzerland A total of 7 courses were taken during my exchange activities. It includes 5 courses under the Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne) and 2 courses of French under the Ecole de Français langue étrangère (School of French for Foreigners). The courses and their details are listed below. Course Title: ECTS Credits: Key Learnings: Corporate Sustainability: The Environmental Perspective 3 Strategies and challenges faced by the companies during the implementation of environmental corporate sustainability are discussed. The corporate values and significance of environmental issues for the firm are explored in the course. Economics of Health and Healthcare 6 Analysing the healthcare system in the perspectives of Economists. “Health Insurance”, “Quality of Life”, “Medical Price Inflation and Elasticity” and “Health as consumable goods” are discussed in the course. Financial Markets 6 Fundamental principles of the modern financial markets are discussed. Principles of interest rates, bonds, stocks, portfolio allocation are taught in the course. International Money and Finance 6 Macroeconomics perspectives of the international monetary systems are discussed. The system of exchange rates, money markets and bond markets are taught. Psychological Foundations of Economics 6 Economics decisions are analysed through psychological perspectives. Game theory, the theory of reference point, inequity aversion, social preference and overconfidence are introduced. Pratiquer le français de base 2.5 A level A1 French course aiming at practising French in real life situations. We are encouraged to go out to the city and speak French with Francophone in order to enhance our communication skills in French. Constructions de la phrase en français 2.5 A level A2 French course which teaches the advanced grammar of French. Figure 1. Mycelial form of T. marneffei on Sabouraud dextrose agar. SDA was inoculated with T. marneffei and incubated in 25C for 7 days. In mycelial form, it shows flat green surface with diffusing deep red pigment Figure 2. The pAN 7-1 before and after successful ligation. The Upstream and downstream region of the targeted gene clusters are ligated into the plasmid using the restriction sites BglII and HindIII, KasI respectively. Figure 3. Dinner gathering with the local students in Lausanne Figure 5. Practicing French in a souvenir shop in the city centre of Lausanne Figure 4. Dinner gathering with fellow exchange students from all over the world. Figure 6. Presentation session of Psychological Foundation of Economics Choi Yui Chak 51