2401 |
Kathryn |
Aston-Mourney |
In utero metformin treatment to reduce the risk of adult diabetes |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Gestational Diabetes increases the risks of adverse effects during pregnancy including pre-eclampsia, large for gestational age offspring and fetal abnormalities. Poor glucose control during pregnancy also increases the risk for adult obesity and type 2 diabetes in the offspring. Therefore effectively treating gestational diabetes is of utmost importance. One of the most effective pharmaceuticals to manage blood glucose is the type 2 diabetes drug metformin. However, the use of metformin during pregnancy, while becoming increasingly common, is still under debate. The main concern is that metformin can cross the placenta and the effects of this drug on the developing fetus are largely unknown.
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We have shown that metformin actually increases beta-cell number in developing zebrafish suggesting that it could have beneficial effects to reduce the later development of type 2 diabetes. This project aims to use a mouse model to determine the effect of maternal metformin treatment on offspring beta-cell number, mass and function and protection from diabetes development in adulthood.
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Contact Kathryn
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2403 |
Kathryn |
Aston-Mourney |
A Cure for Type 1 Diabetes: Improving Islet Transplantation Success |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. It is characterised by autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas (beta-cells) resulting in the need for insulin injections. New hope for a cure has been given with the development of islet transplantation techniques however currently these require several donors in order to provide enough islets and the long term success rates are poor with only 10% of transplants still functioning after 5 years. This poor success is due in part to the high amount of stress the islets undergo following the transplant and prior to becoming engrafted. Therefore the development of techniques to protect the islets from these stressors and improve engraftment would greatly increase not only transplant success but also long-term outcomes.
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Our lab is developing novel compounds that can protect islets from diabetic conditions. This project will determine whether these can protect transplanted islets and transplantation outcomes. Ultimately this project could lead to greatly improving the success of this cure.
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Contact Kathryn
Video Presentation
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2405 |
Kathryn |
Aston-Mourney |
Discovery of New Targets for the Treatment of Diabetes |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Type 2 diabetes is one of the major health burdens facing the world today with 422 million people affected. Type 2 Diabetes is characterised by hyperglycaemia due to failure of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas (beta-cells). Beta-cell failure is progressive, with patients requiring additional medications over time and eventually insulin injections in order to control their blood glucose levels. Current diabetes treatments cannot stop or slow the progression of beta-cell failure; therefore it is vital that we obtain a better understanding of how beta-cell failure occurs and how it could be targeted by new treatments.
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This project will investigate possible contributors to beta-cell failure and whether they can be targeted pharmacologically to reduce beta-cell failure and thereby delay or prevent the development and progression of beta-cell failure in Type 2 Diabetes.
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Contact Kathryn
Video Presentation
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2407 |
Rachael |
McMillan |
Predictors of success for post-menopausal women with GTPS (gluteal tendinopathy) |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a clinical diagnosis of lateral hip pain (gluteal tendinopathy). GTPS is a debilitating and chronic condition, seen in all age groups and in both men and women. The condition is, however, most prevalent in post-menopausal women. One of the reasons for this increased prevalence is reduced levels of circulating female sex hormones. Our team conducted a randomised clinical trial (RCT) in people with GTPS (GLoBE Hip Trial). The trial was a blinded 2 x 2 factorial RCT, investigating menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and exercise as interventions for post-menopausal women with GTPS. Results of this trial were published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine (Cowan et al. 2022). The purpose of the current project is to extend the primary study and undertake additional RCT data analysis. Specifically, the study will investigate whether markers of metabolic health are associated with outcomes following MHT and exercise as interventions.
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Predictors of success for post-menopausal women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (gluteal tendinopathy) who received menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): Do markers of metabolic health (glucose/cholesterol levels & thyroid-function) impact outcomes for post-menopausal women with GTPS undergoing hormone therapy and exercise?
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Contact Rachael
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2408 |
Kara |
Holloway-Kew |
Measuring bone health in chronic kidney disease: what can different bone diagnostic methods tell us? |
Public Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Chronic kidney disease is defined as a kidney abnormality, which impacts the ability of the kidney to filter the blood effectively. Individuals with chronic kidney disease are more likely to experience a range of medical problems including cardiovascular disease, anemia, high potassium levels and fluid retention. They can also develop chronic kidney disease - a mineral and bone disorder which leads to poor bone health and an increase in the risk of sustaining a fracture (i.e. breaking a bone). The routine method of assessing fracture risk is to measure bone mineral density, which provides an indication of the amount of bone present. Individuals with chronic kidney disease can have apparently high, normal, or low bone mineral density and therefore alternative techniques to measure bone health are needed. These alternative measures may be useful for predicting the risk of sustaining a fracture for individuals with chronic kidney disease and thus aid in prevention and management strategies.
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More data are needed to understand the bone changes that occur in chronic kidney disease. This project will examine differences in several diagnostic measures of bone health (bone mineral density, trabecular bone score and bone turnover markers) between individuals with and without chronic kidney disease. It is hypothesised that there will be differences in the measures of bone microarchitecture and metabolism and that these will be associated with a higher risk of fracture.
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Contact Kara
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2409 |
Kara |
Holloway-Kew |
Comorbid osteoporosis in hospital separation coding hospitalisations for fragility fracture |
Public Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Osteoporosis is characterised as a reduction in the amount and quality of bone. It is considered a silent condition, since a person may not realise they have osteoporosis until they experience a fracture due to bone fragility. These fragility fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, as well as high healthcare costs. Despite osteoporosis being a key risk factor for fragility fracture, it is often not recorded as a diagnosis during admission or discharge from hospital. These omissions distort estimates of the osteoporosis-related burden to acute health care. Further, effective treatment and management of bone fragility and fractures requires information about the presence of osteoporosis, as well as previous fractures.
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Data are needed for understanding of the under-reporting of osteoporosis hospital admissions relating to osteoporotic/fragility fractures. This project will aim to determine under-reporting of co-morbid osteoporosis and/or previous fracture in separation/discharge hospital medical records for patients hospitalised because they have sustained a fragility fracture. It is hypothesised that osteoporosis and previous fragility fracture will be under-reported in the hospital separation coding.
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Contact Kara
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2411 |
Tim |
Baker |
Impact of raised D-dimer threshold on PE management in a regional ED |
Clinical Practice |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
GCert Hons |
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism in ED is challenging, and usually involves assessment of pre-test probability, clinical prediction rules, d-dimer testing or definitive imaging (CT pulmonary angiogram or Ventilation perfusion scan). Excessive use of definitive testing and overdiagnosis are a concern. Recent research with YEARS criteria and PEGeD studies has suggested raising the d-dimer threshold from 500ng/ml to 1000ng/ml can safely exclude PE in a significant proportion of patients, without requiring further testing. This has the potential to reduce exposure of patients to harmful radiation, reduce false positive diagnoses and reduce the potential consequences of incidental findings.
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Does the introduction of a formal PE diagnostic algorithm to a regional Emergency Department safely lead to a reduction of unnecessary testing, and increased diagnostic yield from CT-PA. The project aims are to evaluate the effect of the introduction of a diagnostic algorithm for the diagnosis of PE. The hypothesis is that there will be a decrease in CTPA and VQ scan requests and increased diagnostic yield without missed PEs.
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Contact Tim
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2414 |
Tim |
Baker |
Use of restrictive practices in a regional Victorian emergency department: A before and after study |
Clinical Practice |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
GCert Hons |
EDs are a chaotic environment, where caring for agitated and aggressive patients and acute behavioural disturbance is common. Chemical, physical and mechanical restraint are often used to prevent patients from harming themselves or others, when other less restrictive de-escalation techniques fail. Many hospitals employ "Code Grey" teams, where restrictive interventions are either conducted under a duty of care, or relevant mental health legislation. There are concerns that restrictive interventions can involve physical and psychological trauma. A retrospective, cross sectional survey of Victorian hospitals found over 4/1000 ED presentations resulted in a restrictive intervention. Safer Care Victoria has suggested developing reliable reporting and auditable measures of restrictive practice to be a research priority. In 2024 the Victorian government introduced new legislation on the use and documentation of restrictive practices, particularly mechanical restraint.
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The objective of the research is to describe the use of restrictive practices in a regional emergency department, and to compare periods before and after the introduction of the legislation to assess whether the changes have had any effect. The hypothesis is that the new legislation will improve documentation and reduce mechanical restraint.
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Contact Tim
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2416 |
Clifford |
Liongue |
Investigating the role of cytokine signalling in development and function of blood and immune cells |
Immunity |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
The development and function of the blood and immune cells is exquisitely controlled by complex signalling networks such as the cytokine signalling network, one of several important pathways for mediating the cell-cell communication. A vital component of this pathway is the cytokine receptors that convert the extracellular (cytokine) signal into the intracellular signalling pathways that ultimately lead to changes in the responsive cells. One such intracellular signalling pathway is the Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, which is controlled by a series of negative regulators including Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS). Zebrafish is a powerful model for understanding blood and immune cell development and function, due to its similarities with mammalian immune systems. This project will use zebrafish to investigate the regulation of blood and immune cell function by various cytokine signalling components.
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We have created zebrafish lines where the cytokine signalling components have been modified to be either more or less activated. This project will utilise loss of function zebrafish lines to investigate the effect of the reduction of negative regulation on the development and function of blood and immune cells.
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Contact Clifford
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2419 |
Cherie |
Russell |
Producing a roadmap for rural fruit and vegetable supply chain research: a stakeholder analysis |
Public Health |
Burwood |
Hons |
The alarmingly low intake of fruits and vegetables in rural Victoria constitutes a public health crisis given their critical role in chronic disease. Consumption is hindered by the compromised availability, affordability, and acceptability of produce in rural areas. Locally grown produce is often freighted within and between states before returning to their place of origin for sale. The perishable nature of fresh produce is not compatible with inefficient supply chains, leading to compromised quality and increased costs for the public. These inefficient supply chains, which are complex, lengthy, and vulnerable to external forces, contribute to the lack of acceptable, available, and affordable fresh produce in rural Victoria. Given the numerous actors involved in the supply chain, several leverage points are likely to exist to improve supply chain efficiency, however, such opportunities have not been comprehensively identified or communicated for the rural/remote context.
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Addressing this knowledge gap will provide a rationale and evidence for interventions that enhance supply chains, reduce adverse environmental outcomes, ameliorate the affordability, acceptability, and availability of fresh produce, and improve the health of rural populations. Thus, the aim of this project is to determine stakeholder barriers and opportunities for optimising rural Victorian fruit and vegetable supply chains.
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Contact Cherie
Video Presentation
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2421 |
Charles |
Narh |
Novel cost-effective molecular tests to diagnose malaria parasites evading RDT detection |
Bioinformatics/ Genomics/ Diagnostics |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) that detect the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) antigen histidine-rich protein (PfHRP), account for more than 90% of malaria diagnosis in the world. However, over the past decade, there have been significant decline in the performance of PfHRP-based RDTs, including high false-negative rates for clinical Pf infections. This poor performance has been associated with marked increases (>40%) in the prevalence of Pf parasites with deleted Pfhrp2/3 genes, dubbed as "diagnostic-resistant parasites', now a huge threat to global malaria control and elimination efforts. Therefore, WHO has recommended a switch to non-PfHRP2/3 tests in endemic regions where Pfhrp2/3-deleted Pf prevalence is above 5%. This study aims to develop a novel cost-effective nucleic acid isothermal amplification test that can detect Pfhrp2/3-deleted parasites, with comparable sensitivity to the more expensive PCR-based tests, and with utility for point-of-care...
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Project Aim: Optimisation of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays to detect and differentiate Pfhrp2/3-deleted parasites in clinical and asymptomatic Pf infections. Objectives 1.1. Design and in silico validation of primers 1.2. Development of singleplex assays with fluorometric detection systems. 1.3. Optimisation of multiplex assays with fluorescent probes. 1.4. Evaluate the analytical performance of the optimised assays.
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Contact Charles
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2422 |
Natalie |
Counihan |
Role of endosomal trafficking machinery in extracellular vesicle formation in plasmodium parasites |
Infection |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Malaria is caused by infection of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium parasites, resulting in ~400,000 deaths and ~216 million infections each year. To promote their growth, manipulate their host environment and communicate with each other, intracellular Plasmodium parasites release extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the RBC. The production of EVs is very important for malaria pathogenesis as elevated EVs in the plasma are associated with severe malaria disease. Despite their importance, not much is known about how EVs are formed. They are not made in the way typical of other higher eukaryotes as RBCs and the parasites don't have the normal endomebrane trafficking machinery. In this project, the contribution of several components of the Plasmodium endosomal trafficking machinery will be characterised to see if they are required for EV formation.
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Which components of the endosomal trafficking machinery contribute to EV formation? Aim 1: Epitope tag and knockout out the expression of Plasmodium genes using in vitro (P. falciparum) and rodent (P. berghei) systems using reverse genetics. Aim 2: Using these engineered parasites to assess localisation in the infected RBC and the effect on EV production and pathogenesis.
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Contact Natalie
Video Presentation
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2425 |
Darcie |
Cooper |
Investigating the impact of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 on COVID-19 severity in Victoria |
Public Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
COVID-19 continues to cause a high burden of disease worldwide and has resulted in undesirable health outcomes like admission to hospital and death. The extent of these undesirable health outcomes is impacted by other complexities associated with the disease including but not limited to past infections, syndromes reported post-COVID-19 and co-morbidities. There have been variable reports on reinfection with some studies reporting protective immunity from past COVID-19 infections exhibited by less severe symptoms. However, death and more severe symptoms have also been reported in re-infected cases. This population-based study of reinfection in Victoria will allow for the contextualization of the impact of reinfections on disease severity and the associated risk or protective factors to inform public health messaging as the disease transitions to routine public health management.
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What is the impact of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 on COVID-19 severity? All repeat notifications occurring after 35 days following a previous COVID-19 diagnosis will be assessed to identify re-infections. Severity indicators will be compared between the initial and subsequent infections with SARS-CoV-2. The impact of reinfections on COVID-19 severity will be assessed using indicators like hospital admission, length of hospital stay, ICU admission, duration in ICU, death.
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Contact Darcie
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2426 |
Eugene |
Athan |
Secondary infections in hospitalised COVID-19 positive paediatric patients: a linked-data analysis |
Public Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Secondary infections associated with COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 conditions are pose significant clinical management challenges and are associated with increased mortality, ICU admission, and hospital length of stay. Secondary infections can be classified as coinfections, when diagnosed at the same time as the COVID-19 presentation, or superinfections, when diagnosed during the course of COVID-19. A recently published study by our team showed that hospitalised paediatric patients aged (0-19 years) with COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 conditions were more than twice likely to suffer from secondary infections compared to those in their twenties. The factors influencing the increased risk of infection in this paediatric age group are unknown and need to be explored further.
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This study aims to explore factors associated with the increased risk of secondary infection in admitted COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 paediatric patients aged 0-19. The following research question will be addressed. What are the risk factors associated with secondary infections in hospitalised COVID-19 positive paediatric patients aged 0-19, in Victoria, Australia?
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Contact Eugene
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2427 |
Eugene |
Athan |
Risk and protective factors for Buruli ulcer in the presence of environmental Mycobacterium ulcerans |
Public Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a potentially severe skin condition caused by an environmental bacteria known as Mycobacterium ulcerans. The outbreak of Buruli ulcer in Victoria is worsening, with the highest number of cases for the state reported in 2023. Identification of the transmission pathways for BU is made challenging by the long incubation period BU (~4-5 months), however there is clear evidence for possums as a key reservoir species in Australia, with proposed transmission to humans through mechanical vectors (mosquitos) or direct skin trauma. We have previously published on environmental sources of M. ulcerans and health and behavioural risk factors for BU among residents of endemic areas in Victoria using data from a questionnaire-based case-control study and environmental surveys conducted at a subset of participant properties, but whether behavioural risk factors for BU (e.g. gardening) differ depending on whether M. ulcerans is present at the specific residence have not been explored
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This project will explore risk and protective factors associated with BU among individuals residing at properties where M. ulcerans is present, and examine if the identified associations in this subset of participants differ from the previously published findings for the whole participant cohort. We hypothesise that associations for certain behavioural factors such as gardening, may differ when the detected presence of M. ulcerans bacteria at the residence is considered.
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Contact Eugene
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2428 |
Eugene |
Athan |
The hepatitis B care cascade in Barwon South West: mind the gaps |
Immunity |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Globally, nationally and regionally we are not on track to reach the World Health Organisation hepatitis B care and treatment targets. Effective antiviral treatment for hepatitis B significantly decreases the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. Hepatitis B disproportionately affects people from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and First Nations people. Multiple barriers contribute to people remaining at risk of morbidity and mortality from hepatitis B, including provider and patient related factors. For people living in rural and regional areas, access to care is likely to be a significant barrier.
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The project will identify all individuals living with hepatitis B referred to public specialist outpatient services in Barwon South West region, between 2018 and 2023, to determine their engagement to care and receipt of guideline recommended care, in order to identify gaps. To identify the proportions of people with chronic hepatitis B referred that were linked to care, engaged in care and who received guideline based monitoring or treatment.
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Contact Eugene
Video Presentation
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2429 |
Eugene |
Athan |
Exploring health service use patterns and access risks following acute COVID-19 in Australia |
Public Health |
Western District Health Service - Hamilton |
Hons |
Approximately 10% of COVID-19 patients will experience symptoms 3 or more months following infection. Post-acute COVID-19 patients suffer from a multi-system syndrome with a broad diversity of presentations, requiring access to a wide range of health services. It's predicted that at least half of Long COVID sufferers will continue to experience symptoms for more than 1 year and will therefore need to use multiple health services for a prolonged period. New or increased health service use post-acute COVID-19 may be a reliable proxy for identifying long COVID patients. There is also limited knowledge on how post-acute COVID syndromes will impact health service use and health outcomes. This study aims to investigate patterns of service use 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months post-COVID-19 diagnosis and to identify risk / protective factors and health outcomes for those with increased health service use post-acute COVID-19 compared to prior their COVID-19 diagnosis.
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This project aims to: -Investigate changes in health service use patterns, 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months post-COVID-19 diagnosis and to highlight differences across jurisdictions and priority populations -Investigate risk and protective factors of those seeking new or increased use of health services 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months after their COVID diagnosis -Assess outcomes associated with patients seeking health services 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 months post-COVID-19 diagnosis
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Contact Eugene
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2431 |
Tania |
de Koning-Ward |
Contribution of novel malaria rhoptry proteins to parasite survival and disease |
Infection |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Malaria is caused by infection of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium parasites, leading to ~400,000 deaths and ~216 million infections each year. The ability of Plasmodium to invade and renovate its host RBC guarantees its success as a pathogen and relies upon proteins secreted from the rhoptry organelle to achieve this. Despite their importance to parasite survival, we still don't know the identity of all proteins secreted from the rhoptries or how they are trafficked there. Blocking trafficking or the function of rhoptry proteins could halt a malaria infection and hence disease. In the lead up to this project, a new proximity ligation approach has been taken to determine the rhoptry proteome. This project aims to (1) validate that novel proteins in this proteome are indeed rhoptry proteins and (2) to functionally characterise some of the rhoptry proteins to determine their potential as malaria vaccine/drug targets.
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Hypothesis: The proximity labelling approach has identified novel rhoptry proteins with critical functions in host cell invasion and remodelling. This hypothesis wil be addressed in the following aims: Aim1: To epitope tag several malaria proteins identified in the rhoptry proteome to validate they localise to the rhoptry; Aim2. Use reverse genetics to decipher the function of rhoptry proteins and to determine if they are essential for parasite survival.
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Contact Tania
Video Presentation
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2436 |
Jacquie |
Cotton |
Rural burn injury: Understanding the frequency, severity and recovery to design a public health prev... |
Rural and Regional Health |
Western District Health Service - Hamilton |
Hons |
People living and working on farms are more likely to engage in practices with higher risk of exposure to electrical and chemical burns. This project is necessary to identify injury patterns at a rural and regional level to develop targeted prevention and health promotion strategies. This project is a retrospective audit of available hospital datasets to collate the frequency of burn injury presentations. The severity, length of stay, surgeries required, mortality, and recovery will be used to profile burn injury on farms. These epidemiological findings will be presented to a focus group with representatives from farming, a metropolitan burns unit, a bush nursing centre, and rural health specialists, to support the co-design of a prevention program targeted at raising the awareness of the health complications of burn trauma.
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The objectives of this study are: 1. Investigate farmer understanding of burn causes and first aid 2. Determine the most frequent type and cause of burn injury that is presented at rural and regional hospitals 3. Understand the impact on the patient's family and farm
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Contact Jacquie
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2437 |
Siobhan |
O'Halloran |
Evaluating a systems science approach to address local challenges for maternal and infant health |
Public Health |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Preconception and pregnancy are important periods for preventive action against the development of health concerns in mothers and their children. The Pregnancy Research and Translation Ecosystem (PRT-E) involves stakeholder partnerships with six regional/rural health services providing pregnancy care in Victoria. By applying systems dynamics methods, a visual map of the complex pregnancy care issues was built, reflecting the stakeholders' perspectives of the common drivers of maternal health. Areas for locally relevant and sustainable intervention ideas were also identified. An opportunity now exists to determine the strength of stakeholder engagement throughout our systems approach and to understand what it takes to implement different innovations.
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Understanding implementation is important particularly for promoting uptake of research into practice and scaling up. Addressing this knowledge gap will provide a rationale and evidence for interventions that enhance pregnancy care. The aim of this project is to determine the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of stakeholder action ideas by applying an implementation framework.
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Contact Siobhan
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2441 |
Kirsty |
McCann |
Genomic architecture of persistent lineages of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites in PNG |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
GCert Hons |
Malaria genomic surveillance is crucial to understand how control strategies can lead to elimination. The classification of transmission dynamics and tracking lineages over time and space can aid in malaria elimination. In Papua New Guinea (PNG) there have been extensive control measures since 2006 including vector control, rapid diagnostic testing, and highly effective treatment, which initially resulted in a substantial decline in parasite prevalence. Recently, parallel rebounds in transmission and the emergence of an artemisinin resistant lineage has been observed raising questions about what might be driving the resurgence. Population genetic analysis of 529 P. falciparum isolates collected from Madang and East Sepik Provinces at eight time points between 2005 and 2020 identified persistent lineages that appear to have expanded during low transmission. Furthermore, we have identified a recently emerged lineage from Madang 2020 which includes drug resistant strains.
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Determine whether the lineages have evolved in response to control pressure, are they imported or residual lineages. Using whole genome sequencing of isolates from these lineages this project will: Aim 1. Identify whether there are particular genes under selection which may drive adaptation or persistence; Aim 2. Compare the genome architecture between parasites in the persistent lineages with diverse parasites as well as those in other lineages to explain the population structure.
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Contact Kirsty
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2443 |
Alyssa |
Barry |
The impact of malaria control on within host infection complexity |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
GCert Hons |
Within-host infection complexity is a poorly understood aspect of malaria genomic epidemiology and is particularly important as malaria parasites require multi-clone infections to generate diversity through sexual recombination. As transmission declines, there are fewer infections overall, and this reduces infection complexity, however, there is a complex relationship with other environmental factors that we don't fully understand. Defining the parameters of transmission dynamics is critical for malaria control programs to assess their efficacy and progress towards malaria elimination. Insights into within-host infection complexity and genetic diversity will also shed light on the processes by which malaria parasites adapt to changing transmission, as well as the potential for the emergence and spread of advantageous traits such as drug resistance or virulence.
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The aim of this project is to determine the relationship between complexity of infection and malaria transmission for P. falciparum, the most virulent human malaria parasites. The project will utilise DNA sequencing data available for samples collected from serial cross-sectional sectional surveys conducted in PNG from 2005-2020 to measure infection complexity over time and space.
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Contact Alyssa
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2444 |
Alyssa |
Barry |
Genomic epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Papua New Guinea |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Tackling malaria in the Asia-Pacific region involves a number of key challenges related to increasingly strong variations in malaria transmission, the presence of a large reservoir of infected but asymptomatic individuals, and the development of drug resistance. The predominance of Plasmodium vivax infections also poses the challenge of relapsing malaria caused by P. vivax hypnozoites (dormant parasites). The Asia-Pacific International Centres of Excellence in Malaria Research (ICEMR) has been conducting a coordinated set of epidemiological studies in Papua New Guinea over almost two decades. This time-period spans a period of intensifying malaria control resulting in a significant decline in transmission until 2016, when malaria resurged due to a number of factors.
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An understanding of how malaria control efforts impact the parasite population, and identifying possible causes of resurgence is crucial to eliminating malaria. Through genomic analysis of Plasmodium vivax isolates collected in two endemic areas of Papua New Guinea from 2005-2020, this project aims to: 1) Measure changes in parasite population structure over time as malaria transmission declined and resurge, 2) Measure the prevalence of putative P. vivax drug resistance markers over time.
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Contact Alyssa
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2445 |
Kara |
Anderson |
Vitamin D and Bone Health: a potential role for the gut microbiome |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Osteoporosis (bone fragility with ageing) is a serious condition affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50. Links between vitamin D and bone health have been reported, with emerging evidence suggesting that the gut microbiome (the bacteria living in our digestive system) may play a role. Studies have shown that the gut microbiome can alter bone development and mechanical strength. The gut microbiome also shows two-way relationships with vitamin D: the hormone may be modifying the gut microbiome through effects on inflammation and immunity, and increased microbiota activity may also be influencing vitamin D receptors. How these connections between vitamin D, the gut microbiome and bone health interplay is not yet understood. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is an emerging technique for assessing bone structure and will provide a detailed method for assessing bone in this relationship.
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This project aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D and bone health as measured by pQCT, as well as between the gut microbiome and pQCT. If both these relationships are significant, additional analysis will determine if there is a modulation effect of the gut microbiome. We hypothesise that there will be an association between circulating vitamin D and bone parameters, and that measures of gut microbiome composition will act as an effect modifier in this relationship.
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Contact Kara
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2446 |
Carly |
Botheras |
The role of blood count kinetics over the first 7 days of S. aureus bacteraemia |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria which in 2019 alone killed over 1 million people worldwide. When it reaches the bloodstream, it is referred to as S. aureus bacteraemia (SAB). SAB mortality rates have remained stable and with a large range of presentation it is highly relevant to identify if there are markers that can be used to identify whether a person is at higher risk of infection. Common lab tests performed over the course of an infection include blood tests looking at the immune cell profiles such as platelet count. These markers could be used to see the progression of disease outcomes.
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Can blood cell count kinetics over the first seven days of infection show differences in 30-day mortality? Aim: to observe the blood count kinetics during the first seven days of infection in SAB. Hypothesis: platelet cell count will remain consistently low in fatal cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.
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Contact Carly
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2447 |
Carly |
Botheras |
Identifying key variations of virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common opportunistic disease causing Gram-negative bacterial species. It is commonly found in the environment especially freshwater. It can cause a wide range of infections such as pneumonia and skin and soft tissue infections, sepsis, and infectious complications of cystic fibrosis. It is also an important cause of health-care infections. P. aeruginosa has a wide range of virulence and antimicrobial genes to enhance it's virulence, however the full attributing factors and variations within these genes and how they relate to disease pathogenesis is unknown.
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What gene variations are present in Pseudomonas aeruginosa genes that are correlated to pathogenesis? Aim: To identify all SNPs and genetic copy number variations in all 22,000 public P. aeruginosa genomes. To identify the presence of SNPs or gene copy number variations that are strongly statistically associated with clinical genomes relative to environmental genomes.
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Contact Carly
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2449 |
Alison |
Yung |
The attitudes of individuals with psychosis towards using AI in assessment of mental state |
Clinical Practice |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Some features of the mental state examination, such as assessment of facial and speech expression, are difficult for clinicians to quantify, and even use of standard assessment tools, such as the Schedule for Assessment of Negative symptoms (SANS) show poor inter-rater reliability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been proposed to increase validity and reliability of mental state examinations. We are currently using AI to assess these features in individuals with schizophrenia, early psychosis, those at risk of psychosis and healthy controls. If reliable, valid and feasible, this method could be used in routine clinical practice. However, for this to occur it would need to be shown to be acceptable to both service users and clinicians.
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What are the attitudes of service users with psychosis towards use of Artificial Intelligence to measure facial and speech expression as part of clinical assessment? What are the attitudes of mental health clinicians to use of Artificial Intelligence to aid mental state examinations as part of routine practice?
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Contact Alison
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2450 |
Bianca |
Kavanagh |
Implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning at a rural community services organisation |
Rural and Regional Health |
Warrnambool Campus |
Hons |
Monitoring client outcomes is an important component of work within the community services sector. It allows evaluation of programs to take place and learnings to inform program re-design. Simultaneously, it is important for rural place-based organisations to conduct their own research and evaluation to build capacity amongst staff. Select program areas at Brophy Family and Youth Services have been involved in implementing study pilots of monitoring, evaluating, and learning during 2024. Brophy is a place-based community service organisation located in south west Victoria, which provides youth, family, health, and out-of-home care supports across the region. The aim of the study pilots is to understand and test the implementation process before it is rolled-out to other areas of the organisation.
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This project aims to understand whether the implementation of MEL at Brophy has occurred as intended and to gauge staff experience of building research capacity. This project intends to explore the: *impact of data collection and surveillance on staff *barriers to collecting and using data to improve program outcomes *effectiveness of strategies to support the implementation of MEL *acceptability of implementing routine monitoring in practice
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Contact Bianca
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2451 |
Alyssa |
Barry |
Evaluation of Micro-RNAs Stability in Human Blood and Serums: Impact of Time and Storage Conditions |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are small (17 to 24 nucleotides), non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and are involved in various biological processes such as development, differentiation, growth, metabolism, and disease progression. In recent years, miRNAs have garnered significant attention due to their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for various diseases. Before miRNAs can be utilised as reliable biomarkers in clinical settings, their stability in biological samples such as blood components must be thoroughly understood. Several factors can influence the stability of miRNAs, including time and storage conditions. Although there have been studies conducted to investigate the stability of miRNAs in blood components, these studies have used different time points and assay targets compared to our research objective.
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How stable are miRNAs in blood components in different time and storage conditions? Aim: To study the stability of circulating miRNAs in healthy individuals in different conditions such as: storage of blood and serum samples at room temperature (RT) and at 4 degrees C at different time points
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Contact Alyssa
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2452 |
Rasika |
Samarasinghe |
Investigation of Epigenetic Therapies in Metastatic Osteosarcoma |
Cancer |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Metastatic Osteosarcoma (mOS) is a highly aggressive form of cancer originating in the bones, representing approximately 20% of all primary bone cancers. Metastasis occurs early in the disease, predominantly to the lungs (approximately 80% of metastatic cases), which is associated with a markedly worse prognosis. Despite significant advancements in treatments, the five-year survival rate for patients with mOS remains below 30%. Standard treatment involves a combination of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, often insufficient for metastatic disease and causes adverse side effects, emphasizing the need for more effective and novel therapeutics. Emerging research into the epigenetic mechanisms in OS offers promising avenues for developing new therapies. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications can lead to the regulation of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, contributing to tumour growth, hence targeting these mechanisms represents a promising strategy.
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This project aims to explore the underlying epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, in metastatic OS and evaluate drugs that target molecular pathways as promising anti-cancer therapies in vitro. Targeting epigenetic alterations contributing to metastatic OS can pave the way for potential targeted therapeutics.
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Contact Rasika
Video Presentation
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2453 |
Rasika |
Samarasinghe |
Investigating biologically synthesized nanoparticles as therapies for cancer |
Cancer |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and despite various treatment strategies, drug resistance remains a critical challenge. Conventional therapies often have undesirable side effects on healthy cells. To mitigate these adverse effects, researchers have explored different drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, and nanotubes, as carriers for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. One promising approach involves conjugating chemotherapeutic drugs to nanoparticles, which can prolong their circulation time, selectively accumulate in tumours, and reduce the required doses, minimizing toxicity. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be synthesized through an eco-friendly biological process involving microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and plants. These biological NPs are a promising choice due to its safety, cost-effectiveness, rapid production, and lack of harmful byproducts, aligning with the goal of developing sustainable and biocompatible therapeutics.
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This project will aim to develop a biologically synthesised NPs and conjugate it to chemotherapeutic drugs to evaluates its potential anti-cancer effects. These NPs will be tested for their enhanced therapeutic efficacy on cancer cells and reduced toxicity on healthy cells.
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Contact Rasika
Video Presentation
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2454 |
John |
Stambas |
Unleashing new therapeutic weapons to fight influenza virus infection |
Immunity |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Seasonal influenza viruses have re-emerged to significantly impact human health after lockdowns were lifted following the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective oral antiviral treatments, such as Tamiflu/Relenza that target virus protein have been used as the first line of treatment for influenza patients when symptoms first appear. They do however have limitations as this is only a short therapeutic window and are prone to development of anti-viral resistance. In recent studies, host proteins have also been implicated in influenza virus disease outcomes. Over the past two decades, inhibition of immune cell checkpoint proteins such as the programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) have resulted in clinical breakthroughs in cancer, HIV and EBV by regulating immune cell function.
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Improving or developing new therapeutic strategies is critical to ensure adequate protection against ongoing seasonal epidemics and future pandemics. Research Question: Does combination therapy using antivirals and anti-PD-L1 impact influenza pathogenesis? Aims: Aim 1. To investigate viral load kinetics in our in vitro models following combination therapy. Aim 2. To investigate the expression of cytokines and host immunity-related genes following combination therapy.
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Contact John
Video Presentation
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2456 |
Sajal |
Saha |
Group A Streptococcus molecular testing for acute pharyngitis management |
Clinical Practice |
CIIDIR |
Hons |
Diagnostic uncertainty regarding the cause (e.g., group A streptococcus) of sore throat or pharyngitis infections leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics and development of antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Group A streptococci lead to 700000 worldwide deaths annually. Only around 20% of sore throat infections (ranging from 5% to 15% in adults and from 20% to 30% in children) are caused by group A streptococci. However, up to 70% of sore throat cases are treated with inappropriate antibiotics. The limited capacity of primary care GPs in detecting group A streptococci is a challenge for rational antibiotic use in patients with pharyngitis. Molecular GAS testing has been recognised as a potential stewardship strategy to optimise antimicrobial use in patients with pharyngitis. However, point-of-care GAS testing screening and treatment service is not routinely available for pharyngitis management in general practice across Australia.
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Is point-of-care GAS testing service feasible to implement in general practices in Australia to optimise pharyngitis management? Can point-of-care GAS testing optimise antibiotic prescribing by general practitioners in patients with pharyngitis infection?
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Contact Sajal
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2459 |
Stephen |
Gill |
Evaluating the effects of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for joint replacements |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
GCert Hons |
The prevalence of joint replacement surgery is increasing each year. Over the next decade in Australia, prevalence is expected to increase 200-300%. Increased demand for surgery requires more efficient methods for managing patients. In recent years, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented internationally to optimise patient care before, during and after surgery. Barwon Health is currently implementing an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing hip or knee joint replacement surgery.
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The current study will investigate if outcomes following hip or knee joint replacement surgery have changed following the implementation of ERAS. Specifically, the study will investigate the impact of ERAS of patient length of stay, complications and the patient's experience of care.
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Contact Stephen
Video Presentation
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2460 |
Jacquie |
Cotton |
Head to Head: Comparing Concussion Risks for Rural and Metropolitan Children |
Rural and Regional Health |
Western District Health Service - Hamilton |
GCert Hons |
Children in rural Australia experience higher rates of injury than their metropolitan counterparts. This challenge is further exacerbated by limited to healthcare and specialist services. Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a significant health concern for children and can have potential long-term cognitive and physical impacts. While there has been a focus on concussion in metropolitan areas, less is known about the risk factors and causes of concussion experienced by children in rural areas. Further compounding this challenge is the reduced access to healthcare and specialist services. This project is a retrospective study of available hospital datasets to determine the prevalence, main causes and hospital admissions and referrals of concussion and mTBI amongst children in rural Victoria. Findings will assist in profiling child concussion in rural areas to inform prevention strategies and assist in health service planning and resourcing.
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This project aims to determine: i) The prevalence, main causes and hospital admissions and referrals of concussion or mTBI amongst children in rural Victoria compared to those in metropolitan areas. ii) The perceived risk of concussion in farming and non-farming families
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Contact Jacquie
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2461 |
Richard |
Page |
Evaluating the Impact of Long Head of Biceps Pathology On Outcomes following Rotator Cuff Repair |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that play a primary role in moving and stabilising the shoulder joint (glenohumeral joint). However, rotator cuff tears are common and incidence increases with age. Surgical repair of rotator cuff tears is increasing, with over 130,000 repairs occurring in Australia between 2008 and 2018. The long head of biceps (LHB) also contributes to movement and stability at the shoulder joint, however its precise role is poorly understood. Furthermore, the contribution of the LHB to outcomes following rotator cuff repair is also poorly understood. During rotator cuff surgery, the LHB might undergo tenodesis (cutting the tendon and attaching it to the upper humerus), tenotomy (cutting the tendon and leaving it unattached), or it might be left in its original position.
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The current study will investigate if outcomes following rotator cuff repair vary according to long head of biceps pathology and surgical treatment. Outcomes include pain, function, quality of life and muscle strength.
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Contact Richard
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2462 |
John |
Stambas |
Harnessing lung cell culture models to study influenza virus infection |
Immunity |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Influenza viruses continue to be a major health threat worldwide. New evidence has shown that host factors play a key role in disease outcome and are promising drug targets. One such host protein, fibronectin, found in the extracellular matrix, has been shown in recent studies to play a key role in the clearance of influenza virus infection. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent avian influenza outbreaks highlight the need for development of new interventions to be included in the influenza response 'toolbox'. By utilizing and comparing in vitro models that closely mimic the natural environment of the airway epithelium, novel targets for drug discovery can be identified for high-throughput analysis. This project will examine fibronectin gene expression following influenza virus infection using multiple emerging cell culture systems that closely resemble the in vivo airway and study its impact on viral replication and immunity.
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Research question: Does expression of fibronectin impact influenza virus pathogenesis? Aims: Aim 1. To establish relevant in vitro influenza virus infection models to study fibronectin expression kinetics following influenza virus infection. Aim 2: To investigate viral load and expression of cytokines and host immune-related genes following influenza virus infection.
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Contact John
Video Presentation
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2464 |
Natalie |
Hyde |
Understanding predictors of long-term surgical outcomes for developmental dysplasia of the hip |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
GCert Hons |
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common hip pathology in childhood and is characterised by a spectrum of issues influencing the developing hip joint encompassing instability, subluxation, and dislocation. When detected early it can be relatively conservatively treated, however in cases where conservative treatment is not successful, or when detected at an older age (greater than 6 months), surgery is frequently required to correct the hip joint and ensure normal development. Commonly, cases will be successfully treated by surgery, however frequently there is a reoccurrence (residual dysplasia) and surgical revision is required. At present we do not have a detailed understanding of predictors of longer-term outcomes of surgery.
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The project aims to determine predictors of long-term outcomes of surgical intervention for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. This will aid in a better understanding of a patient's potential prognosis following surgery to assist with clinical decision making.
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Contact Natalie
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2466 |
Kirsty |
McCann |
Biofilm genes in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria which in 2019 alone killed over 1 million people worldwide. When it reaches the bloodstream, it is referred to as S. aureus bacteraemia (SAB). SAB has a large range of presentations and is likely to complicate into heart infections, bone infections, and more. It is unknown why complications occur in some and not others, so it is highly relevant to identify if there are markers that can be used to identify whether a person is at higher risk of complications. A potential marker is the ability to produce biofilms. However, S. aureus has multiple pathways for creating a biofilm. There are also biofilm-adjacent genes that can enhance biofilm production. Not all of these genes are present throughout the genome of S. aureus strains.
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What is the frequency of biofilm and biofilm-adjacent genes in bacteraemia clinical strains of S. aureus. Is there a relationship between frequency of biofilm genes and complicated presentations of SAB? Hypothesis: strains of high-producing biofilms will have a higher frequency of intact biofilm genes
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Contact Kirsty
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2467 |
Darcie |
Cooper |
Quantifying the biofilm matrix |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Biofilms are a survival mechanism for certain species of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Biofilms are an extracellular matrix that acts as a protection layer between the bacteria and a host's immune system. Once a biofilm has been established they are complicated to eradicate. Traditionally, the ability of Staphylococcus aureus to form a biofilm isn't measured for clinical cases as methods of quantifying the matrix are semi-quantifying at best as the stain most commonly used (crystal violet) stains without prejudice. The time taken to allow a biofilm to grow fully in vitro is also prohibitive in a clinical case setting. The ability to better quantify the matrix would be useful for treating biofilm-based infections so appropriate antibiotics can be used, resulting in better patient outcomes.
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Are there other staining methods to quantify the biofilm matrix of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa more accurately than crystal violet? Is there a minimum incubation time required with the staining technique and crystal violet staining to predict biofilm formation?
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Contact Darcie
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2471 |
Laura |
Gray |
Seeking a flexible approach to health professions learning |
Health Education |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
GCert Hons |
Health professions training programs at Deakin aspire to be more responsive to the needs of students, balancing flexibility in the way in which courses are offered with the need for effective delivery of learning activities. Many programs have introduced more activities which involve online learning and reduced numbers of hours on campus. However in order to meet students' needs, we need a better understanding of the perspectives of current students and how they have experienced the learning activities offered to date.
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This project seeks to explore the experiences of health professions students learning in a hybrid (online and located) environment, and identify factors that may promote or hinder engagement in learning activities. How do students with differing personal circumstances engage in learning and how can health professions students best support their progression?
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Contact Laura
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2472 |
Serap |
Azizoglu |
Exploring the Allergy Burden: A study on Australian Adults |
Immunity |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
There is significant concern that the prevalence and associated burden of allergic disease is increasing worldwide. Currently the worldwide prevalence of allergy is thought to vary between 10-30% worldwide. Australian data shows that there is also an increase from 15% in 2007-2008 to at least 19% of Australians in 2014-2015 (Australian Government, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Report 2011). Increasing prevalence trends in Australia estimate that at least one in four Australians suffer from allergy.
The burden of allergy has been established worldwide with burden on the affected individual being physical, emotional, social and economical. However, given the rising rates of allergy in Australia, there needs to be a more specific understanding of the burden of allergy on patients in Australia. Therefore, the aim of this research is to survey allergy patients to unpack the burden of their allergy on the quality of their life.
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How does allergy effect Australian adults, specifically focusing on the prevalence of symptoms, treatment modalities and burdens associated with allergy and ocular allergy. Specific research questions: To assess the burden of allergy and ocular allergies (OA) in allergy sufferers in Australia. To track the burden of allergy across seasons in Australians. To assess if Australians in urban settings have a higher burden of allergy? To assess if non-allergy patients exhibit any allergy symptoms.
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Contact Serap
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2473 |
Garth |
Stephenson |
The role of the placenta in fetal immune response |
Immunity |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) currently affect 1:70 children in Australia. Around half of all traits can be attributed to inherited factors. The causes of the remaining traits are largely unknown. The search for etiological and risk factors for NDDs has led to the maternal immune system and the placenta. During gestation, maternal immune activation related mediators (cytokines) or pathogens entering the uterus through vertical transmission can contact the placenta and trigger a placental immune response. This can initiate an inflammatory state releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines into the foetal tissues which in extreme cases can alter expression of ND genes leading an increased risk of NDD. This suggestion therefore requires further analysis to determine which pro-inflammatory cytokines are released by pathogen/MIA stimulated cytotrophoblast (placental) cells. Here we will analyse the response of human placental cell lines for their response to inflammatory cytokines.
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The aim of this project is to characterise the immune response of the placenta to both maternal immune activation induced inflammatory cytokines and/or bacterial/viral pathogens using a human placental villous cytotrophoblast cell line and cell culture techniques.
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Contact Garth
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2474 |
Natalie |
Hyde |
Predictors of progression and treatment outcomes in developmental dysplasia of the hip |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
Hons |
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is amongst the most common conditions in paediatric populations. The condition spans across a spectrum of abnormalities that range from delayed development of the hip through to complete dislocation. When detected before 6 months of age it usually can be effectively treated with conservative brace treatment, however in some cases, and when picked up at an older age surgery is neccesary. The successful endpoint for treatment is achieving a stable hip with normal imaging. Little is known about the predictors of progression and treatment success, particularly in large representative samples.
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Using data collected as part of the Victorian hip dysplasia registry and the Global hip dysplasia registry, this project will seek to understand predictors of treatment outcomes and progression in developmental dysplasia of the hip. This will help inform best approaches for treatment and monitoring of developmental dysplasia of the hip.
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Contact Natalie
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2475 |
Garth |
Stephenson |
Programming of Obesity in Early Life through Modulation of the Kynurenine Pathway |
Public Health |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
Hons |
Childhood obesity is a global health concern that originates before birth. Although genetics plays a crucial role, recent evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications during fetal life could also influence its incidence. Here, genetic makeup, intrauterine factors, and environmental conditions may increase the risk of childhood obesity. The DOHaD hypothesis states that adverse intrauterine environments can have long-lasting effects on the immune system's essential functions during crucial stages of fetal growth. This immune dysfunction can make the offspring more prone to inflammatory and immune-related disorders later in life. The kynurenine pathway plays a pivotal role in the immune system and is activated in human obesity. During pregnancy, increased levels of maternal inflammation may result in modification of the immune response and expression of critical genes in metabolic and signalling pathways, such as the kynurenine pathway, leading to childhood obesity.
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This study will examine changes in expression of genes associated with the kynurenine pathway, due to maternal immune activation. Our aim is to identify changes in the expression of genes of the kynurenine pathway. Does maternal immune activation during gestation alter the expression of genes of the kynurenine pathway which may subsequently lead to childhood obesity.
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Contact Garth
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2412 |
Jeremy |
Furyk |
The management of acute suicidal crisis in the Emergency Department |
Clinical Practice |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
MPhil |
Suicide is a global health issue and the leading cause of death in 15-24 year olds. The demand for acute mental health services in Australia is on the rise, and an increasing number of individuals are turning to Emergency Departments (EDs) as their primary access point. This surge has led to over 250,000 mental health-related presentations to Australian EDs annually, constituting one in thirty of all ED visits. Among these presentations, cases of Acute Suicidal Crisis (ASC) are disturbingly frequent, yet the field lacks interventions and management strategies that can deliver swift and effective results. However, detailed data on ED patients with ASC is limited. Administrative data underestimates the true burden of disease, and outcomes and aspects of the patients' course beyond the immediate crisis presentation to ED is unknown and provides limited data on co-diagnoses and suitability for interventional trials.
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To inform future interventional trials, we will generate high quality prospective data to document the burden of illness, co-morbidities, and aligned mental health diagnoses, explore the natural history and expected patient journey of patients presenting with ASC. We hypothesize 10% of patients presenting to ED with ASC will be eligible for interventional trials such as ketamine for acute management.
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Contact Jeremy
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2413 |
Jeremy |
Furyk |
Management of acute nausea and vomiting in a regional Emergency Department |
Clinical Practice |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
MPhil |
Nausea and vomiting is a common and distressing presenting complaint in emergency departments (ED). The aetiology of nausea and vomiting in EDs is diverse and drugs are commonly prescribed. There is currently no consensus as to the optimum drug treatment of nausea and vomiting in the adult ED setting. systematic reviews have no definitive evidence of the superiority of any single drug over another, or over placebo, with clinically significant improvement occurring with patients receiving placebo. This is based on a relatively small amount of patients and trials, and is considered low certainty evidence. Many questions about the management of nausea and vomiting in the emergency setting remain including the preferred drugs, co-administration of iv fluids, and the underlying aetiology causing the nausea and vomiting, which may be influencing the effect of medications. Further research is required.
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How is nausea and vomiting managed in a regional emergency department, what agents are prescribed and how effective are they? The hypothesis is that ondansetron, metoclopramide and droperidol are most commonly prescribed and that they are not clinically effective.
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Contact Jeremy
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2402 |
Kathryn |
Aston-Mourney |
In utero metformin treatment to reduce the risk of adult diabetes |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Gestational Diabetes increases the risks of adverse effects during pregnancy including pre-eclampsia, large for gestational age offspring and fetal abnormalities. Poor glucose control during pregnancy also increases the risk for adult obesity and type 2 diabetes in the offspring. Therefore, effectively treating gestational diabetes is of utmost importance. One of the most effective pharmaceuticals to manage blood glucose is the type 2 diabetes drug metformin. However, the use of metformin during pregnancy, while becoming increasingly common, is still under debate. The main concern is that metformin can cross the placenta and the effects of this drug on the developing fetus are largely unknown.
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We have shown that metformin actually increases beta-cell number in developing zebrafish suggesting that it could have beneficial effects to reduce the later development of type 2 diabetes. This project aims to use a mouse model to determine the effect of maternal metformin treatment on offspring beta-cell number, mass and function and protection from diabetes development in adulthood.
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Contact Kathryn
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2404 |
Kathryn |
Aston-Mourney |
A Cure for Type 1 Diabetes: Improving Islet Transplantation Success |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. It is characterised by autoimmune destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas (beta-cells) resulting in the need for insulin injections. New hope for a cure has been given with the development of islet transplantation techniques however currently these require several donors in order to provide enough islets and the long-term success rates are poor with only 10% of transplants still functioning after 5 years. This poor success is due in part to the high amount of stress the islets undergo following the transplant and prior to becoming engrafted. Therefore, the development of techniques to protect the islets from these stressors and improve engraftment would greatly increase not only transplant success but also long-term outcomes.
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Our lab is developing novel compounds that can protect islets from diabetic conditions. This project will determine whether these can protect transplanted islets and transplantation outcomes. Ultimately this project could lead to greatly improving the success of this cure.
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Contact Kathryn
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2406 |
Kathryn |
Aston-Mourney |
Discovery of New Targets for the Treatment of Diabetes |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Type 2 diabetes is one of the major health burdens facing the world today with 422 million people affected. Type 2 Diabetes is characterised by hyperglycaemia due to failure of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas (beta-cells). Beta-cell failure is progressive, with patients requiring additional medications over time and eventually insulin injections in order to control their blood glucose levels. Current diabetes treatments cannot stop or slow the progression of beta-cell failure; therefore it is vital that we obtain a better understanding of how beta-cell failure occurs and how it could be targeted by new treatments.
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This project will investigate possible contributors to beta-cell failure and whether they can be targeted pharmacologically to reduce beta-cell failure and thereby delay or prevent the development and progression of beta-cell failure in Type 2 Diabetes.
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Contact Kathryn
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2410 |
Bruna |
Panizzutti Parry |
Characterising inflammation in stem cell-derived microglia from participants with bipolar disorder |
Neuroscience |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
PhD |
Alterations in multiple biological systems have been observed in people with bipolar disorder, with immune dysfunction recognised as an important mechanism. Inflammatory and immunity-related mechanisms have been investigated to understand their contribution to disease progression and treatment effectiveness. In the central nervous system, microglial cells perform various functions such as phagocytosing apoptotic neurons, inducing neuronal apoptosis, synaptic pruning, synapse formation, promoting pyramidal neuron survival, regulating receptor expression at synapses, controlling the production and migration of cortical inhibitory neurons, inflammatory response. Microglial cells can be polarised into M1 (pro-inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes responding to different cytokines. Activation of microglia and neuroinflammation have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.
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Overall, the project aims to build upon the existing knowledge to understand further how the role of immune dysregulation and microglial activation in bipolar disorder differs from healthy participants: 1) Generate and characterise microglial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells from research participants with bipolar disorder and healthy controls. 2) Study how the two groups' inflammatory responses driven by microglial cells differ.
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Contact Bruna
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2415 |
Zoe |
Liu |
Determining lithium's effects on mitochondrial function in bipolar disorder stem cells |
Neuroscience |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
PhD |
People with bipolar disorder have a high death rate by suicide and self-harm. Lithium is commonly prescribed to minimise bipolar disorder symptoms effectively. However, lithium is only fully effective in 20% of the patients and its molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Studies have shown that bipolar disorder is partly due to dysregulated adenosine triphosphate (energy) generation machinery and lithium could have positive impact on mitochondria-related genes. Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy production, but their role in bipolar disorder and how their function will be affected by lithium treatment have not been determined.
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The aim is to differentiate the stem cells into co-cultures containing neurons and astrocytes (to mimic the brain environment) and determine mitochondrial function following lithium treatment. We hypothesise that cells from people with bipolar disorder will show impaired mitochondrial function, but lithium treatment will restore mitochondrial energy production in lithium responders more so than the non-responders.
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Contact Zoe
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2417 |
Clifford |
Liongue |
Investigating innate immune cells and their regulation using customised animal models |
Immunity |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Pathogens represent a constant challenge to maintaining health, with the first line of defence being the innate immune system. Key components of this system are the white blood cells called neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the "first-responders' and serve to "seek and destroy' pathogens by a variety of mechanisms, typically dying in the process. Macrophages, on the other hand, arrive later and carry out a range of functions, including phagocytosis and coordination of an appropriate immune response. Neutrophils and macrophages are controlled by a network of cytokines, which represent key mediators of cell to cell communication, such as from an infected cell to a neutrophil or macrophage or from a macrophage to other immune cells. Zebrafish represents a powerful experimental model for understanding development and disease, due to its similarities with mammalian immune systems, which has been used to better understand the immune system and its responses to pathogens.
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We have created a series of customised zebrafish lines where the cytokine signalling components have been modified to be either more or less activated using genome editing technologies. The aim of this project is to investigate the regulation of neutrophil and macrophage functions by cytokine signalling components using these zebrafish lines.
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Contact Clifford
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2418 |
Clifford |
Liongue |
Understanding the communication networks underpinning lymphoma and leukemia |
Cancer |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
White blood cells such as lymphocytes are important in the fight against viruses and other pathogens. However, a class of cancers known as lymphomas, involves dysfunctional lymphocytes. Lymphomas represent the most common malignancy in children, with their incidence doubling in Australia over the past 20 years and is the 8th most common cancer-causing death in Australia. Lymphomas are particularly dangerous because lymphocytes are vital for normal immune function but are depleted at the expense of dysfunctional cancerous cells resulting in reduced immunity and susceptibility to a range of infectious agents. The normal function of cells is governed by complex communication networks. One such network is the cytokine signalling pathway that is crucial for the generation and function of blood and immune cells. The importance of the cytokine signalling highlighted as awry communications, caused by malfunctioning components of the pathway, often leads to diseases such as lymphoma and leukemia.
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This project utilises zebrafish to investigate dysregulation of cytokine signalling components in normal immune development, function, and disease. Understanding the interactions and regulatory functions of cytokine signalling will reveal key insights to the cause of lymphomas and identify novel therapeutic targets.
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Contact Clifford
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2420 |
Damian |
Hernandez |
Development of human pluripotent stem cell model of chronic fatigue syndrome for drug discovery |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease characterized by severe fatigue exacerbated by physical or mental activity. It affects approximately 5-6% of the population, and the lack of effective treatments is attributed to our limited understanding of its underlying pathophysiology. While ME/CFS is commonly classified as a neurological disorder due to its neurological symptoms, many other clinical manifestations, such as impaired muscle function, cannot be adequately explained solely by neurological pathology. To bridge this knowledge gap and gain deeper insights into the cellular mechanisms driving the disease, we are currently establishing a biobank of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from both ME/CFS patients and healthy individuals.
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We hypothesize that ME/CFS is associated with an energy imbalance, particularly in skeletal muscle cells. The research project aims to answer the following questions:1) Can iPSCs from ME/CFS patients and healthy individuals be differentiated into functional skeletal muscle cells? 2) What are the transcriptomic differences between iPSC-derived skeletal muscle cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy controls? 3) What drugs could be repurposed to treat ME/CSF patients?
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Contact Damian
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2423 |
Eugene |
Athan |
SNAPPIER Improving patient outcomes of staphylococcal cardiac device infections |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
PhD |
Electronic cardiac devices (CD), such as pacemakers and defibrillators, are increasingly used for the treatment of heart disease globally. Infection of CDs, most caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is a devastating complication with high morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. The diagnosis and management of CD infection is complex and usually requires complete removal of the electronic system. This can only be performed in a handful of centres internationally by expert interventionists. Currently, there is no clear guideline for when a potentially infected CD should be removed. The creation of a clinical decision guideline will benefit clinicians and patients across Australia and internationally by improving treatment efficiency, reduce the burden on the procedure of device removal, shorten hospital stays and reduce mortality rates. This study aims to produce a guideline identify which patients with a suspected Staphylococcal CD infection require removal to improve patient outcomes.
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What are the key factors that predict cardiac device infection during a S. aureus bloodstream infection? What is the role of biofilm production of S. aureus isolates in a high throughput in vitro biofilm model as a potential novel biomarker of cardiac device infections?
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Contact Eugene
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2424 |
Eugene |
Athan |
Improving skin health and scabies control in Central Australian Communities |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
PhD |
Scabies infestation causes a significant burden of disease in Central Australian communities. Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) represented 2.1% of ASH admissions during 2014. 82.6% occurred in Indigenous patients (n = 382) with an estimated incidence of 18.9 per 1, 000 people years compared to the non-Indigenous population of 2.9 per 1000, with an incident rate ratio of 6.6 (95% confidence interval 5.1-8.5). Complications include skin and soft tissue infections including Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Annualised incidence of 24.2 intensive care unit admissions per 100 000 population. These infections also predispose to acute rheumatic fever. Scabies control measures have been successfully piloted in Northern Australia and Pacific Islands.
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What is the burden of scabies in Central Australian communities? What is the burden of skin and soft tissue infection in Central Australian communities presenting to health care? Will a co-design approach to scabies control be safe, acceptable and cost effective to Central Australian communities?
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Contact Eugene
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2430 |
Samantha |
Dawson |
Investigating prenatal diet-by-microbiome pathways for Maternal mental health |
Public Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
PhD |
Our research targets diet-by-microbiome pathways to support maternal and child mental and brain health. We are running a randomised controlled trial of a smartphone-delivered prenatal dietary intervention (Bugs & Bumps), and we comparing this against a program delivering the Australian Dietary Guidelines. The Bugs & Bumps trial covers several areas of investigation, such as: *Dietary change *Pregnancy outcomes *Maternal mood, depression and anxiety symptoms *Microbiome changes (gut, vaginal microbiome, breastmilk) *Infant brain and emotional-behavioural outcomes *Dietary program evaluation and optimisation. Our cutting-edge research is at the intersection of nutrition, microbiology, and maternal-child health. The ideal candidate will have a background in: *Midwifery/Nursing *Nutrition/Dietetics *Psychology *Software Development or Bioinformatics, combined with one of the aforementioned disciplines
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The research question will be tailored in consultation with the successful candidate to suit their background and skill set. Examples include: *What is the effect of a gut-focused dietary intervention on pregnancy outcomes (e.g. gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, caesarean section rates)? *What is the effect of a gut-focused dietary intervention on the maternal microbiome? (e.g vaginal, gut, breastmilk)
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Contact Samantha
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2432 |
Tania |
de Koning-Ward |
Contribution of novel malaria rhoptry proteins to parasite survival and disease |
Infection |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Malaria is caused by infection of red blood cells (RBCs) by Plasmodium parasites, leading to ~400,000 deaths and ~216 million infections each year. The ability of Plasmodium to invade and renovate its host RBC guarantees its success as a pathogen and relies upon proteins secreted from the rhoptry organelle to achieve this. Despite their importance to parasite survival, we still don't know the identity of all proteins secreted from the rhoptries or how they are trafficked there. Blocking trafficking or the function of rhoptry proteins could prevent invasion or host cell remodelling and thus halt a malaria infection and subsequent disease. This project aims to validate the rhoptry localisation of novel proteins that were identified in a preliminary rhoptry proteome and then dissect the contribution of some essential rhoptry proteins to rhoptry protein trafficking, host cell invasion and remodelling with the overarching view to examining their potential as malaria vaccine/drug targets.
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Hypothesis: The rhoptry organelle comprises novel essential proteins that enable malaria parasites to invade and remodel their host cell. Project Aims: Aim1 : Validate the localisation of novel putative rhoptry proteins Aim2: Decipher the contribution of several essential validated rhoptry proteins to malaria parasite invasion and host cell remodelling. Aim 3: Examine the polymorphism of some of the novel rhoptry proteins and their ability to generate an immune response in exposed individuals
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Contact Tania
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2433 |
Roey |
Elnathan |
Roles of micro- and nanoscale materials in engineering cellular systems |
Nanobiotechnology |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
PhD |
Customizable manufacturing of ex vivo cell engineering is driven by the hope of opening innovative pathways in the field, and holds substantial potential for addressing current therapeutic challenges; but it is still only in its infancy. The development of cellular engineering routes to control specific core cell-level functions increasingly involves the use of micro- and nanoscale-engineered materials. These advanced materials offer new opportunities, enabling us for example to reprogram or redirect targeted cells to carry out extremely precise and desirable functions. This influences the modularity of cell reprogramming and reengineering, making these materials a versatile and an emerging toolkit.
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Question 1: How can cells be manipulated to perform specific functions without causing irreversible damage or loss of their viability? Question 2: How do micro- and nano-topographies influence cell function and behavior? Question 3: What is the direct and controllable impact of nanotopographies on key cell organelles?
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Contact Roey
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2434 |
Ken |
Walder |
Repurposing drugs to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia |
Neuroscience |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Current treatment options for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are inadequate, and there is an urgent need for new therapies with better efficacy and more favourable side-effect profiles. Development of new drugs takes many years and is very expensive, so an alternative strategy receiving considerable attention is drug repurposing, the process of identifying a new indication for an existing drug. This project will utilise cutting edge cell models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells collected from participants with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and healthy, matched controls, along with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques to repurpose drugs to treat these disorders.
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Drug discovery for mental health disorders is at a virtual standstill, and new treatments are urgently required. In this project we will test the hypothesis that stem cell models and molecular biology can be used to repurpose drugs for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The aim of the project is to repurpose a drug for one of these disorders such that the drug is ready to progress to clinical testing in patients.
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Contact Ken
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2435 |
Ken |
Walder |
Repurposing drugs to treat myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome |
Neuroscience |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
ME/CFS is a debilitating chronic disease for which no effective treatments are available, and the causes and mechanisms underlying symptoms are largely unknown. In this project we will use adult stem cells from patients suffering from ME/CFS and healthy controls to investigate the causes of symptoms of the disease, and to repurpose existing drugs to find new treatments for ME/CFS. The focus will be on stem-cell derived brain and muscle cells where we will test the ability of the cells to produce energy (mitochondrial function) under basal conditions as well as under a range of different forms of cellular stress. Global gene expression and targeted metabolomics will be used to identify differences between the ME/CFS and healthy control groups. We will also complete in silico and in vitro drug screens to find the existing drugs that make the ME/CFS cells look most similar to the healthy control cells, thereby highlighting drugs that can be repurposed to treat ME/CFS.
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In this project we will test the hypothesis that stem cell models and molecular biology can be used to repurpose drugs for ME/CFS. The aim of the project is to repurpose a drug for this disorder such that the drug is ready to progress to clinical testing in patients.
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Contact Ken
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2438 |
Julie |
Pasco |
High-ultra processed food consumption in association with a cluster of metabolic conditions |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
MPhil PhD |
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess accumulation of truncal body fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Associated with metabolic syndrome is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and myosteatosis, pathologic conditions characterised by accumulation of fat in liver and skeletal muscle, respectively. Poor diet quality has been implicated as a potentially modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases, including the metabolic syndrome and related metabolic abnormalities. However, few studies in Australia have investigated the role of foods classified according to different degrees of processing in relation to this cluster of metabolic conditions.
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What is the post-intensive care fracture burden in women aged 50-years and older admitted to Intensive Care Units in Victoria, how does it compare to population-based controls, and what factors are associated with increased risk of fracture in survivors of critical illness?
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Contact Julie
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2439 |
Julie |
Pasco |
Fractures requiring hospitalisation in survivors of critical illness - A data linkage study |
Metabolic Disease |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
MPhil PhD |
Intensive care patients face health issues that extend beyond their critical illness. Current evidence indicates this extends to an association between critical illness, accelerated bone turnover, and skeletal morbidity. This association is most pronounced in older female survivors of critical illness. The ANZICS CORE registry reports over 35,000 women aged 50-years or greater require ICU for over 24-hours annually in Australia. Current data on post-ICU fractures extrapolates to a potential disease burden of over 2,100 fractures (1 in 1760 women >50-years) per annum, over 350 hip fractures (1 in 6 fragility fractures) per annum, an estimated annual economic costs >AU$41 million for fragility fractures in women who survive critical illness, and >$11.5 million for hip fractures alone (median hip fracture cost AU$33,576).
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The aim of this project is to examine associations of ultra-processed food consumption with indicators of metabolic syndrome, namely elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, obesity, truncal fat, cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels, and markers for MASLD and myosteatosis. We hypothesise that higher ultra-processed food intake will be associated with these metabolic abnormalities, including impaired skeletal muscle function.
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Contact Julie
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2440 |
Eugene |
Athan |
Investigating Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in red foxes and its role in Buruli ulcer spread |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
PhD |
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a potentially severe skin condition caused by an environmental bacteria known as Mycobacterium ulcerans. The outbreak of Buruli ulcer in Victoria is worsening, with the highest number of cases for the state reported in 2023. Identification of the transmission pathways for BU are made challenging by the long incubation period BU (~4-5 months), however there is clear evidence for possums as a key reservoir species in Australia, with proposed transmission to humans through mechanical vectors (mosquitos) or direct skin trauma.
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This project will explore risk and protective factors associated with BU among individuals residing at properties where M. ulcerans is present, and examine if the identified associations in this subset of participants differ from the previously published findings for the whole participant cohort. We hypothesise that associations for certain behavioural factors such as gardening, may differ when the detected presence of M. ulcerans bacteria at the residence is considered.
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Contact Eugene
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2442 |
Ken |
Walder |
Multi-omic regulatory networks for identifying molecular signatures and pathways driving bipolar disorder |
Neuroscience |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Bipolar disorder is a leading cause of disability globally, affecting both individuals and society. A major challenge in developing therapies for bipolar disorder is the limited understanding of its molecular mechanisms. The disorder's complex traits suggest an omnigenic genetic architecture, with disease risk influenced by nearly all expressed genes through regulatory networks centred on core genes. Identifying these core genes, or master regulators, can help focus on key elements driving disease development. Systems-level analyses now enable detailed evaluation of transcription factors, which regulate gene expression and play crucial roles in various conditions, through networks incorporating motif binding and protein interactions.
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Using diverse omics data, including transcriptomics, motif binding, and protein interactions, the project seeks to uncover bipolar disorder's pathophysiological mechanisms governed by transcription factors. 1. Which transcription factors act as distinctive molecular signatures, differentiating bipolar disorder from unaffected controls? 2. What pathways or biological processes, influenced by transcription factors, underlie the variations between bipolar disorder and unaffected controls?
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Contact Ken
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2448 |
Carly |
Botheras |
The role of biological sex in the prognosis of S. aureus bacteraemia |
Infection |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
PhD |
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria which in 2019 alone killed over 1 million people worldwide. When it reaches the bloodstream, it is referred to as S. aureus bacteraemia (SAB). Recently, it has been determined that females are more likely to have poor outcomes in SAB. The reason for this is currently unknown. However, a mixture of decision making, human biology and bacteriological differences have all been potential sources of differences. This PhD program will identify potential reasons for this difference, culminating in a potential guideline for treating SAB taking into account biological sex.
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What are the differences that contribute to female severity in SAB? Hypothesis: There will be different clinical decisions in female patients over males in SAB. There will be differences in bacterial strains in S. aureus strains causing SAB in males over females. The expression of genes will be different across isolates that express differently across the biological sex.
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Contact Carly
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2455 |
Eugene |
Athan |
Improving antimicrobial stewardship in acute pharyngitis using Group A Streptococcus testing |
Clinical Practice |
CIIDIR |
PhD |
Diagnostic uncertainty regarding the cause (e.g., group A streptococcus) of sore throat or pharyngitis infections leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics and development of antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Group A streptococci lead to 700000 worldwide deaths annually. Only around 20% of sore throat infections (ranging from 5% to 15% in adults and from 20% to 30% in children) are caused by group A streptococci. However, up to 70% of sore throat cases are treated with inappropriate antibiotics. The limited capacity of primary care GPs and pharmacists in detecting group A streptococci is a challenge for rational antibiotic use in patients with pharyngitis.
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1. Is point-of-care GAS testing feasible to implement in general practices and community pharmacies in Australia? 2. Is point-of-care GAS testing effective and cost-effective to optimise antimicrobial use in patients with acute sore throat or pharyngitis infections?
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Contact Eugene
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2457 |
Leni |
Rivera |
Improving gut health in metabolic disorders |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
A traditional whole-food diet consists of higher intakes of foods such as vegetables, fruits, seafood, wholegrains, lean meat, nuts, and legumes, with avoidance of processed foods. Currently, in both developed and emerging economies, there is a preference to consume nutrient-poor, energy-dense, and highly processed foods. Many people are both overfed and undernourished. This transition from traditional to the modern diet has seen increases in obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other metabolic diseases. The first vulnerable organ to encounter these substances is the intestine. There is now increasing recognition that intestinal damage contributes to downstream effects.
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This project aims: (1) To determine how specific components of the modern diet affects enteric neurons, mucosal structure, and function in vitro, (2) To investigate the beneficial effects of dietary modification and supplementation in improving gut health and gut barrier function.
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Contact Leni
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2458 |
Leni |
Rivera |
Effect of metformin on gut microbiome in gestational diabetes |
Metabolic Disease |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
MPhil PhD |
Diabetes during pregnancy, or gestational diabetes, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Gestational Diabetes increases the risks of adverse effects during pregnancy including pre-eclampsia, large for gestational age offspring and fetal abnormalities. Poor glucose control during pregnancy also increases the risk for adult obesity and type 2 diabetes in the offspring. Therefore, effectively treating gestational diabetes is of utmost importance. One of the most effective pharmaceuticals to manage blood glucose is the type 2 diabetes drug metformin, and this drug is being used more widely to treat gestational diabetes. One of effects metformin treatment has is to alter the gut microbiome, which may be beneficial for diabetes management. However, as offspring develop their microbiomes from their mother during birth, an altered microbiome may translate to changes in the offspring microbiome thereby altering their susceptibility or resilience to a wide range of diseases, including diabetes.
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This project aims: (1) To use a mouse model to determine the effect of maternal metformin treatment on maternal gut microbiome, enteric neurons, mucosal structure and gut function, (2) To determine whether maternal metformin treatment will result in differences in the gut microbiome, enteric neurons, mucosal structure and gut function of the offspring.
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Contact Leni
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2463 |
Lana |
Williams |
Bipolar disorder and chronic illness |
Mental Health |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
MPhil PhD |
While we know that just under half of people with a mental disorder have a coexisting physical illness, the associated long-term risks and patterns of onset is less known. More specifically, the public health burden of bipolar disorder including the impact on long-term mental and physical health, health service utilisation and associated societal and health sector costs are poorly understood. From an economic and public health perspective, such an evidence base is essential for planning and anticipating the health and disability needs within the Australian population.
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The aim of this project is to examine associations between bipolar disorder and chronic disease and the role of biological, lifestyle and social factors. We hypothesise that bipolar disorder will be associated with an overall increased risk of chronic disease.
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Contact Lana
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2465 |
Natalie |
Hyde |
Understanding and improving screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip |
Musculoskeletal Medicine |
Barwon Health - Geelong |
PhD |
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common hip pathology in childhood affecting approximately 1.5% of infants and children in Australasia. DDH represents a spectrum of issues influencing the development hip joint encompassing instability, subluxation, and dislocation. When detected early, under six months, most infants can be effectively treated by simple brace application and monitoring by ultrasound over the first year of life. The detection of DDH after 12 months of age occurs in 1-2 per 1000 live births and is often resistant to conservative treatment. This form of dysplasia is unpredictable in its presentation and may require surgical intervention to obtain a contained and stable joint. Such patients are at a higher risk of developing degenerative hip disease in early adult life and can suffer considerable disability, often failing to reach their full potential. Despite "screening" processes being in place, the rate of late presentation has not reduced over time.
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The overarching aim of this project will be to understand current screening practices and explore novel models of care to improve the rate of late presentation. Ultimately, this will assist with developing an evidence-based screening program with long-term follow-up protocols to minimise late presentation.
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Contact Natalie
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2468 |
Garth |
Stephenson |
Relationship between inflammation and neurodevelopmental gene expression in autism spectrum disorder |
Neuroscience |
Waurn Ponds Campus |
PhD |
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affect 1 in 10 Australian children. While 49% of traits are inherited, the rest remain unexplained, urging further investigation into NDD risk factors. Maternal immune activation (MIA), which is linked to infection during gestation, elevates inflammatory cytokines. In the Peri/Postnatal Epigenetics Twins Study (PETS), we found elevated cytokines in maternal and cord blood of ASD-diagnosed children. Given MIA's association with ASD, we aim to explore the impact of these cytokines on ASD-associated neurodevelopmental genes.
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AIM 1. The aim of this project is to determine the effect of inflammatory cytokines identified from PETS in relation to MIA on the expression of neurodevelopmental genes during gestation and the epigenetic state of said genes which may lead to the development of ASD.
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Contact Garth
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2469 |
Laura |
Gray |
Experiences of neurodivergent students in clinical learning settings |
Medical Education |
Flexible location |
MPhil PhD |
Whilst it is recognised that many neurodivergent individuals are accomplished health professionals, there is also evidence to suggest that many experience significant challenges as they navigate learning and working environments which can be experienced as stigmatising and exclusionary. Health professions students need to develop a sense of themselves as a developing professional; an active process of exploring and enacting behaviours and skills which occurs throughout the learning process. However, students who do not feel a sense of belonging in the learning environment may experience professional identity formation differently, which may flow through to both academic outcomes and wellbeing.
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The aim of this study is to explore the lived experiences of recent health professions graduates who identify as neurodivergent, to better understand the barriers and facilitators to their learning in the clinical environment. We will focus on aspects of professional identity formation, in particular learning and assessment activities which build self-efficacy and self-regulated learning.
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Contact Laura
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2470 |
Laura |
Gray |
Access and equity in Health Professions education |
Medical Education |
Flexible location |
MPhil PhD |
As marginalised communities continue to experience significantly higher rates of chronic disease and mortality, the demand for more health professionals who understand the needs of these communities is urgent and growing. However, students from marginalised or underrepresented groups face barriers in their access to health professions programs, and challenges as they navigate the training process. Many health professions programs aspire to address these inequities. In order to effect meaningful change, we need a better understanding of the perspectives of current students and how they have experienced the learning activities and support systems offered to date. We also need to explore the perspectives of potential applicants to health professions programs, to identify barriers and enablers to access.
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What are the perspectives of potential applicants to health professions programs from marginalised or underrepresented groups, and what factors shape their experiences as they navigate the admissions process? What are the experiences of students from marginalised or underrepresented groups as they progress through health professions programs, and how can Universities better support these students?
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Contact Laura
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2476 |
Alison |
Yung |
Preventing hepatitis C infection in people with psychotic disorders |
Mental health, infectious diseases, and public health |
Deakin Geelong HERB |
PhD |
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that is typically transmitted through unsafe injection practices, unsafe health care, unscreened blood transfusions, or high-risk sexual practices. If untreated, HCV infection can lead to serious health issues, such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. People with psychotic disorders are at substantially increased risk of contracting HCV compared to the general population; estimates of up to a 16-fold increase in risk have been reported. It is unclear what factors contribute to this increased risk, and how such factors might vary across different settings and populations, however an increased prevalence of substance use, increased high-risk sexual behaviours (including hypersexual behaviour during acute psychosis), reduced help-seeking, or a lack of availability of appropriate health services (including HCV screening and treatment), are potential contributory factors.
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The aim of this research program is to gain a better understanding of HCV infection among Australians with psychotic disorders, to inform the development and implementation of appropriately tailored HCV screening and treatment practices. What is the prevalence of HCV among Australians with psychotic disorders and what are the modes of transmission? Do current HCV screening and treatment practices meet the needs of this populatio? Do we need to improve HCV health promotion efforts?
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Contact Alison
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