17037-depmed.arfinalcover - melbourne medical school · postgraduate programs 9 honours projects...

Department of Medicine (RMH/ WH) >

2004Annual Report

1

Sec

tio

n T

itle


2004Annual Report

2 Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) Annual Report 2004

Sectio

n Title


© Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) 2004

At The Royal Melbourne Hospital:4th Floor, Clinical Sciences BuildingParkville, Vic. 3050 AUSTRALIAT: +61 3 8344 6252F: +61 3 9347 1863E: [email protected]: http://www.medrmhwh.unimelb.edu.au

At Western Hospital:Cnr Eleanor and Marion StreetsFootscray, Vic. 3011 AUSTRALIAT: +61 3 8345 6252F: +61 3 9318 1157E: [email protected]: http://www.medrmhwh.unimelb.edu.au

3

Sec

tio

n T

itle

Contents

Mission Statement 4Head of Department’s Report 5A Tribute to Professor Neville Yeomans 8

Education

Postgraduate Programs 9Honours Projects 2004 10The Richard Larkins Prize 11AMS Projects 2004–05 11

Research

Arthritis and Inflammation Research Centre 12Cooperative Research Centre for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases 15Clinical Innate Immunity Group 16Lung Disease Research Group 18Malaria Group 23International and Immigrant Health Group 26Hepatitis Molecular Virology Research and Travel Medicine Service, CCREID 28Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases 30Bone and Mineral Research 35Neuropharmacology Research Group 38Centre for Rheumatic Diseases 41Rheumatology Research 44Clinical Gastroenterology Group, Western Hospital 46Gastrointestinal Cancer Group, Western Hospital 47Gastroesophageal Cancer Group, Western Hospital 49

Research: Honorary Fellows

Professor Stephen Davis 51Professor Richard Fox 52Associate Professor Louis Irving 53Dr Stephen Jane 54Professor Jonathan M. Kalman 55Professor Anne-Maree Kelly 57Professor Yean L. Lim, AM 58Professor Finlay Macrae 59Professor Allan J. McLean 61

Department Activities

Miegunyah Distinguished Fellow 2004 63Environment, Health and Safety 63Seminar Series 64Reporting Day, 6 August 2004 66DoMSA President’s Report 67

Staff & Students

Research Staff 68Administrative Staff 69Honorary Appointments 70Students 72

Publications

Publications 2004 73


Sectio

n Title


MISSION STATEMENT

To strive for excellence in medical education and research from the interface of basic science and clinical medicine, through novel approaches to research, through the training of high-quality undergraduate, Honours and postgraduate students, and through leadership in the provision of outstanding evidence-based teaching and clinical practice.

AIMS

• To provide a unique mix of research and clinical capabilities in a clinical department of a research-led university.

• To conduct innovative disease-oriented and patient-oriented research, and to test the relevance of findings for improved care of patients.

• To provide leadership and role models for high-quality clinical teaching in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program.

• To train Honours and postgraduate students to think critically and to equip them with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.

• To interpret and disseminate research findings to the scientific and general communities.

• To provide leadership in collaboration and cooperation between the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) and its host hospitals and their staff, other research institutions both nationally and internationally, and partners in industry.

• To ensure a well-equipped, safe and supportive working environment for staff and students that stimulates creativity and novel approaches to problem solving.

• To facilitate timely and relevant professional development opportunities for all staff.

5

Sec

tio

n T

itle

Head of Department’s Report

It is a great pleasure to be able to introduce the wide range of activities that are described in this report from the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) for 2004. As is evident from this publication, we have a large number of individuals and groups contributing to the research and teaching of clinical medicine and biomedical research within the University of Melbourne, as well as a wide range of collaborations beyond the department. In this, we are fortunate to have strong relationships with the hospitals in which our work is based, and with the Fellows of the department who play a critical role in our work through their professional activities in hospitals and other organisations.

Our Role in Medical Education

The Royal Melbourne Hospital/Western Hospital Clinical School for undergraduate medical students is organisationally separate from the Department of Medicine, but we are key partners in the shared goal of ensuring the best educational experience for our medical students. Associate Professor Geoffrey McColl plays an extremely important role in ensuring that the program is well coordinated. The first graduates of the university’s new medical curriculum completed their training in 2004, and we acknowledge the enormous contribution of those Fellows of the department who participated in designing and delivering the new curriculum. We also acknowledge their contribution to postgraduate training for physicians and those preparing for postgraduate exams. The department continues to host interactive sessions for undergraduates and postgraduates in the context of a ‘learning organisation’ of continuing education and enquiry into practice and theory of medicine, such as professorial morning reports, journal clubs, and participation in courses of evidence based medicine to ‘train the trainers’ of medical graduates.

Our Research

The research of the department in 2004 retains the same major themes as in previous years, with groups devoted to arthritis and inflammation, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, bone disease and epilepsy. During the year we were delighted to welcome Dr Sharon Van Doornum and Dr Lynden Roberts to the department, where they are studying aspects of rheumatic diseases in association with the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, headed by department Fellow Professor Ian Wicks. Other Fellows of the department have excellent programs in neurosciences, oncology, gastroenterology, cardiology and most of the clinical disciplines represented in our hospitals.

I am particularly pleased about our success in attracting competitive research grants as this is likely to be an important component of assessing productivity through a ‘research assessment exercise’ proposed for 2005/06. Long-term funding allows team building for increasing research output measured by publications in the highest quality journals, and complements the application of results and development of policy that are such important components of our contributions at the interface of basic science, clinical medicine and population health.

Our Centres

At its Royal Melbourne Hospital site, the department hosts both the expanded Cooperative Research Centre for Chronic Inflammatory Disease (CRC–CID), with its focus on arthritis and lung disease, and the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases (CCREID). Additional support for research activity has come with a capacity building grant in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases to several principal investigators. We continue to receive many external grants and acknowledge the generous support from bodies including the National Health and Medical Research Council Australia, National Heart Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.

Professor Graham V. Brown


Sectio

n Title


We are fortunate to have built up the infrastructure appropriate to our needs in microarray technology, access to mass spectroscopy, and improved facilities for flow cytometry and cell sorting in association with the Bone Marrow Research Laboratory and the CRC–CID. We look forward to further scientific interactions as we occupy some of the facilities in the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute that was completed this year, and scheduled for opening in 2005.

Our Staff Movements

The University of Western Sydney’s (UWS) gain was our loss when Professor Neville Yeomans, Deputy Head of the Department, became the inaugural Dean of Medicine at UWS. Neville has been an enormous contributor to the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences of the University of Melbourne, as well as to this department, and he will be greatly missed by colleagues in the faculty and at Western Hospital. A tribute to his great contribution appears elsewhere in this report.

Associate Professor Andy Giraud continues to provide an excellent leadership role in the gastrointestinal cancer research activities at Western Hospital, now supported by Dr Alex Boussioutas who joined the department as a senior lecturer in 2004. He continues his study of molecular approaches to the understanding of cancer in collaboration with colleagues from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Research Division.

We were extremely sorry to farewell Brigita Gregorevic, Clinical Trials Coordinator for the Department of Medicine at the Western Hospital, after sixteen years of service. In this role she conducted more than sixty trials, sometimes having more than ten running at one time, with all the challenges of documentation, recruitment of participants and reporting to companies and ethics committees. We wish her well in life after the Western Hospital.

Our Partnerships

Partnerships with our host hospitals, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Western Hospital in Footscray, are extremely important to us. I wish to thank Ms Sue Ralph and Mr Michael McCambridge for their infrastructure support teams, as well as Dr Gad Trevaks, Dr Angela Watt, Ms Michelle Clemson and teams from the RMH Research Directorate for their support of our work. Members of this department also contribute to the committee work of the Research Directorate, but I also acknowledge the excellent work of the Human Research Ethics Committee, headed by Professor Stephen Davis, a Fellow of this department, and the leadership of the Animal Ethics Committee by the Chair, Professor Colin Chapman. At Western Hospital I would particularly like to thank the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Arlene Wake, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jon Evans, and Ms Lydia Dennert, Infrastructure Manager.

Our Visitors

The department welcomed several visitors during the year. We were delighted to host Professor Donald Bailey as the Miegunyah Distinguished Fellow for 2004. He gave an excellent public lecture on ‘An Historical Look at Skeletal Adaptation: Implications for a Modern Health Problem—Osteoporosis’, and spent a week in the department meeting with students and academic staff, focused on the activities of Professor John Wark’s group. We also welcomed Jane Goller of the Victorian Public Health Training Scheme to the International Health Group headed by Associate Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs. Jane worked on a collaborative project for the World Health Organization looking at medication for prevention of relapse in malaria. Former PhD student of the department, Dr Rintis Noviyanti, was awarded the L’Oreal UNESCO Fellowship to support her work on malaria in Sumatra while based at the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, and we were delighted to welcome her for a short visit during 2004.

Our Achievements

Many department members received awards for their work during 2004. Dr Wai-Hong Tham received a Discovery Project Grant and Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Australian Research Council, and she and Dr Lynden Roberts both received University of Melbourne Early Career Research Grants. Matt Wenham, a research assistant in the CRC–CID, was awarded one of five Australian Rhodes Scholarships to study for a DPhil in Biomedical Sciences at Oxford University in 2005. Professor Neville Yeomans received the Distinguished Research Prize for the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, and Dr Alex Boussioutas won the AstraZeneca Emerging Leaders in Medicine Award. Dr Kumar Visvanathan received the President’s Award at the 2004 American Association of Liver Disease Meeting in Boston, USA, and Dr Karen Holzer received a NHMRC Postdoctoral Practitioner Fellowship.

A number of departmental Fellows were also recognised for their achievements in 2004. Dr Stephen Jane had renewal with promotion of his NHMRC Research Fellowship to continue his research program in the Bone Marrow Research Laboratory at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Professor Stephen Davis received the Mervyn Eadie Award for career achievement in neuroscience research, and Professor Richard Fox was awarded the Pierre Fabre Award for Contribution to Australian Oncology. Associate Professor Louis Irving was named Teacher of the Year at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Clinical School, and Professor Anne-Maree Kelly was the Top Peer Reviewer of Annals of Emergency Medicine.

The department’s students and postdoctoral students also had an exceptional year. Dr Prash Sanders was one of three scientists awarded commendations by the selection committee of the Premier’s Award for Medical Research. His award-winning research into atrial fibrillation was

7

Sec

tio

n T

itle

undertaken in the Department of Cardiology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital under the supervision of Professor Jonathan Kalman, with his PhD submitted through our department. Dr Anita Vinton was awarded the James Lance Award for Best Registrar Presentation, Australian Association of Neurologists. Dr Karin Thursky, from the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases, won the Quality Assurance Prize Abstract from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians for her work on assessing the impact of computerised decision support systems for antibiotic prescribing in intensive care units. Dr Kirsty Buising, also from the CCREID, received the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Quality award for ‘an evaluation of the impact of a computerized decision support system on antibiotic prescribing in the Intensive Care Unit’. Honours student Andrew Lilja made the Dean’s Honours List, Sonia Caruana was awarded the Henry and Rachel Ackman Travelling Scholarship, and Emily Mann received the Travel Award of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene to attend the Society’s Annual Meeting in Florida.

And, finally, Adrian Achuthan, Dominic De Nardo, Christine Massa and Susan Senn—along with their colleagues from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Department of Pharmacology—and their company Byatech won Company of the Year 2004 at the Victorian Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program run in conjunction with the Young Achievement Australia entrepreneurial scheme. Early in 2005, Victorian Innovation Minister John Brumby presented the award to members of the Byatech team for their work in developing a computerised program that will assist in the assessment of knowledge of occupational health and safety matters for staff. This was a major achievement for our students, all of whom found the experience to be extremely rewarding.

Our Team

The successes of the department this year have been the result of hard work by many people, but in particular I wish to thank the administrative and technical support staff who make most things happen. Nick Christopher as department manager, Lorraine Parker as laboratory manager, and Lyn Kalms as unit manager of the Western Hospital Campus have all worked tirelessly this year. I am particularly grateful for their supportive efforts in ensuring the highest possible standards of safety for staff and students in implementing the university-wide initiatives of the SafetyMap program. We encourage the application of a performance development framework for staff development, and in this acknowledge the contribution of Bruce Elmer and Bronwyn Jones from Human Resources. IT managers Gina Barri-Rewell and Ann MacIntyre provide superb work in meeting the diverse technology needs across our department. I acknowledge the superb work of Heather Saunders in preparing the research report for the university, supported by the meticulous work of Dr Joe Torresi in ensuring our documentation and recognition of output.

In concluding, I would like to pay a special tribute to my close colleagues of the Department Executive (below), who provide the leadership and inspiration for all our activities. I would again like to thank my assistant Heather Saunders for her great contribution to the department on so many levels, and to our Communications Manager Jane Yule for her excellent work in preparing this report.

Graham V. Brown, James Stewart Professor of Medicine

Head, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH)

Department ExecutiveBack row, L–R: Dr Lynden Roberts, A/Professor Andy Giraud, Dr Glen Scholz, Dr Alex Boussioutas, Dr Sharon van Doornum, A/Professor Terry O’Brien

Middle row, L–R: Mr Nick Christopher (Department Manager), A/Professor Geoff McColl, Professor Graham V. Brown (Head of Department), Professor John Wark, Ms Lorraine Parker (Laboratory Manager), A/Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs

Front row, L–R: Ms Robyn McLachlan (CRC–CID Business Manager), Dr Joseph Torresi, Dr Richard Osborne, Professor John Hamilton, A/Professor Gary Anderson, A/Professor Stephen Rogerson

Absent: Professor Neville Yeomans, (Deputy Head of Department, left 09/04), Professor Stephen Graves, Mr Felix Clanchy (President, DoMSA), Ms Jane Yule (Communications Manager), Professor Stephen Davis,* Professor Peter Disler,* Professor Finlay Macrae,* Professor Alan McLean* (*Fellows of the Department)


Sectio

n Title


A Tribute to Professor Neville Yeomans

In 1988, Neville Yeomans was appointed Professor in the Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne and Western Hospitals at the University of Melbourne, and was the Foundation Chair of Medicine at Western Hospital (Footscray).

Professor Yeomans has had a distinguished career in academic medicine with a focus on gastroenterology. He has had a long-standing interest in injury to gastric mucosa and its association with ingestion of aspirin and other analgesic agents. He has also had a wide range of research publications relating to structure and functional studies of the developing and mature gastric mucosa (the subject of his MD thesis). Building on his sound research career in basic science, Professor Yeomans was at the forefront of testing and assessing the role of a range of agents used for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulceration. He is recognised as a world expert on the treatment and prevention of drug-induced damage to gastrointestinal mucosa, but has also continued a strong research output in basic science related to the mechanisms of action of anti-ulcer agents.

Professor Yeomans has been a clinical leader in the discipline of gastroenterology as editor of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, as a member of the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, and as co-chair of the Scientific Program Committee of the 9th World Congress of Gastroenterology in 1990. He has been active in the International Society of Gastroenterology and in 2004 was awarded the Distinguished Research Prize of the Gastroenterology Society of Australia. He has also been a valued member of the Gastroenterology Society of Australia as councillor, vice-president and president from 1997–99.

Professor Yeomans has played a major role at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, where he has been a member of the State Committee, Scientific Programs Advisory Committee, chair of the Board of Continuing Education, a member of the Court of Clinical Examinations and the Board of Censors, and, from 1995–97, was on the Council and the Council Executive. He has been a critical member of groups developing processes to ensure maintenance of professional standards for practising clinicians and, for his service to the College of Physicians, he was awarded the John Sands Medal in 2003.

As a member and chair of Grant Reviewing Committees for the National Health and Medical Research Council, and as a member of the Universities Accreditation Committee of the Australian Medical Council, Professor Yeomans has also served the medical profession and research community more widely. His wisdom and experience in pursuing the important roles of the profession and the academic community in translating research findings into benefits for patient welfare has always been valued on the numerous Commonwealth and State bodies on which he sat.

Professor Yeomans has made a major contribution to the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, particularly in association with the introduction of the new medical curriculum. After many years as Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies within the Faculty, he became Associate Dean Academic Programs in 1998 and had the awesome responsibility of developing and introducing a new medical curriculum, as well as taking responsibility for the selection of students into the new postgraduate program. He has been roundly congratulated for his efforts in establishing the academic program, training courses for those who would teach the new curriculum, and ensuring that adequate assessments were undertaken.

Throughout his career, Professor Yeomans has received a number of honours as invited lecturer nationally and internationally, as well as receiving recognition by his professional society and the Australasian College of Physicians. As Professor Yeomans leaves the University of Melbourne, we wish him well in the challenges to be faced as Foundation Dean of the Medical School for the University of Western Sydney. The loss for the University of Melbourne is Sydney’s gain, for there could be no person in Australia better qualified to take on the enormous responsibility of developing a completely new medical school.

A/Professor Geoff McColl, A/Professor Sue Elliot, Mrs Yeomans, Professor Yeomans

9

Ed

uca

tio

n

Postgraduate ProgramsDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne and Western Hospitals offers PhD courses to suitably qualified Science (with Honours) and Medicine graduates. The department offers a wide variety of biomedical research ranging from molecular biology to clinical epidemiological research. PhD projects are also undertaken in affiliated research units working on such diverse areas as critical care and rehabilitation medicine.

There are currently fifty-three PhD students enrolled with the Department. Our students are supported by thirteen senior academic staff members and twenty post-doctoral fellows, as well as a large number of academic associates. The department’s location close to other on-campus departments and neighbouring institutes allows it to offer collaborative projects. Students also have the opportunity of attending a variety of seminar programs.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

The Department offers the degree of Doctor of Medicine to medical graduates as either a supervised research program or via non-attending candidature. The Research Program is a two-year full-time or four to five year part-time course undertaken in a relevant field of research and a thesis is submitted at the end of the supervised period of research.

Non-attending candidature of six months is available to University of Melbourne medical graduates who have

already completed their research and wish to prepare a compilation of published work to be used as a basis for the award of the degree. Approval to enrol as a non-attending student is only for the purpose of preparing the compilation of published work with the assistance of an approved advisor.

Master of Medicine (MMed)

The Department offers a Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) course for overseas students. This is a two-year course, the first year consisting of a lecture or tutorial program combined with clinical attachments and with a written examination at the end of the year. The second year consists of a further clinical attachment in the area of sub-speciality interest chosen by the student, combined with a research dissertation. Clinical attachments can be arranged in the following areas.

• Dermatology• Endocrinology and Diabetes• Gastroenterology• Haematology• Immunology / Allergy• Infectious diseases• Intensive care• Nephrology• Neurology• Oncology• Respiratory Medicine• Rheumatology

Students from the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) and their company Byatech won the 2004 Company of the Year at the Victorian Biotechnology Entrepreneur Program run in conjunction with the Young Achievement Australia entrepreneurial scheme. Fourteen teams of up to 25 postgraduate students from Victorian research institutes and universities took part in the program. Teams had to establish and register a company, develop a product and sell the product within a concentrated business cycle. Byatech returned a staggering dividend to its shareholders of 1400%.

Victorian Innovation Minister John Brumby is seen here presenting the award in Melbourne on 30 March 2005 to members of the Byatech team: Susan Senn, Dominic De Nardo, Christine Massa (all from Dept of Medicine, RMH), Dr Elise Needham, Ephraim Mrad (Dept of Electrical and Electronic Engineering), Adrian Achuthan (Dept of Medicine, RMH) and Olivia Ryan (Dept of Pharmacology).

Education

10 Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) Annual Report 2004 10 Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) Annual Report 2004

Completed Programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Katherine Bate, ‘Metabolic consequences of specific deletion of glycogen synthase in muscle’ (Supervisors: Professor Joe Proietto and Professor Jeffrey Zajac)

Tanya De Jong, ‘Characterisation of the intestinal zebrafish mutant flotte lotte’” (Supervisors: Dr Joan Heath and Professor Tony Burgess)

Alexandra Funkat, ‘Transgenic models in the study of endocrine disease’ (Supervisors: Professor Joe Proietto, Dr Sof Andrikopoulos and Professor Jeffrey Zajac)

Shaoming Song, ‘Mechanisms by which dietary fat induces insulin resistance’ (Supervisors: Professor Joe Proietto, Dr Anne Thorburn and Professor Jeffrey Zajac)

Frances Wise, ‘Handicap as a social outcome of stroke: validation and prediction’ (Supervisor: Professor Peter Disler)

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Adrienne Williamson, ‘Immunogenetic studies in rheumatoid arthritis’ (Supervisors: Professor Ian Wicks and A/Professor Geoff McColl)

Master of Medicine (MMed)

Anil Ghimire (Supervisor: A/Professor Lou Irving) Ivan Sentosa (Supervisor: A/Professor Geoff McColl)

Postgraduate Coordinator: Dr Lynden Roberts ([email protected])

Honours Coordinator: A/Professor Gary Anderson ([email protected])

Ed

ucatio

n

Honours Projects 2004Moyra D’Souza, ‘A novel anti-cancer strategy: promoting the degradation of oncogenic protein kinases (CHIP)’ (Supervisor: Dr Glen Scholz)

Abbie Couper, ‘The neuropharmacological mechanisms for low-dose corticosterone mediated enhancement of epileptogenesis in a rat model of TLE’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Terry O’Brien)

Anastasia Kalantzis, ‘Signalling through gp130 in colon homeostatis and repair’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Andy Giraud)

Lucy Peet, ‘HIV and immunity to malaria’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Stephen Rogerson)

Naomi Mitchell, ‘A novel anti-cancer strategy: promoting the degradation of oncogenic protein kinases’ (Supervisor: Dr Glen Scholz)

Anthony Peterson, ‘Tumour suppressor genes in gastric cancer’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Andy Giraud)

Kan Li Wong, ‘Expression of cancer related genes in response to dietary manipulation’ (Supervisor: Professor Finlay Macrae)

Joanne Chesson, ‘Immunity to Malaria’ (Supervisor: Dr Salenna Elliott)

Nick Murphy, ‘The clinical impact of polymorphic genes which influence the action of methotrexate in bone marrow transplant patients’ (Supervisor: Dr Brian Tait)

Emma Gannan, ‘The Y-receptor subtypes mediating seizure suppression by NPY in a genetic rat model of generalised epilepsy’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Terry O’Brien)

Andrew Lilja, ‘Proteinase 3 in COPD’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Gary Anderson)

Michael Braude, ‘Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus silencing with SiRNA’ (Supervisor: Dr Joseph Torresi)

Bachelor of Science Honours students on their last day at the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), November 2004

11

The Richard Larkins Prize

L–R: Professor Graham Brown, Andrew Lilja, Michael Braude and Professor Richard Larkins

The recipients of the Richard Larkins Prize for the Best BSc. Honours Student in the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) for 2004 were Michael Braude and Andrew Lilja. Professor Richard Larkins, now Vice-Chancellor of Monash University and after whom the prize is named, presented the winners with their awards at a ceremony held on 10 March 2005.

Andrew Lilja ‘s project, ‘Proteinase 3 in COPD’, was supervised by A/Professor Gary Anderson, while Dr Joe Toressi supervised Michael Braude’s project, ‘Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus silencing with SiRNA’.

Professor Larkins held the positions of Head of the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) and the James Stewart Professor from 1984 to 1998, and was Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences from 1998 to 2003. The inaugural Larkins Prize was presented in 2000 for students completing the course in 1999. Previous winners of the award are listed below.

1999 Amanda Notini

2000 Sonia Caruana and Sakeneh Zraika

2001 Elizabeth Bond

2002 Margaret Shaw

2003 Amy Brennan and Anthea Pappas

Ed

uca

tio

n

AMS Projects 2004–05

AMS Co-Coordinator Terry O’Brien and Department Manager Nick Christopher with the 2004–05 Advanced Medical Science students at a ‘Welcome’ Morning Tea, July 2004

Tessa Hutabarat, ‘Normative balance function and gait stability in Asian females living in Melbourne’ (Supervisor: Professor John Wark)

Angela Labberton, ‘Investigation of spontaneous physical activity and energy expenditure in the New Zealand obese mouse’ (Supervisor: Professor Joe Proietto)

Sandra Neoh, ‘Investigating the source of increased endogenous glucose production in transgenic rats overexpressing phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)’ (Supervisor: Professor Joe Proietto)

Rizki YP, ‘ The role of the glucose transporter GLUT4 in tissue glucose uptake: studies using GLUT4 knockout mice’ (Supervisor: Professor Joe Proietto)

Taufik Taher, ‘The pathophysiological inter-relationship between TLE and depression’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Terry O’Brien)

Dewi Ulfa, ‘HIV and immunity to malaria’ (Supervisor: A/Professor Stephen Rogerson)

AMS Co-coordinators: A/Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs ([email protected]) A/Professor Terry O’Brien ([email protected])

DoMSA Pizza Evening: one of the many activities organised for students throughout the year by their student group DoMSA [Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) Student Association]. For more information on DoMSA, see the President’s report on p. 67


Research

Arthritis and Inflammation Research CentrePrincipal: Professor John A. Hamilton

Research Highlights

The overall goal of the laboratory is to understand the functions of macrophage lineage cells in chronic inflammatory diseases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis. More specifically, macrophage lineage cells are isolated from human and murine disease tissue and blood to assess how different they are from controls; also, studies on the molecular mechanisms governing macrophage lineage survival, proliferation, differentiation and activation are being explored. Techniques utilised include cell sorting, microarray analysis and proteomics. Development of these technologies has been one of the positive features of the year. Others include:• Collaboration between oncogenic protein kinases and

molecular chaperones.• Promoting the degradation of oncogenic protein kinases.• Regulation of the SNARE protein Syntaxin 7 by

macrophage-colony stimulating factor in macrophages.• Understanding how molecular chaperones regulate

Toll-like receptor mediated macrophage activation.• Defining the role of IRAKs in regulating Toll-like receptor

mediated macrophage activation.

Publication Highlights

Cross, M., Csar, X., Wilson, N., Manes, G., Addona, T., Marks, D., Whitty, G., Ashman, K. & Hamilton, J. A novel 110kDa form of myosin XVIIIA (MysPDZ) is tyrosine-phosphorylated after colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor signalling. Biochemical Journal 380: 243–53

Cook, A., Braine, E. & Hamilton, J. Stimulus-dependent requirement for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in inflammation. Journal of Immunology 173: 4643–51

New Grants

NHMRC: A. Cook, R. Vlahos & J. A. Hamilton, 2004–06, ‘The role of the plasminogen activators (PAs), urokinase-PA and tissue-type PA in arthritis’: $473,250

CRC Program: University of Melbourne, 2004–06, ‘CRC for Oral Health Science’, $300,000

Ongoing Grants

NHMRC: J. A. Hamilton, V. Kanagasundaram & E. Brown, 2001–05, ‘Control of monocyte/macrophage function by CSF-1’: $450,000

CRC Program: University of Melbourne, University of Queensland & Monash, 2001–07, ‘CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases’: $24,600,00

CRC Program: University of Melbourne, University of Queensland & Monash, 2003–07, ‘CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases—Supplementary Funding’: $9,500,00

NHMRC: Glen Scholz & Ashley Dunn, ‘Defining the contribution of Cdc37 to signal transduction and tumourigenesis by Src family kinases’: $410,000

Collaborations

G. Anderson, University of Melbourne; S. Breit, University of NSW; E. Brown, UCSF; R. Buchanan, Austin Hospital; N. Busso, Lausanne; I. Cassady, University of Queensland & IMB; H-C. Cheng, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne; D. Haynes, University of Adelaide; P. Hertzog, Monash; D. Hume,

Back row, L–R: Glen Scholz (Senior Research Fellow), Matt Wenham (Research Assistant), Agnieszka Swierczak (BSc Hons Student), Vesna Markovska (Research Assistant), Narelle Skinner (Research Assistant), Lisa Fyfield (Research Nurse), Martin Keene (Research Assistant), Margaret Chang (PhD Student), Dominic De Nardo (PhD Student)

Middle row, L–R: Jason Lenzo (Research Fellow), Emma Braine (Research Assistant), Amanda Turner (Research Assistant), John Hamilton (Professor and Head), Kathy Speed (Research Fellow), Yi-Mo Deng (Research Fellow), Kerrie Way (Research Fellow), Jenny Cuxson (BSc Hons Student), Felix Clanchy (PhD Student)

Front row, L–R: Caryn Elsegood (Research Fellow), Andrew Cook (Research Fellow), Paul Masendycz (Research Assistant), Julie Blasioli (Research Fellow), Violeta Bogdanoska (Research Assistant), John Roiniotis (Research Fellow)

Absent: Adrian Achuthan (PhD Student), Lena Cross (Research Fellow), Hang Dinh (PhD Student), Moyra D’souza (BSc Hons Student), Andrew Fleetwood (PhD Student), Alice Holloway (Research Assistant), Roya Lari (PhD Student), Christopher Macisaac (PhD Student), Christine Massa (PhD Student), Naomi Mitchell (BSc Hons Student), Thao Nguyen (Research Assistant), Danny Park (Research Fellow), Ross Vlahos (Research Fellow), Kumar Visvanathan (Senior Research Fellow)

Research

13

Res

earc

h

University of Queensland; P. Gleeson, University of Melbourne; S. Graves, University of Melbourne & Royal Melbourne Hospital; G. Guy, Singapore; D. James, Garvan Institute, Sydney; W. Jessup, University of NSW; L. Macaulay, CSIRO; A. Mansell, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre; C. Manthey, Johnson & Johnson, USA; S. Nutt, WEHI; J. Quinn, St Vincent’s Institute; E. Reynolds, University of Melbourne; L. Roberts & S. van Doornum, University of Melbourne; G. Rodan & Le Duong, Merck, USA; P. Simmons, MacCallum Institute; M. Sweet, University of Queensland; K. Visvanathan, Murdoch Institute; A. Whetton, University of Manchester; I. Wicks, WEHI & Royal Melbourne Hospital; L. Wu, WEHI.

Awards and Prizes

Adrian Achuthan, Dominic De Nardo and Christine Massa: Australian Computer Society ‘Innovative use of Technology’ Award, and Young Achievement Australia ‘Company of the Year’ Award

Conference and Seminar Presentations

J. A. HamiltonChairperson: XVIIth International Congress on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis, Melbourne

Presentation: 46th Annual Scientific Meeting, Australian Rheumatology Association

Presentation: Satellite Symposium, 46th Annual Scientific Meeting, Australian Rheumatology Association

Presentation: Inflammation Symposium, Monash Medical Centre

Presentation: ‘What drives Big Pharma Deals?’, 12th Biennial International Inflammation Research Association BioMelbourne Network BioBreakfast

J. BlasioliPresentation: 10th Meeting on Protein Phosphorylation and Cell Signalling, San Diego, USA

A. Achuthan (PhD student)Presentation: Inflammation Symposium: From Cellular Immunity to Human Disease, Monash Medical Centre, 28–30 November

H. Dinh (PhD student)Presentation: Inflammation Symposium: From Cellular Immunity to Human Disease, Monash Medical Centre, 28–30 November

D. De Nardo (PhD student)Presentation: Inflammation Symposium: From Cellular Immunity to Human Disease, Monash Medical Centre, 28–30 November

G. ScholzPresentation: Seminar, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Queensland, 27 May

Presentation: HSP90 Chaperone Machine Embo Conference, Gwatt, Switzerland, 25–29 September

Presentation: Inflammation Research Association 12th International Conference, Bolton Landing, NY, USA, 3–7 October

Presentation: ‘From cellular immunity to human disease’, Inflammation Symposium, Monash Medical Centre, 28–30 November

Teaching and Training

J. A. Hamilton• PhD student supervision• B.Sc Honours student supervision

J. Blasioli• Honours lecture series (Biochemical and Molecular

Methodologies)

Supervision

• Adrian Achuthan, ‘Molecular regulation of macrophage proliferation and activation, PhD

• Margaret Chang, ‘Monocyte/macrophage gene regulation in atherosclerosis’, PhD

• Felix Clanchy, ‘Properties of macrophages in inflammation’, PhD

• Dominic DeNardo, ‘Molecular dissection of the regulation macrophage activation by like receptors’, PhD

• Hang Dinh, ‘Analysis of gene expression in macrophage differentiation’, PhD

• Andrew Fleetwood, ‘Macrophage subpopulations in inflammation’, PhD

• Roya Lari, ‘The development of the macrophage lineage’, PhD

• Christine Massa, ‘The role of plasminogen activators (PA)-urokinase PA and tissue type PA in inflammatory arthritis’, PhD

• Alan Rembach, ‘The role of Microglia in Motor Neuron Disease’, PhD

Completions

• Moyra D’Souza, ‘Understanding the life and death of oncogenic protein kinases’, BSc (Hons)

• Naomi Mitchell, ‘Collaboration between oncogenic protein kinases and molecular chaperones: A role in cancer?’, BSc (Hons)


Professional Activities

J. A. HamiltonMember: NHMRC Final Report Review Group

Member: Editorial Board, Inflammation Research

Member: Arthritis Research, Taskforce Scientific Advisory Committee

Member: CRC–NHMRC working group

Member: Scientific Advisory Committee, Victorian Centre for Oral Health Science

Member: Scientific Advisory Board, EQiTX Limited

Member: Scientific Advisory Board, Microsurgery Research Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital

Board Member: International Association of Inflammation Societies

Representative: Medical Sector on CRC Association

Member: Organising Committee, XVIIth Conference of the International Society for Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis

Convenor: 7th World Congress on Inflammation

G. ScholzSeminar Coordinator: Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), The University of Melbourne (since 2003)

Member: Executive Committee, CRC–CID

Grant Reviewer: NHMRC

Grant Reviewer: Cancer Council Victoria

Contact Details

Professor John A. HamiltonDirector, Arthritis & Inflammation Research CentreDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of MelbourneRoyal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel: +61 3 8344 5480Fax: +61 3 9347 1863Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

Research

15

Cooperative Research Centre for Chronic Inflammatory DiseasesCore Participants

Industry: AstraZeneca

University: University of Melbourne University of Queensland Monash University

Supporting Participants

Industry: Zimmer Inc IngenKo Pty Ltd

Research Focus

The CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases is a joint venture between three universities and two major commercial organisations. The CRC–CID is working to understand the processes underlying serious chronic inflammatory diseases and to discover and develop better treatments to reduce the burden of these diseases. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, and psoriasis. The CRC–CID’s objectives are to:

1. discover new molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lung and joint disease and use this information to develop novel treatments for these disorders;

2. reduce the burden of chronic inflammatory diseases;

3. strengthen the Australian pharmaceutical/biotechnology sector; and to apply the CRC’s established macrophage biology discovery platform to develop new methods to:

4. treat debilitating joint diseases by targeting the molecular processes that cause joint replacement failure, particularly in osteoarthritis (OA); and

5. generate synthetic tissues to repair injured joints.

Chronic inflammatory diseases are a substantial burden in social and economic terms for the Australian community. Arthritis alone afflicts 3.4 million Australians and the financial costs for 2004 were in excess of $19.25 billion (Access Economics 2005).

Areas of Research Expertise

The CRC–CID is focused on understanding the macrophage biology of these core diseases. Macrophages (literally ‘big eaters’) are named after their important physiological role in host defence, which is to clear away cellular debris and foreign materials including infectious bacteria, fungi and viruses. Macrophages are further armed with a formidable biochemical armature to destroy invading pathogens with destructive proteases that break down the molecular framework of cells, and potent antioxidants that chemically burn invaders. To complement this direct attacking ability, macrophages secrete a diverse range of danger signal molecules that prime host tissue for defence and recruit waves of other defensive cells to broaden the assault. When the normal defensive role of macrophages is turned against host tissue, devastating disease states develop. Why this happens in RA and COPD is obscure. There are good reasons to believe that the same process is implicated in OA and aseptic failure of joint implants.

The CRC–CID research program has been designed to address several discrete areas of macrophage biology in Programs 1–4. Program 5 focuses on new technology platforms, for example, bioinformatics, the set of information technologies that allow complex biological data sets to be analysed, integrated and compared with the vast biological, genomic, protein and clinical databases worldwide.

CRC–CID Established: 1 July 2001Supplementary Program Established: 1 July 2003Round No: (Supplementary Funding Round 8)Grant Period: 7 years (Supplementary Funding 5 years)Incorporated: NoPersonnel involved in CRC–CID: Postgraduate students: 21 Full-time equivalent research staff: 85.5

Contact Details

Chair: Mr Robert MosesChief Executive Officer: Professor John Hamilton Email: [email protected]

Res

earc

h


Clinical Innate Immunity GroupPrincipal: Dr Kumar Visvanathan

Research Highlights

• Innate Immunity in hepatitis, with focus on hepatitis B. Exploring the methods of Immunoevasion of the innate immune system by the hepatitis B virus.

• Superantigens and toll like receptors in sepsis: Exploring the role of both of these immunological modulators in severe sepsis and septic shock.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: monocytes and macrophages in disease with emphasis on innate immunity and CD16 phenotypes.

• Rotavirus and innate immunity: the role of toll like receptors and cytokine in disease.


Stocker, C., Shekerdemian, L., Visvanathan, K., Skinner, N., Brizard, C., Carlin, J., Horton, S. & Penny, D. Cardiopulmonary bypass elicits a prominent innate immune response in children with congenital heart disease. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 127: 1523–5

Korman, T., Boers, A., Gooding, T., Curtis, R. & Visvanathan, K. Fatal case of toxic shock-like syndrome due to group C streptococcus associated with superantigen exotoxin. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42: 2866–9

New Grants

NHMRC: K. Visvanathan, 2004–09, ‘Practitioner Award’: Salary

Ongoing Grants

NHMRC: K. Visvanathan, 2002–04, ‘A New Model for RF’: $118,183

Collaborations

Professor J. Zabriskie, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology/Microbiology, Rockefeller University: After leaving Rockefeller in mid-2000, I have continued to collaborate with Dr Zabriskie on the effects of the superantigenic peptide on viral superantigens as well as work involving D8/17 in psychiatric disorders other than obsessive compulsive disorder.

A/Professor S. Locarnini, Victorian Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, Melbourne: Over the past two years we have worked extensively on the mechanisms of Immuno-evasion by hepatitis B.

Professor D. Penny, Head of Cardiology, Royal Children’s Hospital: Professor Penny and I are collaborating on a study to examine cytokines and TLR in bypass surgery. The project commenced early in 2002.

Professor J. Hamilton, NHMRC Professorial Fellow, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne: Over the past twelve months Professor Hamilton and I have been developing a project on the use of superantigenic peptides in autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. We have recently been successful in obtaining a grant to further this work.

A/Professor S. Riordan, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Department of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney: Over the past nine months, A/Professor Riordan and I have been investigating the presence of toll-like receptors and cytokine responses in patients with cirrhosis. We have had some exciting results that we have recently published

Professor J. Cade, Head Intensive Care Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital: Professor Cade and I are supervising a PHD student (Christopher MacIsaac) examining the role of superantigens in sepsis. This project has been ongoing since 2002 and recruitment is on schedule.

A/Professor S. Rogerson, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne: A/Professor Rogerson and I are collaborating on a project to investigate innate immunity and TLRs in placental malaria. Early experiments in whole blood suggest that malaria can stimulate TLRs.

Professor J. Strominger, Department of Biology, Harvard University: Professor Strominger has been collaborating with me to help determine the nature of binding of the superantigenic peptides to the MHC-II molecules. With his post-doctoral student Dr M. Hareli we have shown that the binding to the MHC does not seem to involve the peptide groove and that the peptide binds to DR1, DR2 and DR4.

Dr S. Swedo, Director of Child Psychiatry, National Institutes of Mental Health, USA: I continue to collaborate with Dr Swedo on the levels of D8/17 in strep associated neuropsychiatric conditions

Dr J. Carapetis, University Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne: Dr Carapetis who has a long-standing interest in Aboriginal health and rheumatic fever is collaborating with me on the use of the D8/17 test as an adjunctive test in rheumatic fever. This is particularly essential in the Northern Territory, which has the highest incidence of this disease in the world.

Dr N. Curtis, University Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne: Dr Curtis who has an interest in superantigens in diseases such as kawasaki disease, is investigating the role of bacterial superantigens in rheumatic fever. This work is closely related to our other work and has major public health importance.

Professor B. Currie, Head of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital: Professor Currie is involved in the rheumatic fever projects but also has a major interest in pseudomalleosis. I am helping him develop a phagocytosis and killing assay for the disease.

Research

17

Dr C. Kirkwood, Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition: Dr Kirkwood and I are investigating the effect of rotavirus on toll-like receptors using flow cytometry and real-time PCR.

Awards and Prizes

Kumar Visvanathan: President’s Award, 2004 American Association of Liver Disease (AALD) Meeting, Boston


K. VisvanathanPlenary Address: ‘Viruses and Innate Immunity’, National Conference on Hepatitis C, Canberra, September

Presentation: MMC Conference on Inflammation, Melbourne

Poster: ‘Toll receptors in HBV infection’, AALD, Boston (Presidential Award)

Poster: ‘Increased toll like receptor expression in acute exacerbations of RA’, FOCIS, Montreal

Poster: International Meeting on Cytokines and Innate Immunity, Dublin

C. M. MacIssac Presentation: ‘Potential new diagnostic test for TS’, ANZIS Annual Scientific Conference, Cairns

Presentation: ‘Septic shock, superantigens and toll like receptors’, Critical Care Basic Science Symposium, Brisbane


Christopher MacIssac, ‘Septic shock: Superantigens and toll like receptors, PhD (Co-supervisor: Professor J. Cade, RMH)


Member: Scientific Committee, XVIth Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases

Associate Editor: Inflammation Research

Contact Details

Dr Kumar VisvanathanDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourne4th Floor Clinical Sciences BuildingRoyal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel: +61 3 8344 3299Fax: +61 3 9347 1863Email: [email protected]

Res

earc

h


Lung Disease Research GroupPrincipal: Associate Professor Gary P. Anderson

Research Highlights

• Acquired somatic mutations in COPD Mutagens in cigarette smoke cause genetic mutations in lung epithelial progenitors that lead to fields of altered tissue which may be a key determinant of COPD severity, exacerbation and progression. This project has identified the mechanism by which such somatic mutations amplify lung inflammation.

• Macrophage biology of COPD Macrophages are main effector cells in chronic lung inflammation but little is understood about how to limit their role in pathology without losing their essential defence capacity. Research in this area includes work on the src family kinases Hck, molecular determinants of macrophage subpopulations, differentiation and survival.

• Lyn kinase in asthma Lyn is a src family kinase that regulates the integration and amplitude of numerous signalling pathways thought to be important in allergy and asthma. This project has identified a major new mechanism of the regulation of disease severity and progression.

• Molecular basis viral exacerbations of lung disease Exacerbations of asthma and COPD are common and associated with much of the morbidity of these diseases. They are often caused by viral lung infection but the molecular basis of these worsening is not understood. This project has identified new mechanisms of serious viral induced lung dysfunctions.

• Wasting as a COPD co-morbidity Skeletal muscle wasting is a major COPD co-morbidity that increases suffering and reduces life expectance but its molecular basis is not understood. This new area of research has already led to the identification of novel neural circuits in the CNS that may contribute to anorexia in smoking-induced lung disease.

• Immune subversion by cigarette smoke Although smoke causes inflammatory lung disease it also has the property of suppressing immune defences in the lung. This increases the chance of bacterial colonisation and viral infections. Research in this area is directed towards repairing the molecular defects in the lung that weaken lung defences.

• Gp130 in lung fibrosis Gp130 is a co-receptor used by a family of growth factors implicated in the development of lung inflammation and fibrosis. This is an area of ongoing research.

• The role of IL-17A in neutrophilic lung inflammation IL-17A is a newly described factor released from neutrophils that may have a central role in sustaining neutrophilic lung inflammation. This project identified for the first time that IL-17A can induce large concentrations of protease implicate in structural damage of the lung.

• Proteomics of COPD Proteomic profiling methods are increasingly used to identify patterns of disease-associated molecules. Work in this area includes understanding the pathways of disease exacerbations and the identification of predictive biomarkers. This work has identified novel mechanism and biomarkers of serious lung diseases such as COPD.

Research

L–R: Michelle Hanson (Research Fellow), Rosa Gualano (Research Fellow), Jessica Jones (Research Assistant), Ross Vlahos (Senior Research Fellow), Andrew Lilja (PhD Candidate), Gary Anderson (A/Professor and Head), Ken Lui (PhD Candidate), Ruth Park (Research Fellow), Steven Bozinovski (Senior Research Fellow)

Absent: Sarah-Jane Beavitt (PhD Candidate, now graduated), Michelle Thompson (Research Nurse)

19

Res

earc

h


Bozinovski S., Jones, J., Beavitt, S. J., Cook, A. D., Hamilton, J. A. & Anderson, G. P. Innate immune responses to lipopolysaccharide are suppressed and reversed by neutralisation of GM-CSF. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 286(4): L877–85 (A fundamental insight into the role of GM-CSF in regulating innate immunity in the lung.)

Prause, O., Bozinovski, S., Anderson, G. P. & Lindén, A. Increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentration and activity after stimulation with interleukin-17 in mouse airways. Thorax 59: 313–17 (First report of IL-17 inducing proteases which may drive chronic lung disease.)

Laan, M., Bozinovski, S. & Anderson, G. P. Cigarette smoke suppresses LPS induced IL-8 production in lung epithelium by inhibition of AP-1. J Immunology 173(6): 4164–70 (Major new insight into why smoke causes serious infections.)

Hamilton, J. A. & Anderson, G. P. GM-CSF as an inflammatory cytokine. Growth Factors 22: 225–31

Anderson, G. P. TVPV1 and cough. Thorax 59(9): 730–1

Chen, H., Vlahos, R., Bozinovski, S., Jones, J., Anderson, G. P. & Morris, M. J. The effect of short-term cigarette exposure on body weight, appetite and brain neuropeptide Y in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology, 27 October [Epub ahead of print]. (First report in the literature on the neurobiology of cigarette smoke.)

New Grants

NHMRC Grant: G. P. Anderson & M. Ernst, 2004–06, ‘Genetic dissection of the src family tyrosine kinase Hck in inflammatory lung disease’: $318,750

Ongoing Grants

Commonwealth of Australia & AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals: J. Hamilton, G. P. Anderson, D. Hume & P. Hertzog, 2001–06, ‘CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases’: $25,000,000

Commonwealth of Australia: J. Hamilton, G. P. Anderson, D. Hume & P. Hertzog, 2002–06, ‘CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases (supplementary application)’: $10,000,000

NHMRC Grant: G. P. Anderson & M. Hibbs, 2003–05, ‘Lyn kinase in severe asthma’: $461,580

Collaborations

Acquired somatic mutations in COPDGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Martti Laan, Post-doctoral FellowMr Ken Lui, PhD StudentMs Michelle Thompson, Research NurseMs Anastasia Hutchinson, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantMr Andrew Lilja, Honours StudentDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators (alphabetical)Dr Mathias Ernst, Ludwig InstituteA/Professor Louis Irving, Royal Melbourne HospitalDr Tim Stevens, AstraZeneca, Lund

Macrophage biology of COPDGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Martti Laan, Post-doctoral FellowDr Rosa Gualano, Research OfficerDr Michelle Hanson, Research OfficerMs Sarah-Jane Beavitt, PhD StudentMs Jamie Chan, Honours studentMs Ruth Park, PhD StudentMr Ken Lui, PhD StudentMs Michelle Thompson, Research NurseMs Anastasia Hutchinson, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantMr Andrew Lilja, Honours StudentProfessor Anders Lindén, Visiting FellowDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators Dr Iain Dougall, AstraZenecaDr Karen Duca, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, USADr Mathias Ernst, Ludwig InstituteProfessor John Hamilton, University of MelbourneProfessor Paul Hertzog, Monash UniversityDr Margaret Hibbs, Ludwig InstituteProfessor David Hume and research group,

University of QueenslandA/Professor Louis Irving, Royal Melbourne HospitalDr Darryl Knight, James Hogg iCapture Center, Vancouver,

CanadaProfessor Robyn O’Hehir, Alfred HospitalProfessor Peter Sly, ICHR, PerthDr Tim Stevens, AstraZeneca, Lund


Lyn kinase in asthmaGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Rosa Gualano, Research OfficerDr Michelle Hanson, Research OfficerMs Sarah-Jane Beavitt, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators Dr Ken Harder, Ludwig InstituteDr Margaret Hibbs, Ludwig InstituteProfessor Robyn O’Hehir, Alfred HospitalA/Professor Jenny Rolland, Alfred Hospital

Molecular basis viral exacerbations of lung diseaseGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Martti Laan, Post-doctoral FellowDr Rosa Gualano, Research OfficerDr Michelle Hanson, Research OfficerMs Sarah-Jane Beavitt, PhD StudentMs Jamie Chan, Honours studentMs Ruth Park, PhD StudentMr Ken Lui, PhD StudentMs Michelle Thompson, Research NurseMs Anastasia Hutchinson, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantProfessor Anders Lindén, Visiting FellowDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

CollaboratorsDr Iain Dougall, AstraZenecaDr Karen Duca, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, USADr Mathias Ernst, Ludwig InstituteDr Margaret Hibbs, Ludwig InstituteProfessor Paul Hertzog, Monash UniversityProfessor David Hume and research group, University of

QueenslandA/Professor Louis Irving, Royal Melbourne HospitalProfessor Robyn O’Hehir, Alfred HospitalA/Professor Jenny Rolland, Alfred HospitalDr Patrick Reading, University of MelbourneProfessor Peter Sly, ICHR PerthDr Tim Stevens, AstraZeneca, Lund

Research

Wasting as a COPD co-morbidityGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Rosa Gualano, Research OfficerDr Michelle Hanson, Research OfficerMs Michelle Thompson, Research NurseMs Anastasia Hutchinson, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators Dr Hui Chen, University of MelbourneDr Margaret Morris, Pharmacology, University of Melbourne

Immune subversion by cigarette smokeGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Martti Laan, Post-doctoral FellowDr Rosa Gualano, Research OfficerMs Sarah-Jane Beavitt, PhD StudentMs Ruth Park, PhD StudentMr Ken Lui, PhD StudentMs Michelle Thompson, Research NurseMs Anastasia Hutchinson, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantMr Andrew Lilja, Honours StudentProfessor Anders Lindén, Visiting FellowDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators Dr Karen Duca, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, USAProfessor Paul Hertzog, Monash UniversityProfessor David Hume and research group, University of

QueenslandA/Professor Louis Irving, Royal Melbourne HospitalDr Patrick Reading, University of MelbourneProfessor Peter Sly, ICHR, Perth

Gp130 in lung fibrosisGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators (alphabetical)Dr Mathias Ernst, Ludwig InstituteDr Darryl Knight, James Hogg iCapture Center, Vancouver,

CanadaDr Steve Muesters, Perth, UWA

21

The role of IL-17A in neutrophilic lung inflammationGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerDr Martti Laan, Post-doctoral FellowDr Rosa Gualano, Research OfficerDr Michelle Hanson, Research OfficerMs Ruth Park, PhD StudentProfessor Anders Lindén (visiting fellow Gothenburg

University, Sweden)

Collaborators A/Professor Louis Irving, Royal Melbourne HospitalDr Darryl Knight, James Hogg iCapture Center, Vancouver,

CanadaProfessor Peter Sly, ICHR, Perth

Proteomics of COPDGroupA/Professor Gary Anderson, Laboratory HeadDr Steve Bozinovski, Research OfficerMs Michelle Thompson, Research NurseMs Anastasia Hutchinson, PhD StudentMs Jessica Jones, Research AssistantDr Ross Vlahos, Honorary Fellow

Collaborators Dr Lena Cross, University of MelbourneProfessor John Hamilton, University of MelbourneProfessor Eric Reynolds, University of Melbourne

Awards and Prizes

Andrew Lilja: Dean’s Honours List and Co-winner of the Larkins Prize for Best Honours Student in the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH)


G. P. AndersonPresentation: ‘The role of protein kinases in airway inflammatory diseases: Target identification, validation, and the profiling of novel, small molecule inhibitors in animal models’, American Thoracic Society Meeting, California

Presentation: ‘Murine models of asthma exacerbations reveal common underlying molecular mechanisms’, American Thoracic Society Meeting, California

Presentation: ‘Cigarette smoke inhibits the LPS-induced production of inflammatory cytokines by suppressing the activation of AP-1 in bronchial epithelial cells’, American Thoracic Society Meeting, California

Res

earc

h

Presentation: ‘Regulatory T cells in asthma’, American Thoracic Society Meeting, California

Presentation: ‘The acquired somatic mutation hypothesis of COPD’, Major Symposium, European Respiratory Society, Glasgow

Presentation: ‘Murine phenomics: How scientist use mice to understand complex lung diseases’, European Respiratory Society, Glasgow

Presentation: ‘The acquired somatic mutation hypothesis of COPD’, European Respiratory Society, Glasgow

Presentation: ‘Cutting edge technologies in lung research’, European Respiratory Society, Glasgow.

Presentation: ‘Modulation of the allergic response in animal models’, European Respiratory Society, Glasgow

Presentation: ‘Lesson from animal models’, European Respiratory Society, Glasgow.

‘Modelling severe persistent asthma’, 6th Asia Pacific Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Tokyo

Presentation: ‘Identifying disease severity and persistent determinants in asthma using murine models’, 6th Asia Pacific Congress of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Tokyo

‘Murine models of COPD’, COPD V, Birmingham, UK


G. P. Anderson• Lectures to undergraduate Medicine students• Lectures to undergraduate Dentistry students• Lectures to undergraduate Optometry students• Lectures to undergraduate Nursing students• Lectures to undergraduate Physiotherapy students• Lectures to undergraduate Science students• Lectures to Honours students (medicine and

Pharmacology Departments)• Practical classes

R. Gualano • Lectures to undergraduate Medicine students (Problem

Based Learning)• Practical classes

Supervision

• Andrew Lilja, BSc (Hons)• Sarah-Jane Beavitt, PhD (Co-supervisor: M. Hibbs, Ludwig

Institute)• Ruth Park, PhD • Ken Lui, PhD (Co-supervisor: S. Bozinovski)


Student Completions

• Ruth Park, ‘Mechanism of asthma exacerbations’, PhD• Sarah Jane Beavitt, ‘Lyn kinase as a determinant of

severe persistent asthma’, PhD


G. P. AndersonMember: Planning Committee, Asthma Victoria

Member: Research Grant Review Committees, Asthma Victoria, Asthma NSW, Asthma WA and Asthma Qld

Member: Pharmaceuticals Education Committee (PEC): a working group of the Australian Pharmaceuticals action agenda

Reviewer: CRC

Member: Long Range Planning Committee, European Respiratory Society

Secretary (elected and re-elected): Clinical Immunology and Allergy Assembly

Head: Cell Biology and Immunology Special Interest Group, Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

Member: Program Committee and Peer Review Group, American Thoracic Society

Organiser and Chair: of international conferences: • ‘Regulatory T cell in asthma, American Thoracic Society,

Orlando, USA• ‘The acquired somatic mutation hypothesis of COPD’,

European Respiratory Society, Glasgow• ‘Cutting edge technologies in lung research’, European

Respiratory Society, Glasgow• ‘Modulation of the allergic response in animal models’,

European Respiratory Society, Glasgow

Member: Research Committee, NHMRC

Chair: Development Grant Scheme, NHMRC

Member: Evaluation and Outcomes Working Committee, NHMRC

Member: Training Awards Committee with responsibility (Chair) for Industry Fellowships, NHMRC

Member: Record of Research Achievement Committee, NHMRC

Contact Details

Associate Professor Gary P. Anderson, PhDHead, Lung Disease Research GroupResearch Director, CRC for Chronic Inflammatory DiseasesDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH) and Department of PharmacologyThe University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010


esearch

23

Malaria GroupPrincipal: Professor Graham V. Brown

Research Highlights

• A/Professor Stephen Rogerson, Ms Adele Mount and Dr Salenna Elliott, in collaboration with Professor Steven Meshnick (University of North Carolina) and Dr Victor Mwapasa (University of Malawi College of Medicine) showed that HIV infection decreases the antibody responses to malaria, especially to parasite proteins that are key to placental malaria. (see Lancet citation)

• In the same clinical study, A/Professor Rogerson, Professor Meshnick and Dr Mwapasa showed that malaria increases the viral load (or concentration of HIV in the blood) of pregnant women, perhaps increasing the risk they will pass the infection to their babies.

• Dr Wai-Hong Tham has begun to unravel the mechanisms by which expression of members of the Plasmodium falciparum rif family of 150 genes is controlled.

• Dr Michael Duffy and others have shown that adhesion of malaria-infected erythrocytes to receptors important in placental malaria is associated with transcription of one specific gene, called var2csa.

• Dr Salenna Elliott is investigating how P. falciparum infected erythrocytes interact with dendritic cells, important in regulating the immune response to malaria.


Mount, A., Mwapasa, V., Elliott, S., Beeson, J., Tadesse, E., Lema, V., Molyneux, M., Meshnick, S. & Rogerson, S. Impairment of humoral immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy by HIV infection. Lancet 363: 1860–7 (This is the first description of a specific deficit in antibody responses to malaria in HIV-infected pregnant women, explaining in part their increased susceptibility to malaria).

Mwapasa, V., Rogerson, S., Molyneux, M., Abrams, E., Kamwendo, D., Lema, V., Tadesse, E., Chaluluka, E., Wilson, P. & Meshnick, S. The effect of Plasmodium falicparum malaria on peripheral and placental HIV-1 RNA concentrations in pregnant Malawian women. AIDS 18: 1051–9 (We showed that malaria in pregnancy is associated with a 2–3 fold increase in HIV viral load consistent with a 25% increase in transmission of HIV from mother to child.)

Beeson, J., Mann, E., Elliott, S., Lema, V., Tadesse, E., Molyneux, M., Brown, G. & Rogerson, S. Antibodies to variant surface antigens of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes and adhesion inhibitory antibodies are associated with placental malaria and having overlapping and distinct targets. Journal of Infectious Diseases 189:

540–51 (Different ways of measuring antibodies to placental type malaria parasites have been developed. This is the first direct comparison of these different types of responses.)

Nosten, F., Rogerson, S., Beeson, J., McGready, R., Mutabingwa, T. & Brabin, B. Malaria in pregnancy and the endemicity spectrum: what can we learn? Trends in Parasitology (formerly Parasitology Today) 20: 425–32

New Grants

Australian Research Council Discovery Project Grant: Wai Hong Tham, 2005–07, ‘Identification of basic elements of Plasmodium transcription’

Early Career Researcher Grant, University of Melbourne: Wai-Hong Tham, ‘Transcription Regulation Elements in Plasmodium’

Mathematical modelling for improved planning of infectious disease control policy. Capacity Building Grant in Population Health Research: R. MacIntyre, N. Becker, M. Law, A. Plant, T. Nolan & G. Brown, 2005–09: $2,500,000

Ongoing Grants

NHMRC Program Grant: A. F. Cowman, H. Billman-Jacobe, G. V. Brown, E. Handman, M. McConville, G. McFadden, L. Schofield & T. Speed, 2002–06 ‘The molecular basis of host-pathogen infections’: $11,540,000

NHMRC: G. V. Brown, S. Lewin, J. Sasadeusz, M. Richards, M. Slavin, D. Campbell, S. J. Rogerson, J. Torresi, & B. A. Biggs, 2003–07, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases: $2,000,000

Wellcome Trust: Stephen J. Rogerson, 2001–06, Senior Overseas Research Fellowship: $1.4m

National Institutes of Health: Steven Meshnick, Stephen Rogerson & Malcolm Molyneux, 2001–06, ‘Malaria and HIV in pregnant Malawian women’: USD$250,000 p.a.

AusAID: A. F. Cowman, G. V. Brown & T. W. Spithill, 1996–2005, ‘Australia/Indonesia medical research initiative’: $1,800,000

Collaborations

G. V. BrownProject: ‘The molecular basis of host-pathogen infections’ (NHMRC Program Grant)

Collaborators: A. F. Cowman, H. Billman-Jacobe, E. Handman, M. McConville, G. McFadden, L. Schofield & T. Speed (collaboration among 10 Chief Investigators)

G. V. Brown & M. Duffy Project: ‘Studies of P. falciparum var gene transcription’ (funded by AusAID)

Collaborator: Dr Rintis Noviyanti, Eijkman, Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta Indonesia

Res

earc

h


G. V. Brown & S. RogersonProject: Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases (funded by NHMRC).

Collaborators: S. Lewin, J. Sasadeusz, M. Richards, M. Slavin, D. Campbell, J. Torresi & B. A. Biggs.

S. RogersonProject: ‘Malaria and HIV in pregnancy’ (field studies in Malawi funded by NIH)

Collaborators: Professor Steven Meshnick & Dr Victor Mwapasa

Project: ‘Pathogenesis of malaria in pregnancy’ (field studies in Malawi)

Collaborator: Professor Malcolm Molyneux

Project: ‘Effect of HIV on opsonic phagocytosis of malaria infected erythrocytes’

Collaborators: Dr Anthony Jaworowski & Professor Suzanne Crowe, Burnet Institute

Project: ‘Identifying the targets of protective immunity to malaria in pregnancy’

Collaborator: Dr James Beeson, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

S. Elliott Project: ‘Role of CD8 T cells in human cerebral malaria’.

Collaborators: Professor Nick Hunt, University of Sydney, Dr Steve Kamiza, University of Malawi College of Medicine & Professor Terrie Taylor, Michigan State University.

Awards and Prizes

Emily Mann (PhD student): Travel Award of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene to go to the society’s annual meeting in Miami, Florida in November.


G. V. BrownInvited Speaker: 11th International Congress on Infectious Diseases, Cancun, Mexico

Invited Speaker: 5th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress, Bangkok, Thailand

Invited Speaker: International Symposium on Human Rights in Public Health: Research and Practice, Melbourne

Convener: ‘A Question of Ethics—Who Decides?’, Dean’s Lecture Series Ethics Symposium, University of Melbourne

Member: Organising Committee, Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Lorne, February (International Conference with 350+ delegates)

Session Chair: Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Lorne, February

Participant: Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases, Alice Springs

S. RogersonPresentations: ‘HIV Impairs Humoral Immunity to Plasmodium falciparum in Pregnancy’, and ‘Association of var2CSA expression with placental malaria in Malawian women’, at British Society for Parasitology Spring and Malaria Meeting, Chester, April

Invited Participant: Planning meeting for Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium, Sitges, Spain, October

Invited Speaker: ‘Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria’, 44th ICAAC meeting, Washington DC, November

Member: Organising Committee, Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Lorne, February

Invited Speaker: Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Lorne, February

M. DuffyInvited Speaker: Molecular Approaches to Malaria, Lorne, February

S. Elliott Participant: Australian Society for Immunology, Adelaide, December


G. V. BrownProfessorial morning reportProfessorial student reportFRACP practice examsLecture, Semester 5, Medicine studentsLecture, Semester 8/9, Medicine students

S. RogersonCoordination of and Lectures for ‘Oral Health Sciences 3–Medicine’ (medicine for dental students)

S. Rogerson & S. ElliottBSc (Hons) lecture series BSc (Hons) student supervision

Students and Projects

Dewi Maria Ulfa, ‘HIV and Immunity to malaria in pregnancy’, AMS

Lucy Peet, ‘HIV and Immunity to malaria in children’, BSc (Hons)

Joanne Chesson, ‘Immunity to malaria’, BSc (Hons)

Research

25


G. V. BrownGovernor: Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation

Chair: Strategy and Development Committee, Australian International Health Institute

Chair: Expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (EAGAR), NHMRC

Chair: Career Grant Committee, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

Chair: Scientific Advisory Board, Queensland Institute of Medical Research

Chair: Board of Examiners, Semesters 8, 9 and 12, MDHS, University of Melbourne

Convener: Deans Lecture Series—Ethics Symposium, MDHS, University of Melbourne

Member: Clinical Advisory Group, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research/Royal Melbourne Hospital

Member: Scientific Advisory Committee, Bio21 Australia Ltd

Member: Advisory Board, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, NSW

Member: Centres of Clinical Research Excellence Grants Review Committee, NHMRC

Member: Vaccine Advisory Committee (MALVAC), World Health Organization

Member: Scientific Consultants Group, USAID Malaria Vaccine Development Program, Maryland, USA

Member: Medical Course Committee, MDHS, University of Melbourne

Member: Semester 8-12 Working Party, MDHS, University of Melbourne

Member: Faculty Executive, MDHS, University of Melbourne

Member: Faculty Planning, Budget and Research Committee, (MDHS) University of Melbourne

Member: Advisory Committee, Student Ambassador Leadership Program, University of Melbourne

Member: Senior Appointments Committee, University of Melbourne

Stephen RogersonMember: NHMRC Grant Review Panel 2B

Contact Details

Professor Graham V. BrownDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourne4th Floor Clinical Sciences BuildingRoyal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel: +61 3 8344 6252Fax: +61 3 9347 1863Email: Professor Graham V. Brown: [email protected]/Professor Stephen Rogerson: [email protected] Salenna Elliott: [email protected] Michael Duffy: [email protected] Wai-Hong Tham: whtham@unimelb

L–R: Francisca Yosaatmadja (Research Assistant), Philippe Boeuf (Postdoctoral Fellow), Emily Mann (PhD Student), Paul Payne (Research Assistant), Salenna Elliott (Postdoctoral Fellow), Michael Duffy (Postdoctoral Fellow), Stephen Rogerson (A/Professor and Senior Research Fellow), Graham Brown, (Professor and Head), Tim Byrne (Research Assistant), Ee-Ken Choong (BSc Hons student)

Absent: Wai-Hong Tham (ARC Research Fellow)

Res

earc

h


International and Immigrant Health GroupPrincipal: Associate Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs

Research Highlights

International HealthMekong immunisation and vaccination program—Cambodia and Vietnam (1999–2004): This program has been assisting Cambodia and Vietnam to introduce the hepatitis B vaccine nationally. This year we focused on improvements in training, safety and coverage of the routine immunisation program, and the completion of research projects.

Strengthening the capacity for research and control of malaria and parasitic diseases in Vietnam (2003–05): This project has fully equipped a malaria laboratory at the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE) in Hanoi, and is now monitoring drug resistance in sentinel sites. Funding was also obtained in 2004 for a three-year program for hookworm and anaemia control in women in Vietnam. For three months beginning October 2004, NIMPE scientist Dr Ngo Viet Thanh resided in Melbourne to undertake English language classes. This activity was part of the project’s commitment to strengthen and build capacity among Vietnamese collaborators.

SSPL, WHO Geneva (2004): Dr Biggs undertook studies in P. vivax chloroquine resistance and hookworm and anaemia control at the World Health Organization (WHO) during February–July 2004. This resulted in collaborative partnerships in two projects.

The relationship between total primaquine dose and Plasmodium vivax malaria relapses in humans (2004): Collaboration with WHO to review the relevant literature and produce recommendations for primaquine dosing.

Immigrant and Refugee HealthCambodian immigrant and refugee health study: This project has identified that as many as a third of Cambodian immigrants are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis, a parasite which can cause chronic illness and death. This year, patients were followed up for repeat serology and further treatment.

Middle Eastern and Afghan immigrant and refugee health study (2003–04): This project has highlighted inadequate health assessments in refugees from Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, and has begun the process of developing a comprehensive refugee health assessment package.

An evaluation of a new test for the detection of latent TB infection in Victoria (2003–04): The aim of this study is to evaluate a new diagnostic test (the 2nd Generation Quantiferon Assay) as a potential alternative to the skin test for the detection of latent TB. Three studies comparing the new test to the skin test were undertaken—in contacts of

active cases of TB, immigrants and health care workers—and the results are currently being analysed and prepared for publication.

Epidemiology of TB in Victoria (2003–04): This project contributes to the decrease in the burden of TB in Victorian communities through improvements in TB control and prevention. It also evaluates the role that new technologies may play in improving the management and control of TB, by combining epidemiological methods, clinical trials and molecular typing of TB isolates using refined PCR methodology. This year, molecular analysis of a large sample of the so-called ‘Beijing’ strain was molecularly typed to study the diversity of such strains among TB patients in Victoria.

HIV in Victoria’s African communities—Reducing risks and improving care (2004–05): This project aims to identify those factors that expose African Australians to risk of infection with HIV, and impede timely diagnosis. It also aims to describe the barriers faced by African Australians with HIV in gaining access to social support, and to explore potential means of providing Australia’s African communities with accurate, relevant, culturally appropriate information about HIV. Ethics approvals from five institutions and activities will commence in 2005.

Hydatid disease survey (2004–05): This project aims to determine the number of cases of hydatid disease in hospitals covered by the Melbourne Health Research Directorate over the past ten years. The project has now achieved ethics clearance.


Rerks-Ngam, S., Treleaven, S., Chunsuttiwatt, S., Muangchana, C., Jolley, D., Brooks, A., Dejiselert, S., Varintarwat, S., Guiver, M., Kunasol, P., Maynard, J. E., Biggs, B-A. & Steinhoff, M. Prospective population-based incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in Thailand. Vaccine 22(8): 975–83

New Grants

Department of Human Services: B-A. Biggs, M. Hellard & A. Street, 2004–05, ‘Reducing the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS in African and Arabic-speaking communities in Victoria’: AUD$75,627

Ongoing GrantsAtlantic Philanthropies Inc.: D. C. Le, T. V. Ngo, A. Cowman, D. Hipgrave, S. J. Rogerson, G. Brown, D. Trees & B-A. Biggs, 2003–04, ‘Strengthening malaria program and research capacity in Vietnam’: USD$1.02m

Bill and Melinda Gates Children’s Vaccine Program: J. Maynard & B-A. Biggs, 2000–04, ‘Mekong immunisation initiative: USD$2.07m

Department of Human Services: B-A. Biggs, P. Vinton, P. Johnson & J. Black, 2003–04, ‘An evaluation of a new test for the detection of latent TB infection in Victoria’: AUD$69,020

Research

27

TB Foundation: P. Vinton, B-A. Biggs, P. Johnson, H. Kelly & J. Fyfe, 2003–04, ‘Epidemiology of TB in Victoria’: AUD$40,000

Department of Human Services: B-A. Biggs & J. Black, 2003–04, ‘Middle Eastern and Afghanistan immigrant and refugee health study’: AUD$75,469

Collaborations

Collaborations with: Austin Hospital; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society; Darebin Community Health Centre; Key Centre for Women`s Health; Monash Institute of Health Services Research; Multicultural Health and Support Service; Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS); Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL); Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital; Western Region Health Centre; World Health Organization; and local GP medical clinics.

Affiliations and/or joint projects with: VIDS; VIDRL; AIHI; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI); the Burnet Institute; Program for Appropriate Technology in Health, Seattle; and NIMPE in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Awards and Prizes

Sonia Caruana: Henry and Rachel Ackman Travelling Scholarship


B-A. BiggsInvited Speaker: ‘Refugee health: Clinical issues’, Refugee Health: A Clinical Perspective Seminar, Medical Association for Prevention of War

Invited Speaker: ‘Challenges to malaria control: Risks for the emergence of resistance to “new” antimalarials. A case study in Vietnam’, Seminar, Australian International Health Institute

Invited Speaker: ‘Monitoring drug resistance in sentinel sites in Vietnam, 1998–2007: making a difference’; and ‘Hookworm and anaemia control in women of reproductive age’, Seminar, NIMPE, Hanoi

D. HipgraveInvited Speaker: ‘Regional perspectives on the long-term control of hepatitis B in the WHO Western Pacific Region’, ASHM Conference


• Lectures in Infectious Diseases to undergraduate Medicine students (B-A. Biggs)

• AMS lecture series (S. Caruana)

Supervision

• PhD: David Hipgrave, Paul Vinton and Chris Lemoh• MD: Sophie Treleaven and Ian Woolley• Masters of Public Health: Sonia Caruana and

Karl Jenkinson• Public Health Trainee: Jane Goller

Student Completions

• David Hipgrave, ‘The introduction of hepatitis B vaccine in rural Vietnam’, PhD

• Sonia Caruana, Master of Public Health


B-A. BiggsFellow: The Australasian College of Tropical Medicine

Fellow: Royal Australasian College of Physicians

Fellow: Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh

Advisory Group, RCH International

Member: SARS Taskforce

Member: Advanced Medical Science Taskforce

Coordinator: Advanced Medical Science Program

Member: Nossal Institute for Global Health and Centre for R&D Leadership Formation Group

Grant Reviewer: NHMRC (Australia)

S. CaruanaMember: Australian and New Zealand Public Health Association

Contact Details

Associate Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs, MB BS, Melb. PhD, Melb. FRACP, FRCP, FACTMDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourneand Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician Victorian Infectious Diseases ServiceRoyal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050


Back row (L–R): Mirella Ozols (Personal Assistant to A/Professor B-A. Biggs, A/Professor S. Rogerson and Dr J. Torresi), Beverley-Ann Biggs (Associate Professor and Head), Sonia Caruana (Senior Research Scientist)

Front row: Dr Chris Lemoh (PhD Student)

Res

earc

h


Hepatitis Molecular Virology Research and Travel Medicine Service, CCREIDPrincipal: Dr Joseph Torresi

Research Highlights

Hepatitis ResearchIdentification and characterisation of cellular and humoral epitopes to hepatitis C virus (HCV).• Identification and characterisation of neutralising

epitopes of HCV.• Development of recombinant HCV coreE1-GFP-E2 VLPs to

study neutralising antibody responses to HCV.• Identification of cross reactive CD8 epitopes of HCV.• Discovery of unique and cross-reactive epitopes of HCV

genotype 3.• Identification of CD4 epitopes of HCV.• Characterisation of dendritic cell activation in hepatitis C

infected patients.• Development of lipidated DNA-protamine vaccine constructs.

Modulation of MAPK and JAK/STAT/SOCS cell signalling by HBV and HCV: mechanisms of viral persistence and hepatocarcinogenesis.• Development of recombinant adeno-HBV and adeno-HCV

systems to study cell signalling events in liver derived cell lines.

• Analyses of HBV and HCV modulation of ERK, p38 and JNK signalling.

• Analyses of HBV and HCV modulation of cell regulatory proteins p53, p21, p27.

• Analyses of cell cycle modulation by HBV and HCV.• Analyses of SOCS3 expression in HBV and HCV

associated liver disease.

Travel Medicine Service, Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital

GeoSentinel Surveillance Network (a worldwide communications and data collection network of travel and topical medicine clinics of the International Society of Travel Medicine and Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA)• Analysis of malaria in travellers.• Analysis of gastrointestinal infections in travellers.• Analysis of P.vivax malaria in travellers.

Publication Highlights Torresi, J., Bharadwaj, M., Jackson, D. & Gowans, E. Neutralising antibody, CTL and dendritic cell responses to Hepatitis C virus: A preventative vaccine strategy. Current Drug Targets 5: 41–56

Yung, A., Ruff, T., Torresi, J., Leder, K. & O’Brien, D. Manual of Travel Medicine (2nd edn)

Brown, G., Torresi, J. & Flint, S. Delayed onset of malaria—Implications for chemoprophylaxis. New England Journal of Medicine 350: 195–7

Wilder-Smith, A., Khairullah, N., Song, J-H., Chen, C-Y. & Torresi, J. Travel health knowledge, attitudes and practices among Australasian travelers. Journal of Travel Medicine 11: 9–15

Leder, K., Black, J., O’Brien, D., Greenwood, Z., Kain, K., Schwartz, E., Brown, G. & Torresi, J. Malaria in travellers: A review of the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. Clinical Infectious Diseases 39: 1104–12

Elliott, J., O’Brien, D., Leder, K., Kitchener, S., Schwartz, E., Weld, L., Brown, G., Kain, K. & Torresi, J. Imported Plasmodium vivax malaria: demographic and clinical features in nonimmune travelers. Journal of Travel Medicine 11: 213–19

Gouskos, T., Wightman, F., Lewin, S. & Torresi, J. Highly reproducible transient transfections for the study of hepatitis B virus replication based on an internal GFP reporter system. Journal of Virological Methods 121: 65–72

Gouskos, T., Wightman, F., Chang, J., Earnest-Silveira, L., Sasadeusz, J., Lewin, S. & Torresi, J. Severe hepatitis and prolonged heaptitis B virus-specific CD8 T-cell response after selection of heaptitis B virus YMDD variant in an HIV/hepatitis B virus-co-infected patient. AIDS 18: 1734–7

Ongoing Grants

NHMRC: G. V. Brown, S. Lewin, J. Sasadeusz, M. Richards, M. Slavin, D. Campbell, S. J. Rogerson, J. Torresi, & B. A. Biggs, 2003–07, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases: $2,000,000

Australian Centre for Hepatitis and HIV Virology, Population Health Division of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: J. Torresi, D. C. Jackson & E. J. Gowans, 2004–mid 2005, ‘GB virus-B/HCV chimeras to evaluate potential self-adjuvanting HCV vaccines that generate neutralising antibody in vivo: AU$175,000

Collaborations

(1) Dr David C. Jackson, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne:• Identification of immunodominant epitopes of hepatitis

C virus and generation of a polymerised peptide HCV prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine

• Pre-clinical development in HLA A2.1 transgenic mice of self adjuvanting anti-HCV Vaccine Candidates that Target Dendritic Cells (David C. Jackson, Mandvi Bharadwaj, Joseph Torresi & Jim McCluskey)

Research

29

• A method for improving the efficacy of DNA-based vaccine with protamine and Pam-2-Cys

(2) Dr Thomas Bock, Department of Molecular Pathology, University Hospital, Tuebingen Germany and Prof Hanswalter Zentgraf, geman Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany: • Modulation of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus

interactions and persistence in coinfected cells through cell signalling pathways

• Hepatitis B virus genotype mixtures: clinical relevance and molecular characteristics

• The expression of hepatitis C-core protein can induce intracellular retention of hepatitis B virus in vitro (P. Bernstein, H. Tillmann, J. Torresi, S. Weiler, L. H. Song & C-T. Bock)

• Modulation of cell signalling pathways, cell cycle and mechanisms of oncogenesis of hepatitis B and C viruses (Joseph Torresi, Ruth Chin, Thomas Bock, Hanswalter Zengraft & Eric Gowans)

(3) Professor Eric Gowans, Hepatitis Research, Burnet Institute Melbourne• GB virus-B/HCV chimeras to evaluate potential self-

adjuvanting HCV vaccines that generate neutralising antibody in vivo

(4) Dr Sharon Lewin, Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne• Replication fitness of HBV polymerase variants: analysis

by real time PCR

(5) Dr David Anderson, Head, Hepatitis Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne• Replication of HBV and DHBV polymerase mutants

(6) Dr Susan Cox and Dr Gilda Civitico, Antiviral Development Program, AMRAD Pharmaceuticals• Enzyme kinetic and viral replication studies of anti-viral

selected HBV polymerase mutants

Awards and Prizes

Michael Braude: Co-winner of the Larkins Prize for Best Honours Student in the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH)


Presentation: Joseph Torresi, Owen Stock, Alex Fischer, Weiguang Zeng, Linda Earnest-Silveira & David C. Jackson, ‘Self-adjuvanting lipopeptide polyepitope immunogens inducing broad humoral immune responses to hepatitis c virus’, 11th International Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus and Related Viruses, Heidelberg, Germany, October

Presentation: Theo Gouskos, Kalyan Das, Linda Earnest-Sylveira, Fiona Wightman, Sharon Lewin, Thomas Bock & Joseph Torresi, ‘Characterising the functional role of the fingers subdomain of the HBV polymerase’, Australian Centre for Hepatitis and HIV Virology

Presentation: Joseph Torresi, Alex Fischer, Owen Stock, Weiguang Zeng, Linda Earnest-Silveira & David C. Jackson, ‘Self-adjuvanting lipopeptide immunogens inducing broad humoral immune responses to hepatitis C virus’, Australian Centre for Hepatitis and HIV Virology

J. TorresiPresentation: ‘The functional significance of mutations within the fingers sub-domain of the HBV polymerase’, Melbourne Liver Group Annual Scientific Meeting

Presentation: ‘Mechanisms of viral persistence: the multifaceted strategies of hepatitis B & C viruses and cell signaling pathways’, Melbourne Liver Group Annual Scientific Meeting


J. Torresi• Semester 5 and 8, 9 lectures to undergraduate Medicine

students• Assessor for undergraduate Medicine students• OSCE examiner

Supervision

J. TorresiMichael Braude, ‘Targeted inhibiton of HBV replication with novel antiviral agents’, BSc (Hons)

Alex Fischer, ‘Neutralising antibody responses to hepatitis C virus’, MSc

Duangtawan Thammanichanond, ‘Identification and characterisation of HLA associations, NKT and dendritic cell responses with disease outcome in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis C infection’, PhD (Co-supervisor: Professor J. McCluskey, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne)

Emily Ericsson, ‘Cytotoxic and NKT cells responses in the prevention of hepatitis C infection’, PhD (Principal Supervisor: Dr David Jackson, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne)

Lara Grollo, ‘Mass spectroscopic identification of neutralising epitopes of hepatitis C virus’, (Principal Supervisor: Dr David Jackson, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne)

Student Completions

Dr Carolyn Beckett, ‘A longitudinal study of schistosomiasis serology in Australian travellers and immigrants’, PhD (Supervisor: Dr Joe Torresi)

Res

earc

h



J. TorresiOrganiser and Presenter: Fairfield Travel Health Symposium for general practitioners and travel health specialists (from 1996—conducted jointly with the Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation and the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners

Senior Member and Founder: Melbourne Hepatitis Molecular Research Group (from 2001)

Member: Scientific Committee of the 8th and 9th Conferences of the International Society of Travel Medicine

Site Director: GeoSentinel, Melbourne (since 1998)

Member: GeoSentinel Scientific Review Committee

Member: Melbourne Infectious diseases Group (since 1995)

Member: Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (since 1996)

Fellow: Australasian College of Physicians, (since 1997)

Member: Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (since 1998) Member: Melbourne Liver Group (since 1999)

Member: International Society for Travel Medicine (since 1999)

Member: Australian Centre for Hepatitis Research (since 1999)

Contact Details

Dr Joseph Torresi, MBBS, BMedSci, FRACP, PhDInfectious Diseases Physician and Senior LecturerHepatitis Molecular Virology LaboratoryDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourne4th Floor Clinical Sciences BuildingRoyal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel: +61 3 8344 3262Fax: +61 3 93471863Email: [email protected]

Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious DiseasesPrincipal: Professor Graham V. Brown

The goal of the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases (CCREID) is to enhance Australia’s capacity in patient-oriented research in the discipline of infectious disease, building on the strengths of the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service in clinical science and disease-oriented research for improvement of patient outcomes and betterment of human health. This program, funded by the NHMRC, has enabled us to strengthen our programs in clinical virology, infections in immunocompromised hosts, infections of travellers and immigrants, and computer-assisted decision making.

The CCREID capitalises on the strengths of the team of infectious disease physicians at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and its associated institutions, including the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, and facilitates collaboration with other hospitals and centres.

The Centre has supported the development of the Masters program in Clinical Research that has been developed in the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS). The early part of the course has commenced with general principles, and a specialist program in infectious diseases is being established and co-ordinated by Dr Joe Sasadeusz and A/Professor Stephen Farish from the MDHS Faculty.

An inaugural Colloquium was held in November 2004 in the Royal Melbourne Hospital at which an overview of the work of the Centre was described with outstanding presentations from our PhD students. We thank the reviewers, Professor Joe McCormack, Professor Tania Sorrell and Professor Steven Wesselingh for their thoughtful insights after reviewing activities on that day.

Through support for the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence for Infectious Diseases, we are in a position to contribute to a wide range of clinical studies and have already initiated studies of undiagnosed encephalitis, mechanisms for intervention in hospital acquired infection, development of a pneumonia severity index, guidelines for the use of antifungal agents, and multicentre studies of antiviral agents.

Our goal of training clinical graduates in research has been successful through Fellowships, MD and PhD programs and participation in projects. Dr Chris MacIsaac and his PhD supervisors, Dr Kumar Visvanathan and Professor John Cade, are investigating the role of super antigens in septic shock. Dr Paul Vinton and his supervisors, A/Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs and Dr Heath Kelly, are studying tuberculosis in the Victorian community. Dr Leon Worth has

Research

31

undertaken research at the Peter MacCallum Hospital and Dr Michelle Giles has been based at the Royal Women’s Hospital. Several clinical research fellows have commenced projects, including Dr Caroline Marshall (hospital infections and infection control), Dr Karin Thursky (decision support systems for prescribing antibiotics), Dr Kirsty Buising (guidelines for treatment of pneumonia). The CCREID is extremely fortunate to have experienced research staff and specialists in infectious diseases who support its activities, and research projects that complement the clinical programs of the Infectious Diseases Service.

The Head of Department would particularly like to acknowledge the excellent work of the Clinical Trials Manager, Dr Megan Brooks, who commenced with the CCREID at the beginning of 2004.

Research Highlights

Travel-related infections in international travellers We have completed a study of gastrointestinal illnesses in travellers, identifying the range of risk for travellers to various regions of the world. Our databases continue to provide input to the GEOSENTINEL Network, a global surveillance network developed by a working group of International Society of Travel Medicine and the Division of Quarantine, National Centers for Infection Diseases, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, USA. This collaboration has provided a uniquely important database for the study of infections by travellers—Dr James Black, Dr Joe Torresi and Dr Karin Leder have played a leading role in analysing illnesses in this group of patients.

Infections in immunocompromised hosts Dr Monica Slavin continues to play a leading role in investigating fungal infection in patients being treated for cancers and she has been further supported in her work by the recruitment of Dr Orla Morrissey at the Alfred Hospital. Dr Joe Sasadeusz continues studies of coinfection with

HIV and hepatitis B and the optimal management of their treatment.

Clinical virology Dr Joe Sasadeusz and colleagues continue to study combination therapy for hepatitis C, human papilloma virus, and has undertaken a range of laboratory-based studies with Professor Sharon Lewin to investigate the dynamics of hepatitis B infection.

Immigrant and refugee health A/Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs has continued her studies of HIV in tuberculosis in Victoria’s African communities and will be assisted in 2005 by Dr Chris Lemoh.

Computer-assisted decision support Major progress has been achieved in the development of ‘Guidance’, an electronic decision support system. A system has now been introduced into the Royal Melbourne Hospital and includes software and content development for antibiotic prescribing, antimicrobial approval and algorithms for management of infections.

The International Collaboration on Endocarditis (ICE) This multi-national prospective cohort study of infective endocarditis aims to provide a mechanism to advance the understanding of endocarditis in areas that are difficult to study by traditional clinical research methods. It will identify opportunities for studies such as randomised trials of therapeutic strategies.

A single-arm, open-label, multi-centre pilot study This pilot study is evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of Peginterferon alfa-2a 40KD (Ro 25-8310) combination therapy with ribavirin (Ro 20-9963) in patients with chronic Hepatitis C attending a methadone clinic.

Liver disease and HIV-HBV coinfection in the HAART era The purpose of this study is to investigate chronic hepatitis B in HIV-infected persons receiving highly active

L–R: Damon Eisen (Chief Investigator), Joe Sasadeusz (Clinical Trials Director), James Black (Chief Investigator), Mary Ljubanovic (Administrative Assistant), Megan Brooks (Manager), Caroline Marshall (Clinical Research Fellow)

Res

earc

h


antiretroviral therapy (HAART) using a multi-centre, prospectively followed cohort of HIV/HBV coinfected persons. This project is funded through a RO1 grant from the National Institutes of Health, USA.


Buising, K, L., Thursky, K. A., Black, J. F. & Brown, G. V. Are the Australian guidelines asking too much of the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI)? Medical Journal of Australia 180: 486–7

Gouskos, T., Wightman, F., Chang, J., Earnest-Silveira, L., Sasadeusz, J., Lewin, S. & Torresi, J. Severe hepatitis and prolonged heaptitis B virus-specific CD8 T-cell response after selection of heaptitis B virus YMDD variant in an HIV/hepatitis B virus-co-infected patient. AIDS 18: 1734–7

Leder, K., Black, J., O’Brien, D., Greenwood, Z., Kain, K., Schwartz, E., Brown G. & Torresi, J. Malaria in travelers: A review of the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. Clinical Infectious Diseases 39: 1104–12; Epub: 27 September

Ryan, C. E., Elliott, J. H., Middleton, T., Mijch, A. M., Street, A. C., Hellard, M., Crofts, N., Crowe, S. M. & Oelrichs, R. B. The molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 among Vietnamese Australian injecting drug users in Melbourne, Australia. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 20(12): 1364–7

Slavin, M., Szer, J, Grigg, A., Roberts, A., Seymour, J., Thursky, K., Chen, S., Morrissey, C., Heath, C. & Sorrell, T. Guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the treatment of invasive candida and mould infections. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 192–200

Street, A. C. HIV and tuberculosis: Think local, act global [Editorial]. Int Med J 34: 150–1

Torriani, F. J., Rodriguez-Torres, M., Rockstroh, J. K., Lissen, E., Gonzalez-Garcia, J., Lazzarin, A., Carosi ,G., Sasadeusz, J., Katlama, C., Montaner, J., Sette, H. Jr, Passe, S., De Pamphilis, J., Duff, F., Schrenk, U. M. & Dieterich, D. T.—APRICOT Study Group. Peginterferon Alfa-2a plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected patients. N Engl J Med. 351(5): 438–50

New Grants

National Institutes of Health (USA) RO1 Project Grant: J. Sasadeusz, S. Locarnini, S. Lewin, J. Hoy, G. Dore & G. Mathews, 2004–09, ‘Liver Disease and HIV/HBV coinfection in the era of HAART’: US$998,552

NHMRC Grant: C. MacIsaac, 2004

Ongoing Grants

NHMRC: G. V. Brown, B-A. Biggs, D. Campbell, S. Lewin, M. Slavin, M. Richards, J. Sasadeusz, J. Torresi & S. Rogerson, 2003–07, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases: $2,000,000

Collaborations

Non-Industry: Department of Human Services, Victoria; MedSeed; The GeoSentinal Network, Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC); Mycosis Interest Group (MIG) of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID); National Centre for HIV Epidemiology & Clinical Research; The Alfred Hospital; Burnet Institute; Walter Eliza Hall Institute; International Collaboration on Endocarditis; Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital; Royal Adelaide Hospital

Industry: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Novartis; Roche; Ribapharm Inc; Bristol Myers Squibb; Human Genome Sciences; Intercell AG; Theravance, Inc.

Awards and Prizes

Kirsty Buising: Royal Australasian College of Physicians Quality Award for ‘An evaluation of the impact of a computerized decision support system on antibiotic prescribing in the intensive care unit’

Karin Thursky: ASID Pfizer Mycology Prize; ASM Quality Prize for ‘The impact of a computerized antibiotic decision support system on antibiotic prescribing in the ICU’


S. LewinKeynote Speaker: ‘HIV–HBV co-infection: natural history, virology and immunology’, 2nd Shanghai–Hong Kong International Liver Meeting, Hong Kong

Keynote Speaker: HIV-hepatitis immunopathogenesis’, 4th Australasian Hepatitis C Conference, Canberra

Invited Session Chair: ‘HIV viral dynamics’, International AIDS Society, International Meeting, Bangkok

Invited Presentation; ‘HIV immune reconstitution’, 12th Meeting of the Australian Society for HIV Medicine, Canberra

Keynote Speaker and Member, International Faculty: ‘Hepatitis B and C viral dynamics and HIV-HBV pathogenesis’, Asia Pacific Society for the Study of Liver Disease, New Delhi, India

Invited Plenary Speaker: ‘HIV–hepatitis pathogenesis’, 1st Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis National Conference, Barossa Valley, SA

J. SasadeuszInvited Speaker: Australian Society for HIV Medicine, Canberra, September

Invited Speaker: The 4th Australasian Hepatitis C Conference, Canberra, August

A. StreetPresentation: ‘Staphylococcal bacteraemia and other infectious diseases pitfalls. Improving antibiotic prescribing for community-acquired pneumonia’, RACP Rural Physician’s Conference, Melbourne, March

Research

33

Michael RichardsPresentation: ‘The potential for surgical site infection rate surveillance in smaller public acute hospitals. VICNISS Hospital Acquired Infection Surveillance System Coordinating Centre, Melbourne, Australia’, AICA Third Biennial Conference, Hobart

Presentation: ‘Establishment of a statewide surveillance program for hospital-acquired infections in large acute care Victorian public hospitals. VICNISS Coordinating Centre, Victoria, Australia’, AICA Third Biennial Conference, Hobart

Presentation: ‘Development of the VICNISS web-based interactive learning package for infection control consultants’, AICA Third Biennial Conference, Hobart

Presentation: ‘Early data from the VICNISS Surveillance Program for Hospital Acquired Infections in Victoria’, ASID Annual Scientific Meeting, Alice Springs, May

Presentation: ‘Establishment of a statewide surveillance program for hospital acquired infections in large acute care Victorian public hospitals’, 2nd Australasian Conference on Safety & Quality in Health Care, Canberra, August

Presentation: ‘A statewide surveillance program for hospital acquired infection in large Victorian public hospitals—Early days and early data’, Health Outcomes 2004: Perspectives on Population Health, 10th Annual National Conference. Canberra, September

Presentation: ‘Piloting a statewide smaller hospital nosocomial infection surveillance Program’, NSW Infection Control Conference, Sydney, September

Presentation: ‘Risk identification and prevention strategies for primary bloodstream infections in intensive care’, 29th Australian & New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting on Intensive Care, Melbourne, October

Presentation: ‘Nosocomial infection surveillance and epidemiology’, 29th Australian and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting on Intensive Care, Melbourne, October

M. SlavinPresentation: ‘Invasive mould infections in patients undergoing treatment for acute leukemia’, Haematology Society of Australasia and New Zealand, Melbourne

Presentation: ‘Pre-emptive versus empiric antibiotic therapy during neutropenia after stem cell transplant. The Australian compassionate access scheme for caspofungin’, 44th Annual ICAAC, Washington DC

Presentation: ‘Antifungal drugs past, present and what the future holds’, Annual Meeting Australasian Society for Microbiology, Sydney

K. ThurskyPresentation: ‘The impact of a computerised antibiotic decision support system on antibiotic prescribing in the ICU’, (Recipient of Quality Prize), RACP ASM, Canberra

Presentation: The experience with web-based computerised decision support systems at the Royal Melbourne Hospital—The search for transferability and maintainability’, Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Washington

Presentation: ‘Risk factors for post-engraftment

aspergillosis in allogeneic transplant recipients’, Infections in Immunocompromised hosts, Granada, Spain

L. WorthPresentation: ‘Incident, natural history and management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia and disease in patients with haematological malignancies in the non-allogeneic transplantation setting’, Haematology Society of Australia New Zealand HSANZ/Australian Society of Blood Banking Technology ASBT, Melbourne, October

J. Black

Invited Presentation: ‘Software solutions’, The Australian Society of Antimicrobials Conference, February


J. Sasadeusz• Lectures on Infectious Diseases to undergraduate

Medicine students (semester 8/9)• Lectures and group learning for GPs

A. Street• Lectures on Infectious Diseases to undergraduate

Medicine students (semester 8/9)• Preparation of candidates for part 1 examination, RACP

M. Slavin• FRACP lecture series: ‘Infection in the

immunocompromised host’• Revision course FRACP: ‘Treatment of invasive fungal

infections’• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre resident medical officer

lecture series: ‘Infections in cancer patients’• Postgraduate nursing course in BMT nursing: ‘Infections

in marrow transplant recipients’

M. Richards• Lectures on nosocomial infection surveillance and

hospital epidemiology for post graduate students, School of Population Health, University of Melbourne

• Lectures on Infectious Diseases to undergraduate Medicine students (semester 8/9)

D. Eisen• Director of Physician Training RMH, 2004• Lectures on Infectious Diseases to undergraduate

Medicine students (semester 8/9)

J. Hoy• Lectures on Infectious Diseases to undergraduate

Medicine students (semester 8/9)

J. Black• Lectures for Graduate Programs, Clinical Research,

Melbourne University Private• Lecture on Disease Surveillance in Emergencies to Short

Course on Refugee Health, Burnet Institute • Lecture on Communicable Disease Control in Developing

Countries, Burnet Institute• Lecture on International Surveillance to Infectious

Disease Epidemiology Unit, University of Melbourne• Lecture on Research Ethics to Introduction to Clinical

Research Unit, University of Melbourne

Res

earc

h


• Lecture on Principles of Infectious Disease to MPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University

• Coordinator and Lecture, Master of International Research Bioethics (MIRB) course, Critical Appraisal Skills Unit, Monash University

Supervision• Ms Judy Chang, PhD (University of Melbourne, Co-

Supervisor: Professor Sharon Lewin)• Dr Michelle Giles, ‘Barriers to prevention of vertical

transmission of HIV’, PhD (Monash University, 2004–07, Co-Supervisor: Dr Joe Sasadeusz)

• Ms Anna Hutchinson, ‘Viral exacerbation of COPD’, PhD (University of Melbourne, 2004–07, Co-Supervisor: Dr James Black)

• Dr Chris Lemoh, ‘HIV in Victoria’s African Communities’, PhD (University of Melbourne, 2004–07, Co-Supervisor: Dr Alan Street)

• Dr Chris MacIsaac, ‘The role of superantigens in septic shock’, PhD (University of Melbourne, 2002–05, Supervisors: Dr Kumar Visvanathan & Professor John Cade)

• Dr Paul Vinton, ‘An evaluation of a new test for the detection of latent TB infection’, PhD (University of Melbourne, 2004–07, Co-Supervisor: A/Professor B-A. Biggs)

• Dr Leon Worth, ‘Risk factors and surveillance for catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with haematological malignancy’, PhD (University of Melbourne, 2004–07, Co-Supervisor: Dr Monica Slavin)

• Ms Natalie Lane. BSc (Hons) (Monash University, Supervisor: Professor Sharon Lewin)


S. LewinInvited Reviewer: Career Scientist Awards and Project Grants, The Ontario HIV Treatment Network

Invited Reviewer: NHMRC Centre for Clinical Research Excellence Grants

Invited Reviewer: NHMRC Fellowship Grants

Member: HIV Committee, Ministerial Advisory Committee on AIDS, Sexual Health and Hepatitis

M. SlavinSession Chair and Organiser: Mycology Interest Group Meeting, Australasian Society for Infectious diseases, Alice Springs, May

Session Chair: ‘Invasive Fungal Infection’ Session, Australasian Society for Microbiology, Sydney

Session Chair: Mycology Slide Session, ICAAC, Washington DC

Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases Inaugural Colloquium, 12 November 2004: ProgramWelcome Professor Graham Brown

Overview of clinical research at the CCREID Dr Joe Sasadeusz

Travel medicine and the GeoSentinel network Dr Joe Torresi

The role of superantigens in septic shock Dr Chris MacIsaac

Cytomegalovirus study Dr Leon Worth

Fungal infections in oncology/haematology patients Dr Orla Morrissey

HIV in Victoria’s African Communities Dr Chris Lemoh

HIV/Hepatitis B co-infection in the era of HAART Professor Sharon Lewin

Undiagnosed encephalitis (The CLUE Study) Dr Caroline Marshall

Computer-assisted decision support Dr Karin Thursky

The impact of a computerised decision support system on antibiotic prescribing for adults with community acquired pneumonia Dr Kirsty Buising

Managing clinical research projects Dr Megan Brooks

Introducing graduate programs in clinical research and Masters in International Bioethics Dr James Black

Note: Specific details relating to Seminars, Teaching and Training, Conference and Seminar Presentations, and Professional Activities of CCREID Investigators Professor Graham Brown, A/Professor Beverly-Ann Biggs, Dr Joseph Torresi and A/Professor Stephen Rogerson, are described elsewhere in this report.

Contact Details

Dr Megan Brooks, Clinical Trials Manager Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases (CCREID) Victorian Infectious Diseases Service 9 North, City Campus, Main Block Royal Melbourne Hospital Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel: +61 3 9342 8896 Fax: +61 3 9342 2107 Email: [email protected]

Colloquium Organiser, Dr Megan Brooks, with Professor Graham Brown at the CCREID Colloquium, November 2004

Research

35

Bone and Mineral ResearchPrincipal: Professor John D. Wark

Research Highlights

Activities of the Bone and Mineral Service are underpinned by an integrated approach to research, teaching and patient care. High-profile publications have been produced in several areas: the impact of pregnancy and lactation on bone health; twin studies of the effects of nutritional indices on bone; a major review of vitamin D analogues; and the effects of vitamin D on falls risk.

Current research projects

The twin research program is ongoing and productive. Current studies include the heritability of gait and balance function, effects of smoking on bone health, genetic and environmental influences on bone biomechanics at the hip. Our epidemiological study of bone health in Asian Australians is recruiting actively. A collaborative research program with the Royal Melbourne Hospital Department of Neurology is also underway and is studying effects of anti-epileptic drugs on bone health.

Research Projects completed during 2003/2004

We completed a major randomised controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of falls and fractures in the elderly in residential care. Several twin projects were also completed: effects of hormone replacement therapy on bone; a randomised controlled trial of calcium supplementation in young females; the pregnancy-lactation study.


Original Articles and Published PapersGuthrie, J., Lehert, P., Dennerstein, L., Burger, H., Ebeling, P. & Wark, J. The relative effect of endogenous estradiol and androgens on menopausal bone loss: a longitudinal study. Osteoporosis International 15: 881–6

Briggs, A., Greig, A., Wark, J., Fazzalari, L. & Bennell, K. A review of anatomical and mechanical factors affecting vertebral body integrity. International Journal of Medical Sciences 11: 170–80

Cameron, M., Paton, L., Nowson, C., Margerison, C., Frame, A. & Wark J. The effect of calcium supplementation on bone density in premenarcheal females: A co-twin approach. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 89: 4916–22

BooksWriting group: Colman, P., Diamond, T., Dunning, P., Galbraith, K., Greenwood, E., Handelsman, D., Jackson, R., Kingsford, M., O’Dea, K., Perry-Keine, D., G. Shenfield, Stockigt, J., Stuckey, B., Torpy, D. & Wark, J. D. Therapeutic

Guidelines: Endocrinology (2nd edn, version 3), Therapeutic Guidelines Limited, North Melbourne.

Chapters

Paton, L., Beck, T., Nowson, C., Cameron, M., McKay, H., Forwood, M. & Wark, J. A co-twin calcium intervention trial in premenarcheal girls: cortical bone effects by hip structural analysis. Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis. P. Burckhardt, B. Dawson-Hughes and R. Heaney. California, Academic Press: 35–43

Published Proceedings of National / International Meetings

Reginster, J. Y., Seeman, E., Badurski, J., Ryan, P., Charles, P., De Vernejoul, M. C., Wark, J. D., Brandi, M. L. & Meunier, P. J. Strontium ranelate reduces the risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in Caucasian women with post-menopausal osteoporosis. 2nd Asian Regional IOF Conference on Osteoporosis, Hong Kong, 16–18 January

Briggs, A. M., Wark, J. D., Bennell, K. L., Kantor, S., Fazzalari, N. & Greig, A. M. Intra-vertebral bone mineral density assessment using DXA: A pilot study. International Physiotherapy Congress, Adelaide, 15–18 May

Wark, J. D., Petty, S., Paton, L., O’Brien, T. J., Sambrook, P., Makovey, J. & Berkovic, S. Anti-epileptic drug use and bone health: A study of exposure discordant twins and sister pairs. Calcified Tissue International, vol. 74, suppl. 1, p. 114, S73-S74, 31st European Symposium on Calcified Tissues, Nice, France, 5–9 June

Scherer, S., Jennings, C., Rule, J., Smeaton, M., Farrell, M., Garratt, S., Flicker, L., Davis, I. & Wark, J. Promotion of hip protectors in residential aged care. 1st Australian Falls Prevention Conference, Sydney, 21–23 November

Paton, L., Beck, T., Semanick, L., Kantor, S., Teh, R., Nowson, C. & Wark, J. D. Genetic and environmental contributions to hip strength in female twins aged 18 and over. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 61

Paton, L., Beck, T., Nowson, C., Margersion, C., Semanick, L., Kantor, S. & Wark, J. D. Hormone replacement therapy and measures of hip strength: A co-twin analysis. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 51

Hutabarat, T. N., El Haber, N., Bond, E. L., Hill, K., Paton, L. M. & Wark, J. D. Comparison of lower limb strength, balance, gait stability values between Asian Australian and Caucasian Australian women. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 97

Matthews, B. L., Bennell, K. L., McKay, H. A., Khan, K. M. & Wark, J. D. A longitudinal study of exercise effects on bone mass and structure in pre- and early- pubertal female novice dancers and controls. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 96

Res

earc

h


Matthews, B. L., Bennell, K. L., McKay, H. A., Khan, K. M., Baxter-Jones, A. D. G., Mirwald, R. L. & Wark, J. D. Dancing for Bone Health: A 3-year longitudinal study of exercise effects on bone mineral accrual across puberty in females. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 96

El Haber, N., Hill, K., Cassano, A-M., Paton, L. M., MacInnis, R., Hopper, J. L. & Wark, J. D. Balance, gait and strength changes in 45–78 year old healthy women: A follow up study. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 9

El Haber, N., Hill, K., Cassano, A-M., Cui, J. S., MacInnis, R., Hopper, J. L. & Wark, J. D. Balance, performance, muscle strength and gait function in women: Effects of Ggenes and environment. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 62

Flicker, L., MacInnis, R., Stein, M., Scherer, S., Mead, K., Nowson, C., Thomas, J., Lowndes, C., Hopper, J. L. & Wark, J. D. Should all older people in residential care receive vitamin D to prevent falls? Results of a randomised trial. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 56

Briggs, A. M., Wark, J. D., Kantor, S., Fazzalari, N., Greig, A. M. & Bennell, K. L. Intra-vertebral bone mineral density assessment using DXA: A pilot study. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 85

Briggs, A. M., Wark J. D., Kantor, S., Teh, R., Greig, A. M. & Bennell, K. L. Intra-rater and inter-rater precision of measuring apparent bone mineral density in vertebral subregions using supine lateral dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in vivo. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society, Annual Scientific Meeting, Hunter Valley, 18–20 August, p. 85

Paton, L. M., Beck, T. J., Semanick, L., Kantor, S., Teh, R., Nowson, C. & Wark, J. D. Genetic and environmental contributions to hip strength: In female twins aged 18 and

over. 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Washington, 1–5 October, S48

Flicker, L., MacInnis, R. Stein, M., Scherer, S., Mead, K., Nowson, C., Thomas, J., Lowndes, C., Hopper, J. L. & Wark, J. D. Should all older people in residential care receive vitamin D to prevent falls? Results of a randomised Trial. 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Washington, 1–5 October, S99

Grants Victor Hurley Medical Research Fund, Royal Melbourne Hospital: J. D. Wark, T. J. O’Brien, S. Petty, 2004, ‘The effect of anti-epileptic medications on bone mineral density, balance and fracture risk—A twin and matched sister study’: $7500

NHMRC Project Grant: J. D. Wark, C. J. Segan, R. H. Osborne, C. Nowson & P. Ebeling, 2004–06 , ‘Smoking cessation and bone health: Observational and intervention studies in twins and a Quitline population’: $634,613

ARC LIEF Grant: K. Bennell, J. D. Wark, S. Bass, N. L. Fazzalari, M. R. Forwood, C. H. Turner, J. G. Clement, R. M. Daly & H. McKay, 2004, ‘The peripheral quantitative computed tomography facility for analyzing bone material and structural’: $164,640

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Aust P/L Grant-in-Aid: J. Wark, R. Osborne, A. Dalton & E. Hristov, 2004, ‘A naturalistic (“real life”) comparison of osteoporosis therapies: The comprehensive cohort study (CCS) design including a nested randomized trial (RCT): A pilot program’: $62,617

ANZ Charitable Trust: K. Bennell, A. Greig & J. Wark. ‘Efficacy of a physiotherapy intervention programme for individuals with a history of osteoporotic vertebral fracture: A randomised controlled pilot study’: $15,000

Grant-in-Aid, Aventis Pharma: 2004–05, ‘Evaluation of an osteoporosis education and support program: A randomized controlled trial’: (Stage 1 funding approx.) $60,000

NHMRC Project Grant: R. Buchbinder, D. Connell, R. Osborne, J. Wark, P. Ebeling & S. Graves, 2004–07, ‘Efficacy and safety of vertebroplasty for the treatment of painful osteoporotic spinal compression fractures’: $568,000

Back row, L–R: Professor John Wark (Head), Katie Mapp (Trials Co-ordinator), Allison Greig (PhD Student), Andrew Briggs (PhD Student), Li Lan (Visiting Researcher), Caroline O’Donnell (Trials Co-ordinator), Sharon Gill (Trials Co-ordinator)

Front row, L–R: Natalie El Haber (PhD Student), Elizabeth Hristov (Clinical Trials Manager), Lauren Day (Project Officer), Mandy Frame (Research Assistant), Cheng Long Lu (AMS Student)

Research

37

CollaborationsCollaborations with: The University of Melbourne: Department of Physiotherapy, Centre for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Physiology, Department of Medicine (St Vincent’s Hospital), Centre for Gender Health, Dental Science; World Health Organization (Ageing and Health/Life Course and Health Program); Deakin University; Department of Geratology, University of Western Australia; School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Canada; Edith Cowan University, Western Australia; Royal Freemasons Homes of Victoria; Institut Recherche Medical, Geneva, Switzerland; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA; Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide; Department of Anatomy, University of Queensland.


J. D. WarkPresentation: ‘Falls prevention for older people’, A Program of National Workshops on Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies, Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Melbourne and Bendigo, March

Invited Presentation: ‘Update on osteoporosis’, Geriatric Medicine Advanced Trainee Course, April

Presentation: ‘Vitamin D, falls and fractures’, Osteoporosis Excellence Conference, Keble College, Oxford, April

Invited Speaker: ‘Vitamin D, bone health and falls’, Network Meeting, Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE), Manchester, June

Invited Speaker: ‘Collaborative studies on vitamin D, falls and fractures’, Endocrinology Forum, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, June

Invited Key Note Speaker: ‘Stopping hip fracture by understanding gene environment interactions’, Bone Research Symposium, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, June

Presentation: ‘Ethics, radiation and research’, Paediatric Bone Symposium, Sydney, August

Invited Speaker to Media Conference: ‘Genetic and environmental contributions to hip strength in female twins aged 18 and over’, 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Washington, 1–5 October

Invited Speaker: ‘Vitamin D and falls’, Infrastructure Team International Symposium, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Visiting Professor in Bone Health, University of British Columbia, 6 October

Invited Speaker: ‘Understanding hip strength: A life-long exercise’, School of Human Kinetics Seminar Series, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Visiting Professor in Bone Health, University of British Columbia, 7 October

SupervisionN. El Haber, ‘Genetic and environmental determinants of gait/balance in adult female twins’, PhD

B Matthews, ‘Exercise and skeletal health in childhood and adolescence’, PhD

A. Greig, ‘Effects of a physiotherapy intervention programme on individuals with a history of osteoporotic vertebral fracture’, PhD

A. Briggs, ‘Strength and endurance of trunk extensor muscles, thoracic range of motion and the role of transversus abdominis in patients with vertebral fractures’, PhD

S. Petty, ‘The effect of anti-epileptic medications on bone mineral density, bone turnover and fracture risk’, MSc

K. Bolton, ‘The effect of exercise and physiotherapy on bone density in osteoporotic post menopausal women’, Master of Physiotherapy (Research)T. Hutabarat, ‘Gait and balance function in Asian Australians’, AMS, 2003–04

H. Hadimulia, ‘Early bone loss in glucocorticoid treated patients’, AMS, 2004–05

C. Long Lu, ‘Early mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced bone loss’, AMS, 2004–05


J. D. WarkMember: Endocrine Society of Australia

Member: Australian Society for Medical Research

Member: Endocrine Society (US)

Member: The University of Melbourne Medical Society

Member: Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell Biology

Member: American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Member: Australian Diabetes Society

Member: Bone and Tooth Society

Foundation Member of Council: Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society (ANZBMS)

Honorary Treasurer: ANZBMS (1993–94)

Member: Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, ANZBMS

Member: International Bone and Mineral Society

Member: Medicolegal Society

Member: Medical Research Society

Member: Asia Pacific Menopause Federation

Member: International Society of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions

Member: Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, Scientific Advisory Council

Contact Details

Professor John WarkDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourne4th Floor Clinical Sciences Building Royal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel: + 61 3 8344 5201Fax: +61 3 9347 1863Email: [email protected]

Res

earc

h


Neuropharmacology Research GroupPrincipal: Associate Professor Terence J. O’Brien

Research Highlights

Epilepsy and Neuropharmacology related research in the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) covers a wide range of basic science and clinical areas. The two main foci of the research are individual outcomes to epilepsy treatment and functional neuroimaging. Some of the key research projects being undertaken by the group are listed below:

Basic Models of Epilepsy• Investigation into the effect of neuropeptide Y-related

mechanisms in a genetic model of absence epilepsy.• The neuropharmacological mechanisms underlying the

aggravation of absence seizures by carbamazepine utilising a genetic rat model.

• Development of a mouse model to investigate the mechanisms underlying the adverse weight and bone effects of treatment with the anti-epileptic drug valproate.

• The effect of stress, hypercortisolaemia and early life exposures on epileptogenesis in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

• Serial functional (PET) and structural (MRI) neuroimaging of changes occurring during epileptogenesis in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy.

• Saturation ENU mutagenesis screen for novel anti-epileptic and anti-epileptogenic genes.

• Role of proteases in the mechanisms of acquired limbic epileptogenesis.

• Functional genomics of rodent models of epilepsy.

Human Function Neuroimaging Studies• Pathological and clinical significance of the region of

hypometabolism on FDG-PET in medical refractory TLE.• Diffusion tensor MR, contrast-enhanced perfusion MR

and MR spectroscopy in TLE.• Patterns of hyperperperfusion on ictal SPECT in subtypes

of partial epilepsy and relationship to outcome.

Clinical Outcome Studies• Pharmacogenetic study of the outcome of newly treated

epilepsy.• Long-term outcome (seizure, psychosocial and quality of

life) outcomes of the ‘First Seizure’ population.• Long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes of medically

refractory partial epilepsy, and relationship to markers of neurobiological progression of the disease.

• Long-term outcome of non-epileptic seizures (seizure, psychosocial and quality of life).

• Long-term discordant twin sister cohort study of effects of anti-epileptic drug use on bone health and fracture risk.


Carne, R., O’Brien, T., Kilpatrick, C., MacGregor, L., Hicks, R., Murphy, M., Bowden, S., Kaye, A. & Cook, M. MRI-negative PET-positive temporal lobe epilepsy: A distinct surgically remediable syndrome. Brain 127: 2276–85 [I.F. 7.967]

Lowe, A., David, E., Kilpatrick, C., Matkovic, Z., Cook, M., Kaye, A. & O’Brien, T. Epilepsy surgery for pathologically proven hippocampal sclerosis provides long-term seizure control and improved quality of life. Epilepsia 45: 237–42 [I.F. 3.549]

Ghougassian, D., D’Souza, W., Cook, M. & O’Brien, T. Evaluating the utility of inpatient video-EEG monitoring. Epilepsia 45(8): 928–32 [I.F. 3.549]

Back row, L–R: Thomas Zheng (BSc Hons Student), Rink-Jan Lohman (PhD Student, joint with Pharmacology), Bianca Jupp (PhD Student/Research Assistant), Linda Dalic (BSc Hons Student), Susan Senn (PhD Student), Caroline Ng (BSc Hons Student, joint with Physiology)

Front row, L–R: Damian Myers (Senior Research Fellow, Physiology), Terry O’Brien (A/Professor and Head), Margaret Morris (A/Professor, Pharmacology), Gurav Kumar (Research Fellow), Valentina Jovanovska (Research Assistant)

Absent: Brendan Adams (PhD Student, joint with Physiology), Navina Kris (AMS Student), Mervyn Kyi (AMS Student), David Liu (AMS Student), Laureen Sulpit (AMS Student), Colleen Bermingham (Personal Assistant to A/Professor Terry O’Brien)

Research

39

O’Brien, T., So, E., Cascino, G., Hauser, M., Marsh, W., Meyer, F., Sharbrough, F. & Mullan. B. Subtraction SPECT coregistered to MRI in focal malformations of cortical development: Localization of the epileptogenic zone in epilepsy surgery candidates. Epilepsia 45(4): 367–76 [I.F. 3.549]

Vinton, A., Carino, J., Vogrin, S., MacGregor, L., Kilpatrick, C., Matkovic, Z. & O’Brien, T. ‘Convulsive’ non-epileptic seizures have a characteristic pattern of rhythmic artifact distinguishing them from convulsive epileptic seizures. Epilepsia 45(11): 1344–50 [I.F. 3.549]

Vinton, A., Fahey, M. C., O’Brien, T. J., Shaw, J., Storey, E., Gardner, R. J. McK., Mitchell, P. J., Du Sart, D. & King, J. O. Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy in three generations, with clinical courses from nearly asymptomatic elderly to Severe Juvenile, in an Australian Family of Macedonian Descent. American Journal of Medical Genetics (2004 online pre-publication: <http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/110527934/ABSTRACT> [I.F. 2.286]

Ongoing Grants

Victorian Government Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Grant. Molecular Medicine Informatics Model (MMIM): Melbourne Health Pilot Project. P. Gibbs, M. A. Rosenthal, P. Colman, T. J. O’Brien, M. Wollmering & S. Anderson, 2004–05: $1,600,000

Collaborations

A/Professor Margaret Morris, Department of Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne; Dr Chris Reid, Dr Damian Myers & Professor David Williams, Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne; Professor Simon Foote, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute; Professor Rodney Hicks, Centre for Molecular Imaging, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute; Professor Christine Kilpatrick & Dr Zelco Matkovic, Department of Neurology, RMH; Dr John Williams & Dr David Howells, Howard Florey Institute; A/Professor Sandra Rees, Department of Anatomy, University of Melbourne; Dr Marienne Hibbert, Mr Robert Merriel, A/Professor Peter Coleman & Dr Peter Gibbs, Molecular Medicine Informatics Model (MIMM), Melbourne Health; Dr Thomas Cocks, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne; Professor Samuel Berkovic, Epilepsy Research Institute, Austin Health, University of Melbourne; Dr Wendy D’Souza & Professor Mark Cook, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne; Dr Sof Andrikopoulos, Department of Medicine, Austin Health; Professor John Wark, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH); Professor R. Edward Hogan, St Louis University, Missouri, USA; Professor David Ficker & Professor Michael Priveta, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Professor Elson So and Professor Gregory Cascino, The Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA.

Awards and Prizes

Dr Anita Vinton (PhD Student): James Lance Award for Best Registrar Presentation, Australian Association of Neurologists

Dr Anita Vinton (PhD Student): NHMRC Research Scholarship

Dr Sofie Adams (PhD Student): Epilepsy Society of Australia UCBPharma Fellowship

Susan Senn (et al.): Australian Computer Society ‘Innovative use of Technology’ Award, and Young Achievement Australia ‘Company of the Year’ Award


T. J. O’BrienPresentation: ‘Anti-epileptic drug pharmacology for psychiatrists and pain specialists’, Neuroscience Forum, Melbourne, 20–22 February

Presentation: ‘Rat models of absence epilepsy: What can they tell us about the human condition?’, Epilepsy Society of Australia Meeting, Sydney, 25 February

Presentation: ‘Antiepileptic medications: Epilepsy update for trainees meeting’, Annual Scientific Meeting of Australian Association of Neurologists, Perth, May

Presentation: ‘Women with epilepsy’, 5th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, August

Presentation: ‘Pregnancy, epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs’, Inaugural Beijing International Forum, Beijing, China, 21–23 October

Presentation: ‘The normal EEG in children and adults’, AAN EEG Course, 1–2 November, Sydney

Presentation: ‘Animal models in epilepsy’, Annual Meeting of the Epilepsy Society of Australia, Sydney, 3–5 November

Convener: ‘Investigator workshop pharmacoresistance’, Annual Meeting of the American Epilepsy Society, New Orleans, December

Staff and students presented scientific papers at the following conferences:

2 oral, 4 poster: Australian Neuroscience Conference, Melbourne, January

2 oral, 6 poster: Annual Scientific Meeting of Australian Association of Neurologists, Perth, May

1 oral: 5th Asian and Oceanic Epilepsy Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, August

2 oral, 8 poster: Annual Meeting of the Epilepsy Society of Australia, Sydney, November

1 oral, 11 poster: Annual Meeting of the American Epilepsy Society, New Orleans, USA, December

Res

earc

h



T. J. O’Brien• Tutorials and topic session lectures in Neurology to

Semester 8/9 Medicine students, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne.

• Member: Semester 8/9 OSCE Committee, The University of Melbourne

• Member: Advanced Medical Science Committee, The University of Melbourne

• Co-coordinator: Advanced Medical Science Program, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne.

• PhD student supervision• BSc (Hons) student supervision• AMS student supervision

Supervision

Doctoral Students• Rosemary Panelli, ‘Effect of an epilepsy support program

in a first seizure clinic’• Bianca Jupp, ‘PET hypometabolism and MRI perfusion

and diffusion changes during acquired epileptogenesis in a rat kindling model of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy’

• Cassandra Szoeke, ‘Epilepsy, genetics and anti-epileptic drugs’

• Anita Vinton, ‘The mechanisms underlying hypometabolism on FDG-PET and the relationship with EEG activity’

• Brendan Adams, ‘Thalamocortical network activity in a model of childhood absence epilepsy’

• Susan Senn, ‘Pharmacogenomics: Valproate-associated weight changes in nine inbred strains of mice’

• Sophie Adams, ‘ Long-term follow-up study of neuropsychiatric Co-morbidity in Focal Epilepsy’

• Rink-Jan Lohman, ‘The role of proteases and their receptors in epilepsy’

• Sandra Petty, ‘The effect of anti-epileptic medications on bone mineral density, bone turnover and fracture risk’

Epilepsy FellowsRaju Yerra, MB, BS, ‘Psychosocial and seizure outcome following new onset epilepsy’

Simon Jones, MB, BS. ‘Outcome following diagnosis of psychogenetic non-epileptic seizures’

Advanced Medical Science Students

David Liu, ‘Autoradiography and PET study of changes in hippocampal flumazenil during epileptogenesis in rat models of TLE’ (2004–05)

Mervyn Kyi, ‘Changes in calcium T-type channel structure and function in a rat model of generalised absence epilepsy’ (2004–05)

Lauren Supit, ‘Maternal depravation as a susceptibility factor for the development of epileptogenesis in adult rats’ (2004–05)

Navina Krishnasamy, ‘The effect of focal enhancement in NPY expression in brain regions in a rat model of genetic generalised epilepsy’ (2004–05)

Student Completions

• Abbie Couper, ‘The acceleration of epileptogenesis by corticosteroids in the rat amygdaia kindling model’, BSc (Hons) 2004

• Emma Gannan, ‘The suppression of generalised epileptic seizures by neuropeptide Y in a genetic rat model’, BSc (Hons) 2004

• Suroor Khan, ‘Receptor PET Imaging in Animal Models of Epileptogenesis’, BSc (Hons) 2004

• Talfik Taher, ‘Acceleration of Epileptogenesis by Low Dose Corticosterone in a Rat Model, AMS, 2003–04


T. J. O’BrienMember: Investigator Workshop Committee, American Epilepsy Society

Member: Scientific Program Committee, American Epilepsy Society

Member: Neurophysiology Advisory Committee, The Australian Association of Neurologists

Member: Medical Advisory Board of the Australian Registry of Anti-epileptic Drugs in Pregnancy

Regular public education letters for the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria (lay support body) in: Women’s Issues in Epilepsy; Surgery for Epilepsy

Regular educational lectures to rural general practitioners for VMPF in: Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease (Portland); Women’s issues in the management of epilepsy (Warrnambool, Horsham)

Contact Details

Associate Professor Terence J. O’Brien Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) The University of Melbourne 4th Floor Clinical Sciences Building Royal Melbourne Hospital Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

Tel : +61 3 8344 3260 Fax : +61 3 9348 2254 Email: [email protected]

Research

41

Centre for Rheumatic DiseasesPrincipal: Professor Ian Wicks (Professorial Fellow)

Research Highlights

The Centre for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD) conducts clinical research into patient education, quality of life and service delivery in the musculoskeletal diseases. A key highlight has been the development of a questionnaire to evaluate the impact of chronic disease education programs—the HEI-Q (Health Education Impact Questionnaire). This will be done in collaboration with State branches of the Arthritis Foundation, which provides these courses throughout Australia. The questionnaire, now a licensed University of Melbourne product, is being implemented nationally as a quality-monitoring tool and will provide valuable evidence about the effectiveness of this intervention at the community level.

Another highlight has been the initiation of a large DHS-funded project to develop a Management and Prioritisation Tool for Orthopaedic Waiting Lists. The waiting list for elective joint surgery is a growing problem at all levels of the health care system, particularly as the population ages. This project involves several sites across Victoria—Melbourne Health; Western Hospital; Dandenong, Geelong, and Goulburn Valley Health (Shepparton) Hospitals—reflecting a variety of local factors in service delivery environments. The aim of this project is to harness the co-operation and goodwill of all stakeholders to produce a standardised, equitable approach to this important problem.

Summary of projects being undertaken in the Centre and collaborations with other groups:

• Development and implementation of a National Self-Management Quality and Monitoring System, including the construction and validation of the HEI-Q, Health Education Impact Questionnaire.

• Development of the orthopaedic waiting list prioritisation and management tool.

• The Orthopaedic Waiting List (OWL) cohort study.• The efficacy and safety of vertebroplasty for treatment of

painful osteoporotic spinal fractures: a randomised trial (A/Professor R. Buchbinder, Monash University).

• Smoking cessation and bone health: observational and intervention studies in twins and a Quitline population (Professor J. Wark, Department of Medicine, RMH/WH).

• A naturalistic (‘real-life’) comparison of osteoporosis therapies: The comprehensive cohort study (CCS) design including a nested randomised controlled trial (RCT): A pilot study Professor (Professor J. Wark, Department of Medicine, RMH/WH).

• Evaluation of the Better Health Self-Management Course delivered to people with arthritis and related disorders.

• Measurement of outcomes of patient self-management course in arthritis: Validation of the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) Instrument.

• Evaluation of a patient support program (ACTNOW) in the treatment of osteoporosis (Professor J. Wark, Department of Medicine, RMH/WH).

• The burden of musculoskeletal medicine on the Victorian health care system.

Back row, L–R: Kerry Haynes (Project Manager), Lara Edbrooke (Research Officer), Deb Robbins (Research Officer), Vinita Chopra (Musculoskeletal Care Coordinator/Research Officer), Tanja Famer (Musculoskeletal Care Coordinator), Lucy Busija (PhD Student), Richard Osborne (Senior Lecturer)

Front row, L–R: Ilana Ackerman (PhD Student), Penny Dodds (Personal Assistant to Dr Richard Osborne), Rosie Molloy (Musculoskeletal Care Coordinator), Anjali Haikerwal (Research Fellow), Jennifer Critchley (Musculoskeletal Care Coordinator/Research Officer), Dianne Ferguson (Administrative Officer), Ian Wicks (Professor and Head)

Absent: Sandra Nolte (MSc Student), Kate Dalton (Research Nurse), Luke Tellefson (Administrative Assistant), Angelo Iezzi (Research Officer)

Res

earc

h



Osborne, R. H., Spinks, J. & Wicks, I. Patient education and self-management programs in arthritis. MJA 180: S23–S26.

Segal, L., Day, S., Chapman, A. & Osborne, R. H. Can we reduce disease burden from osteoarthritis? The development of an evidence based health sector wide priority setting model. MJA 180: S11–S17.

Haines, T. P., Bennell, K. L., Osborne, R. H. & Hill, K. D. Effectiveness of targeted falls prevention programme in sub-acute hospital setting: A randomised controlled trial. British Medical Journal 328: 676–82.

Osborne, R. H., Elsworth, G. R., Sprangers, M. A. G., Oort, F. J. & Hopper, J. L. H. The value of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for comparing women with early onset breast cancer with population-based reference women. Quality of Life Research 13: 191–206.

Osborne, R. H., Sali, A., Aaronson, N., Elsworth, G., Mdzewski, B. & Sinclair, A. Immune function and adjustment style: do they predict survival in breast cancer? Psycho-Oncology 13: 199–210.

New Grants

University of Melbourne Grants Scheme: S. Graves, K. Bennell & R. H. Osborne, 2004, ‘Monitoring and management of orthopaedic waiting lists to improve outcomes from total hip and knee replacement surgery’: $38,000

Arthritis Foundation of Australia: R. H. Osborne, R. Buchbinder, C. Hill & S. Graves, 2004, ‘Quality of Life, disability and prioritisation of people waiting for joint replacement surgery’: $10,000

NHMRC Project Grant, ID 284354, No Salary: R. Buchbinder, D. Connell, R. H. Osborne, J. D. Wark, P. Ebeling & S. Graves, 2004–07, ‘Efficacy and safety of vertebroplasty for treatment of painful osteoporotic spinal fractures: a randomised trial’: $223,250 (2004); $258,250 (2005); $68,250 (2006); $62,610 (2007)

NHMRC Project Grant, ID 299968, No Salary: J. D. Wark, C. Segan, R. H. Osborne, C. Nowson & P. Ebling, 2004–06, ‘Smoking cessation and bone health: Observational and intervention studies in twins and a Quitline population’: $245,188 (2004); $245,188 (2005); $231,188 (2006)

Victorian Department of Human Services: S. G. Graves, R. H. Osborne, I. Wicks & C. Brand, 2004–06, ‘Development and implementation of a model for comprehensive prioritisation and management of orthopaedic waiting lists (OWL)’: $460,236 (2004/05); $255,825 (2005/06)

Novartis Consumer Health Inc: J. D. Wark, R. H. Osborne & A. Dalton, 2004–05, ‘A naturalistic (“real-life”) comparison of osteoporosis therapies: The comprehensive cohort study (CCS) design including a nested randomized controlled trial (RCT): A pilot study’

Ongoing Grants

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Improvement Grants Program: R. H. Osborne, 2003–04, ‘Development and implementation of a National Self-Management Quality and Monitoring System’: $66,000

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Improvement Grants Program: S. Graves & R. H. Osborne, 2003–04, ‘Orthopaedic waiting lists and waiting-related deterioration: Development and validation of a self-management model to better manage long waiting lists and prevent declining wellbeing’: $66,000

BUPA Australia Health Insurance Pty Ltd: R. H. Osborne, 2003–04, ‘Evaluation of the Better Health Self Management Course delivered to people with arthritis and related disorders’: $12,600

Arthritis Foundation of Australia: R. H. Osborne & R. Buchbinder, 2003–04, ‘Measurement of outcomes of patient self-management course in arthritis: Validation of the assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) Instrument’: $10,000

Collaborations

Extensive collaborations exist between staff at the Centre for Rheumatic Diseases and musculoskeletal health researchers within the Royal Melbourne Hospital and other hospitals and/or universities. These include the following studies:

Project: A four-year NHMRC funded multi-centre randomised controlled trial of vertebroplasty painful osteoporotic lumber spine fractures

Project: Arthritis Foundation of Australia grant-in-aid for the validation of the Assessment of Quality (AQoL) questionnaire for use in arthritis and for evaluation of arthritis self-management programs across Australia

Collaborators: Dr Richard Osborne, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne, A/Professor Rachelle Buchbinder, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Cabrini Hospital

Project: Smoking cessation and bone health: observational and intervention studies in twins and a Quitline population

Collaborators: Professor John Wark, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne; Dr Richard Osborne, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne and others.

Project: The RMH OWL (orthopaedic waiting list) cohort where all people on the orthopaedic waiting list enter our cohort and are followed until one year after their surgery. This cohort now contains more than 300 subjects.

Collaborators: Dr Richard Osborne; Professor Stephen Graves, Professor of Orthopaedic Research, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), University of Melbourne; A/Professor Kim Bennell, School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne; and Professor Ian Wicks, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases

Project: A major DHS-funded elective surgery healthcare reform initiative; the OWL Prioritisation and Management Project. This project is midway though developing an

Research

43

evidence-based system for rational prioritisation and care of people while waiting for surgery. It involves in-depth interviews with stakeholders (surgeons, senior hospital management, allied health staff, consumers, policymakers) and involves close collaboration with clinicians and researchers at three sites—RMH, Dandenong Hospital, Western Hospital and Goulburn Valley Health (rural site). This project is a particularly exciting collaboration as it is bringing together a wide range of healthcare professionals, consumers and policymakers to ensure a fairer healthcare process (incorporating physical, social and economic needs). It will permit people from disadvantaged groups (e.g. people with less education, non-English speaking and with limited knowledge of the healthcare process) to obtain the most timely care. It will also ensure, through a multi-disciplinary clinic, that individuals get all appropriate conservative management including referrals to self-management programs.

Collaborators: Professor S. Graves, Dr Richard Osborne and Professor Ian Wicks, Centre for Rheumatic Diseases; Dr Caroline Brand, CEHSRU, RHM; and Mr Richard de Steiger Department of Orthopaedics. The management and prioritisation system is being simultaneously constructed/validated in Melbourne and Bristol (UK) in collaboration with Professor Paul Dieppe, Director, MRC Health Services Research Collaboration, University of Bristol, UK. Professor Dieppe is an international leader in osteoarthritis and orthopaedic prioritisation.


R. H. Osborne Forum Presentation: ‘Self-Management Programs: Can they be used to improve the management of chronic disease across the acute and community sectors?’, Primary & Community Health Branch, Rural & Regional Health & Aged Care Services, Department of Human Services, Melbourne, August

Symposia Presentation: ‘Should self-management be made widely available in Australia. How best to deliver and fund care of the chronically ill’, Royal Australian Collage of Physicians Annual Scientific Meeting, May

Workshop Presentation: ‘Evaluation and development of the evidence-base for self-management programs in Australia’, Australian Rheumatology Association Annual Scientific Meeting, May

Workshop Presentation: ‘Development of questionnaires from first principles to meet the needs of lay practitioners, health care professionals, researchers, funders and policy makers’, Tenth Annual National Health Outcomes Conference: Perspectives on Population Health, Australian Health Outcomes Collaboration, Canberra, 15–16 September

Presentation: ‘The national system for evaluation and monitoring the benefits of consumer education and self-management programs’, National Forum to Explore Capacity and Quality in Chronic Disease Self-Management Leader Training—Sponsored by the Chronic Disease Management

Section, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Adelaide, July

Invited Symposia Presentation: ‘Chronic disease self-management education programs: A new generic system for program evaluation, quality assurance and research’, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, October

Invited Symposia

Osborne, R. H., Whitfield, K., Spinks, J. & Elsworth, G. ‘Evaluation of health education programs: The development of the Health Education Impact Questionnaire (HEI-Q)’, 18th World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education, Melbourne, April

Ackerman, I. N., Bennell, K. L., Graves, S. & Osborne, R. H. ‘Physical and psychological morbidity of patients waiting for hip and knee replacement surgery’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference, Cairns, May

Osborne, R. H., Whitfield, K. & Spinks, J. ‘Opportunities for group self-management programs to reduce the burden of arthritis in Australia’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference, Cairns, May

Osborne, R. H., Whitfield, K., Spinks, J. & Elsworth, G. ‘The new national system for evaluation and monitoring of chronic disease self-management programs: The Health Education Impact Questionnaire (HEI-Q)’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference, Cairns, May

Newell, B., Whitfield K. & Osborne, R. H. ‘Does course leader (peer vs health professional) or type of Self-Management Course matter? Findings from a large Australian and New Zealand survey’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference. Cairns, May

Osborne, R. H., Whitfield, K., Newell, B., Iezzi, A. & Buchbinder, R. ‘Precision in the measurement of the quality of life in arthritis? A validation of the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL) instrument’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference, Cairns, May

Youd, J. M., Buchbinder, R., Connell, D., Malara, F. M. & Osborne, R. H. ‘Outcome of patients undergoing vertebroplasty for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference, Cairns, May

Hill, C. L., Buchbinder, R., Taylor, A., Ryan, P., Graves, S. E. & Osborne R. H. ‘Socio-economic status and provision of joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis (OA) in Australia’, 46th Australian Rheumatology Association Conference, Cairns, May

Haines, T. P., Bennell, K., Osborne, R. H. & Hill, K. ‘Effectiveness of an education program in addition to usual subacute care for the prevention of falls’, Australian Falls Prevention Conference, Manly, NSW, 21–23 November

Haines, T. P., Bennell, K., Osborne, R. H. & Hill, K. ‘Effectiveness of an exercise program in addition to usual subacute care for the prevention of falls and improvement in

Res

earc

h


physical function’, Australian Falls Prevention Conference, Manly, NSW, 21–23 November

Haines, T. P., Bennell, K., Osborne, R. H. & Hill, K. ‘Effectiveness of hip protector, falls risk alert card and patient/family member information brochure interventions in addition to usual subacute care in the prevention of falls and hip fractures program’, Australian Falls Prevention Conference, Manly, NSW, 21–23 November

Haines, T. P., Hill, K., Bennell, K. & Osborne, R. H. ‘Establishing the predictive accuracy of falls risk screening tools in the hospital setting—Difficulties and solutions’, Australian Falls Prevention Conference, Manly, NSW, 21–23 November

Supervision

• Ms Sandra Nolte, ‘Outcomes evaluation of chronic disease education programs’, Master of Science

• Ms Ilana Ackerman, ‘Cohort studies and preoperative intervention for joint replacement’, PhD

• Mr Terry Haines, ‘Randomised Controlled Trial falls prevention in subacute setting’, PhD

Student Completions

• Ms Melanie Hawkins BSc, BHSc, ‘Does response shift confound outcome measurement of people participating in chronic disease self-management programs?’, Master of Public Health


R. H. Osborne Steering Committee Member: Victorian Population Health Survey, Department of Public Health, Victorian Department of Human Services

Member: National Health Priority Action Council (NHPAC), Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing

Member: National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Advisory Group (2003–)

Committee Member: National Service Improvement Framework for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions (2004–)

Grant Reviewer: National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia

Grant Reviewer: New South Wales Cancer Council

Grant Reviewer: South Australian Cancer Council

Contact Details

Dr Richard H. Osborne AFV Centre for Rheumatic Diseases Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) The University of Melbourne 7 East Main Building Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050


Rheumatology ResearchPrincipals: Dr Lynden Roberts and Dr Sharon Van Doornum (both appointed in August 2004)

Dr Lynden Roberts

Research Highlights

Translational research based around an inception cohort of early inflammatory arthritis.


Lim, E., Wicks, I. P. & Roberts, L. J. ‘Intracardiac thrombosis complicating antiphospholipid antibody syndrome’. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 135–7

Elso, C. M., Roberts, L. J., Smyth, G. K., Thomson, R. J., Baldwin, T. M., Foote, S. J. & Handman, E. ‘Leishmaniasis host response loci (lmr1-3) modify disease severity through a Th1/Th2-independent pathway’. Genes and Immunity 5: 93–100

Roberts, L. J. ‘New Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis’. New England Journal of Medicine 351: 2659

New Grants

The University of Melbourne: Lynden Roberts, ‘Early Career Researchers Grant’: $36,000


Deputy Director, Physician Training, Royal Melbourne Hospital


Postgraduate Coordinator: Department of Medicine (RMH/WH)

Member: HMO Committee, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Convenor: Optimal Management of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Network (OMERAN)

Contact Details

Dr Lynden RobertsDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourne 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences BuildingRoyal Melbourne Hospital Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

T: +61 3 8344 3249F: +61 3 9347 1863E: [email protected]

Research

45

Dr Sharon Van Doornum

Research Highlights

• The effect of treatment with atorvastatin on arterial stiffness and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• The effect of treatment with tumour necrosis factor antagonists on arterial stiffness and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.


Van Doornum, S., McColl, G. & Wicks, I. P. ‘Atorvastatin reduces arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis’. Ann Rheum Dis 63: 1571–5

New Grants

Royal Australian College of Physicians: Sharon Van Doornum, 2004, ‘RACP Fellowship (Pfizer)’: $50,000

Arthritis Foundation of Australia: Sharon Van Doornum, 2004, ‘Fellowship’: $40,000 (declined due to other commitments)


Teaching Medicine students—Professional Development Tutor


Member: Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA)

Member: ARA Education and Training Subcommittee (since 2000)

Chairperson: Victorian Branch, ARA

Advisor: Medical Workforce, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Member: Royal Australian College of Physicians

Invited Speaker: ‘Systemic Inflammation and Vascular Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Box Hill Hospital Physicians Conference, October

Contact Details

Dr Sharon Van DoornumDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of Melbourne 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences BuildingThe Royal Melbourne Hospital Royal Parade, Parkville, Vic. 3050

T: +61 3 8344 3279F: +61 3 9347 1863E: [email protected]

Res

earc

h

Dr Sharon Van DoornumDr Lynden Roberts


Clinical Gastroenterology Group, Western Hospital Principal: Professor Neville D. Yeomans

Research HighlightsThe Unit of the Department of Medicine at Western Hospital was led by Professor Neville Yeomans, MB BS Melb, MD Mon, FRACP, FACG, until his resignation from the University in October 2004. The Unit, now under the acting directorship of A/Professor Andy Giraud, carries out basic science research aimed mainly at understanding gastrointestinal oncogenesis, damage and repair. (See entry for Gastrointestinal Cancer Group). The other major area is clinical research directed at particularly the therapeutics of peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease and the irritable bowel syndrome.

A new area, now being led by Dr Alex Boussioutas, is the interface between clinical and laboratory science for understanding the pathogenesis of gastric and esophageal cancer and tailoring therapy according to the underlying genetic defects. (See entry Gastric Cancer Group.)

A major interest of the principal investigator is the epidemiology and management of upper gastrointestinal injury produced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including low dose aspirin and selective COX-2 inhibitors.

Recent studies have included an international collaboration to determine the prevalence, incidence, predisposing risk factors and symptomatology of gastric damage produced by low doses (used for cardiovascular protection) of aspirin. This is now being followed up with a large multinational study lead by the principal investigator to examine the efficacy of a potential protective therapy against aspirin ulceration. A novel agent for treatment of pain in irritable bowel syndrome is also being studied in a Phase 2 clinical

trial; and a particularly novel approach to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection of the stomach (the main cause of peptic ulcers) is about to be examined in a proof of concept study to be carried out by the advanced trainees in gastroenterology, Drs Jakobovits, Le and Raj.

Drs Chen and Iser are examining the cardiac consequences for patients presenting with gastrointestinal hemorrhage, Dr Kronborg, with the assistance of Ms Brigita Gregorevic the Clinical Trials Manager, conducts clinical trials for the treatment of viral hepatitis, and Dr Chen researches the safety and accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound.

Principal Investigators

Professor Neville D. YeomansDr Alex BoussioutasDr David IserDr Robert ChenDr Steven Kolt Dr Ian KronborgDr Anhuan LeDr Simon JakobovitsDr Melvin Raj

Grants

NHMRC 208984 Project Grant: 2002–04, ‘Mechanisms of repair and adaptation in the gastric mucosa: roles of COX-2 and growth factors’

Collaborations

Collaborations with: Professor Christopher Hawkey, Nottingham, UK; Dr Angel Lanas, Zaragoza, Spain; Professor Nick Talley, Rochester, USA; Professor Alan Thomson, Edmonton, Canada.

Awards/Prizes

Neville Yeomans: Distinguished Research Prize Lecture, Gastroenterological Society of Australia, Brisbane

Conferences

N. YeomansSymposium Organiser and Speaker: European League against Rheumatism Annual Conference, Berlin

Invited Speaker: International Gastroenterology Symposium, Munich

Workshop Organiser and Speaker: Asian Pacific Digestive Week, Beijing

Research

Professor Neville D. Yeomans

47

Teaching

N. YeomansSemesters 8 and 9, Medicine students

FRACP Part I and II


N. YeomansCouncil Member: Asia–Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE)

Chair: Education and Research Committee, APAGE

Editor: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

International Associate Editor: American Journal of Gastroenterology

Member: Editorial Board, Digestive and Liver Disease

Member: Editorial Board, Current Gastroenterology Reports

Chair: Graduate Australian Medical Schools Policy Committee

Member: Monash University Clinical Academic Promotions Committee

Member: Clinical Governance Committee, Western Health

Member: Western Health Operations Team

Member: Western Health Quality Committee

Member: Western Health Medical Appointments Committee

Faculty CommitteesConvenor: Integrated Clinical Practice (Semester 12) MBBS/BMedSc

Chair: Semester 12 Board of Examiners

Contact Details

Associate Professor Andy GiraudDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of MelbourneWestern HospitalFootscray, Vic. 3011

Tel: +61 3 8345 6210/6252Fax: +61 3 9318 1157Email: [email protected]

Gastrointestinal Cancer Group, Western Hospital Principal: Associate Professor Andy Giraud

Research Highlights

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation, development and metastasis of gastric and colorectal cancer. There is also a subsidiary program centred on inflammatory bowel disease, particularly the application of novel, natural therapeutics in alleviating disease progression and relapse. Research highlights include:

• The role of the transcription factor STAT3 in gastric neoplasia.

• The role of inflammation in STAT3 induced gastric neoplasia.

• Gp130 ligands differentially regulate gastric cancer invasion and growth.

• Dysregulation of IL-6 family cytokine signaling in precancerous lesions of the human stomach.

• The role of A33, Reg 1 and TFF2 in gastric cancer initiation and progression.

• Mechanisms of anti-tumour actions of NSAID’s in the gut.• The role of IL-6 family cytokines in colitis.• Pro-GRP-derived peptides in colorectal cancer.


Judd, L. M.,* Alderman, B. M.,* Howlett, M., Shulkes, A., Dow, C., Moverley, J, Grail, D., Jenkins, B. J., Ernst, M. & Giraud, A. S. Gastric cancer development in mice lacking the SHP2 binding site on the IL-6 family co-receptor gp130. Gastroenterology 126:196–207 (IF13.4) Joint first authors. (Published a new model of gastric cancer development.)

Giraud, A. S., Pereira, P., Judd, L. M., Thim, L. & Parker, L. M. The trefoil peptide TFF2 inhibits NO production by down-regulating iNOS expression in a monocyte cells line (RAW 264.7) and suppresses nitrated protein production in healing rat colon following colitis. Peptides 25:803–09 (IF 2.6) (Demonstrated how the trefoil peptide TFF2 may have endogenous anti-inflammatory actions.)

Dumesny, C. J., Whitley, J. C., Baldwin, G. S., Giraud, A. S., Howlett, M. & Shulkes, A. Developmental expression and biological activity of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and GRP receptors in the kidney. American Journal of Physiology—Renal Physiology 287:F578–85. (IF 5) (First demonstration of GRP peptides in the kidney.)

Franic, T. V., Judd, L. M., Nguyen, N. V., Samuelson, L. C., Loveland, K. L., Giraud, A. S., Gleeson, P. A. & van Driel, I. R. Growth factors associated with gastric mucosal hypertrophy in autoimmune gastritis. American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 287(4):G910–18 (Interaction between gastrin and Reg family members in gastric pathology.)

Res

earc

h


Gawenis, L. R., Lesoussal, C., Judd, L. M., Prasad, V., Alper, S. L., Stuart-Tilley, A., Woo, A. L., Grisham, C., Sanforns, L. P., Doetschman, T., Miller, M. L. & Shull, G. E. Mice with a targeted disruption of the AE2 Cl-/HCO3- exchanger are achlorhydric. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279(29):30531–9 (First demonstration of the crucial role of anion exchanger AE2 in gastric acid secretion.)

New Grants

NHMRC Project Grant: A. S. Giraud, L. M. Judd, N. Yeomans & M. Ernst, 2004–06, ‘Factors that regulate the initiation, progression and submucosal invasion in gastric cancer’: $442,500

The Steel Group of Victoria Equipment Grant: L. M. Judd & A. S. Giraud, 2004: $5000

Ongoing Grants

NHMRC Project Grant: A. Shulkes & A. S. Giraud, 2002–04, ‘Bombesin-like peptides as autocrine growth factors in colorectal cancer’: $416,960.

NHMRC Project Grant: N. D.Yeomans, B. M. Alderman & A. S. Giraud, 2002–04, ‘Mechanisms of repair and adaptation in the gastric mucosa: role of Cox 2 and growth factors’: $389,000

NHMRC Project Grant: B. Jenkins, A. S. Giraud & M. Ernst, 2003–05, ‘Genetic dissection of the gp130 signaling network: implications in the initiation of gastric cancer’: $431,000

CollaborationsProject: ‘Mammalian bombesin (gastrin releasing peptide) as a hormone in pregnancy’ (1993–)

Collaborator: Professor A. Shulkes, Dept of Surgery, University of Melbourne at Austin Hospital

Outcomes: 7 papers published; 3 papers submitted; 2 successful NHMRC grants: 1997–99 & 2002–04

Project: ‘Cytokine signalling via gp130 regulates trefoil peptide gene expression’ (2000–)

Collaborator: Dr Mathias Ernst, Colon Biology group, Ludwig Institute, Melbourne

Outcomes: 5 abstracts; 2 papers; successful NHMRC application 2003–05

Project: ‘The role of Helicobacter pylori Cag pathogenicity island proteins in imbalancing IL-6/IL-11 signalling pathways and promoting gastric neoplasi’ (2003–)

Collaborators: Professor Rick Peek, Vanderbilt University, USA; Professor Takeshi Azuma, Kobe University, Japan; Professor M. Hatakeyama, Hokkaido University, Japan; Dr Richard Ferrero, Monash University; Professors Richard Strugnell and Roy Robins-Browne, University of Melbourne

Project: ‘The role of Reg gene members in gastric cancer initiation and progression’, and ‘The role of trefoil factor peptides in gastric pathology’ (2004–)

Collaborators: A/Professor Ian van Driel, University of Melbourne. Outcomes: submitted ARC Discovery grant 2005–08; 1 paper published; 1 paper in press

Project: ‘The role of trefoil factor peptides in biliary disease’

Collaborator: Dr R.Idilman, Ankara University School of Medicine, Turkey.

Outcomes: 1 paper submitted

Project: ‘Gut maturation in the wallaby’

Collaborators: Dr Mary Familari and Dr Kevin Nicholas, University of Melbourne

Outcomes: 1 paper in press


A. S. GiraudKeynote Speaker: 2nd International Conference Asian Helico-bacter Infection and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Kyoto, Japan

Invited Speaker: ‘Inflammation and cancer’, Research Symposium, Digestive Diseases Week (DDW) /American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), New Orleans, USA

Invited Lecturer: ‘Meet-the-investigator’, DDW/AGA, New Orleans, USA

Moderator: ‘Hormones & receptors’, Research Forum, DDW/AGA, New Orleans, USA

Invited Speaker: Asia–Pacific Gastric Cancer Consortium meeting, Couran Cove, Australia

Invited Speaker: 4th International Trefoil Peptide Meeting, Illkirch, France

Back row (L–R): Anthony Peterson (BSc Hons Student), Niklas Wangberg (MPharm Student), Teo Franic (Postdoctoral Fellow), Andy Giraud (Lab. Head), Cameron Jackson (PhD Student)

Front row (L–R): Colleen McGregor (Environmental Technologist), Jill Moverley (Histologist), Meegan Howlett (Research Assistant), Louise Judd (Senior Research Officer), Meera Ulaganathan (Research Assistant), Anastasia Kalantzis (BSc Hons Student), Julie Holland (Administrative Assistant), Sagal Serar (Technical Assistant)

Research

49

L. M. JuddSymposia Presentation: ‘Exaggerated activation of STAT-3 is crucial for tumorigenesis in a mouse model of gastric adenocarcinoma’, DDW/AGA, New Orleans, USA

Symposia Presentation: ‘Sulindac inhibits tumor development in a mouse model of gastric adenocarcinoma’, DDW/AGA, New Orleans, USA

Workshop Presentation: ‘Role of IL-6 in inhibiting epithelial cell invasion in a mouse model of gastric cancer’, Tumour Immunology Workshop, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute


• BSc (Hons) lecture series (A. S. Giraud)• PhD student supervision (L. M. Judd & A. S. Giraud)• BSc (Hons) student supervision (L. M. Judd & A. S. Giraud)

Supervision

• Anastasia Kalantzis, ‘Signalling through gp130 in colon homeostatis and repair’, BSc (Hons)

• Anthony Peterson, ‘Tumour suppressor genes in gastric cancer’, BSc (Hons)

• Cameron Jackson, ‘Implications for gastric cancer initiation and development of disregulation of IL-6 family photocytokin signalling pathways’, PhD (Supervisors: L. M. Judd & A. S. Giraud)


A. S. GiraudMember: NHMRC Project Grant Review Panel

Member: Abstract Review Committee, American Gastroenterological Association

Member and Acting Chair: Melbourne Health Animal Ethics Committee


Grant Reviewer: National Heart Foundation (Australia)

Grant Reviewer: The Cancer Council (Victoria)

Grant Reviewer: Wellcome Trust (UK)

Grant Reviewer: Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation of South Australia

Member: EHS Committee, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH)

L. M. JuddMember: American Gastroenterological Association


Contact Details

Associate Professor A. S. GiraudDepartment of Medicine (RMH/WH)The University of MelbourneWestern HospitalFootscray, Vic. 3011

Tel: +61 3 8345 6210/6252Fax: +61 3 9318 1157Email: [email protected]

Gastroesophageal Cancer Group, Western Hospital Principal: Dr Alex Boussioutas

Research Highlights

The Gastroesophageal Cancer Group is divided between Western Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Research Division.

The Western Hospital is focusing on the pathogenesis of gastric cancer through the investigation of premalignant stages of gastric cancer that involve chronic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. The model for this study is to use human material collected at endoscopy to determine gene candidates involved specifically with the premalignant progression of gastric cancer, and study those genes in an available animal model to investigate potential mechanism. This is occurring in collaboration with A/Professor Giraud with the use of his animal model of gastric malignancy.

The Peter MacCallum arm of the projects deal with genomic studies into the sub-classification of gastric cancer and the use of microarray technology as a potential prognostic tool. Another project is the evaluation of biomarkers for early disease using proteomics and correlating the results with microarray data. In addition, another arm of investigation is into the mechanism of invasion using similar techniques.


Gorringe, K. L., Boussioutas, A. & Bowtell, D. D. Novel regions of chromosomal amplification at 6p21, 5p13, and 12q14 in gastric cancer identified by array comparative genomic hybridisation. Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer 42: 247–59

New Grants

NHMRC Project Grant (288714): Professor David Bowtell & Dr Alex Boussioutas, 2004–06, ‘Gastric cancer: Early detection of disease, relapse and prediction of extent of disease: $420,000

Collaborations

Dr Boussioutas has collaborations with Professor David Bowtell at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and has been involved in the creation of an Asia–Pacific Consortium investigating gastric cancer with collaborators:

• Dr Patrick Tan, National Cancer Center, Singapore• Dr SY Leung, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong• Professor Hiroyuki Aburatani, University of Tokyo, Japan• Professor Hyun Cheol Chung, Yonsei Cancer Centre, Korea

Other collaborators include:• Professor Hong Li, Dalian Medical Center, PR China• Professor Stephen Meltzer, University of Maryland, USA

Res

earc

h


Contact Details

Dr Alex Boussioutas Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) The University of Melbourne Western Hospital Footscray, Vic. 3011


• Professor Eleftherios Diamandis, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada

• Professor Ben Cravatt, Skripps, La Jolla, USA

Awards and Prizes

Alex Boussioutas: AstraZeneca Emerging Leaders in Medicine Award


A. BoussioutasSpeaker: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Grand Rounds

Convener and Presenter: Inaugural Asia–Pacific Gastric Cancer Conference, Couran Cove, Queensland.


A. Boussioutas• Lectures to undergraduate Medicine students (including

clinical examination), Western Hospital• AMS assessment• FRACP clinical tutorials • RACP lecture series in Gastroenterology


A. BoussioutasMember: Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee

Member: Hereditary Bowel Cancer Committee, Cancer Council of Victoria

Member: Medical Advisory Committee, Western Hospital

Examiner, Australian Medical Council

Member: Gastroenterological society of Australasia

Member: American Gastroenterological Association

Founding Member: Asia–Pacific Gastric Cancer Consortium

Grant Reviewer: NHMRC Grants Review Panel

Reviewer: NHMRC Australia and Singapore

Reviewer: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Reviewer: Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer (journal)R

esearch

Dr Alex Boussioutas

51

Professor Stephen DavisProfessor Stephen Davis heads the Neurology Department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The department’s activities include: Stroke Care Unit/Stroke Research Program, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Unit, Epilepsy Program, and Department of Neurophysiology.

Research Highlights

The major thrust of stroke research involves the use of brain imaging with innovative MRI techniques aimed at better understanding the potential benefits of acute stroke therapies and the physiological modifications on ischemic brain markers. There is also a large stroke trials program, and a number of investigator-driven trials are coordinated at the RMH.

Professor Davis’ strong research program has an international reputation for acute therapy research and clinical trials. The work of the Stroke Care Unit is supported through funding from a NHMRC Program Grant and the National Heart Foundation.

The Clinical Research Program in Epilepsy is headed by A/Professor Christine Kilpatrick and A/Professor Terry O’Brien, whose laboratory work is described elsewhere in this report.

The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program, led by Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, involves clinical activities at the RMH and basic laboratory activities at The Howard Florey Institute. A/Professor John King heads the MS Clinical Trials Program at the RMH. The MS Program is supported by grants from the NHMRC, the National MS Society of the USA and Multiple Sclerosis Australia.


Allport, L. E., Butcher, K. S., Baird, T. A., MacGregor, L., Desmond, P. M., Tress, B. M., Colman, P. & Davis, S. M. Insular cortical ischemia is independently associated with acute stress hyperglycemia. Stroke 35: 1886–91

Barber, P. A., Parsons, M. W., Desmond, P. M., Donnan, G. A., Tress, B. M. & Davis, S.M. Use of PWI and DWI measures in the design of ‘proof of concept’ trials. J Neuroimaging 14: 123–32

Butcher, K. S., Baird, T. A., MacGregor, L., Desmond, P. M., Tress, B. M. & Davis, S. M. Peri-haematomal oedema in primary intracerebral haemorrhage is plasma derived. Stroke 35: 1879–85

Carne, R. P., O’Brien, T. J., Kilpatrick, C. J., Macgregor, L. R., Hicks, R. J., Murphy, M. A., Bowden, S. C., Kaye, A. H. & Cook, M. D. MRI-negative PET positive temporal lob epilepsy: identification of a distinct surgically remediable syndrome. Brain 127: 2276–85

Ghougassian, D. F., D’Souza, W., Cook, M. J. & O’Brien, T, J. Evaluating the utility of inpatient video-EEG monitoring. Epilepsia 45(8): 928–32

Lowe, A., David, E., Kilpatrick, C. J., Matkovic, Z., Cook, M. J., Kaye, A. & O’Brien, T. J. Epilepsy surgery for pathologically proven hippocampal sclerosis provides long-term seizure control and improved quality of life. Epilepsia 45(3): 1–6

Petratos, S., Butzkueven, H., Shipman, K., Cooper, H., Bucci, T., Reid, K., Lopes, E., Emery B., Cheema, S. S., Kilpatrick, T. J., Pitman, M., Emery, B., Binder, M., Wang, S., Butzkueven, H. & Kilpatrick, T. J. LIF receptor signalling modulates neural stem cell renewal. Mol Cell Neurosci 27: 255–66

Rubio, J. P., Bahlo, M., Tubridy, N., Stankovich, J., Burfoot, R., Butzkueven, H., Chapman, C., Johnson, L., Marriott, M., Mraz, G., Tait, B., Wilkinson, C., Taylor, B., Speed T. P., Foote, S. J. & Kilpatrick, T. J., Extended haplotype analysis in the HLA complex reveals an increased frequency of the HFE-C2824 mutation in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Hum Genet 114(6): 573–80

Awards and Prizes

Dr Louise Allport (postgraduate student): National Young Investigator Award, Australian Association of Neurologists Annual Science Meeting, Perth

Dr Anita Vinton (postgraduate student): National Young Investigator Award, Australian Association of Neurologists Annual Science Meeting, Perth

Professor Davis: Mervyn Eadie Award for Career Achievement in Neuroscience Research

Prominent Activities

A dedicated Multiple Sclerosis Outpatient Clinic, established in 2003, is now operating once a month in conjunction with MS Victoria. It provides a multidisciplinary approach through physiotherapy and bladder care management in addition to medical review. The management of patients in this clinic has been streamlined with the inauguration of a computerised database program supervised by Dr Helmut Butzkueven. Important links have also been forged with the Neuro-Urology Service headed by Helen O’Connell.

The main enhancement to clinical services in Neurophysiology in 2004 was the establishment of the neurovestibular laboratory headed by Dr Owen White. (In July 2005, the department commenced a new Movement Disorders Program, headed by Dr Andrew Evans, at the RMH campus.)

Contact Details

Professor Stephen Davis Director, Department of Neurology Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050

Email: [email protected]

Res

earc

h: H

on

ora

ry F

ello

wsResearch: Honorary Fellows


Professor Richard FoxResearch Highlights

Collaborative Program with the Hyaluronan Research Laboratory, Monash University Hyaluronic Acid Chemosensitising Transport (HyACT) Technology

Studies with the Hyaluronan research laboratory at Monash University’s Department of Biochemistry had shown a series of in vitro and preclinical nude mouse model studies with human breast and colon cancer cell lines that formulations of hyaluronic acid, combined with a range of chemotherapeutic drugs, increased the therapeutic effectiveness of the anti-cancer drugs while reducing certain key toxicities.

In particular, studies with colon cancer cell lines showed the combination of hyaluronic acid with the widely used drug Irinotecan (Camptosar), which is used in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer to increase the sensitivity of the cell lines to toxicity by Camptosar.

A major clinical problem with Irinotecan is that it is converted to a metabolite product (SN38), which induces a partially secretary diarrhoea. This is associated with loss of crypt depth and an inflammatory infiltrate. Clinical studies have reported grade 4 diarrhoea in the order of 20–30 per cent of patients, and there has been no effective method preventing this diarrhoea. Other toxicities include neutropenia and nausea and vomiting. The diarrhoea has been quite unpredictable, which has been a major clinical problem with the use of this drug.

A phase I clinical study of the combination of hyaluronic acid and Camptosar was carried out in early 2004. These were patients with locally advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer previously treated with Fluorouracil. Some twelve patients were enrolled in this study and evaluated for response and toxicity. In these patients there was one case of grade 3 (i.e. 8 per cent) diarrhoea against an expected 19 per cent, and one of grade 4 neutropenia against an expected 34 per cent.

The encouraging results in this phase I study has led to the commencement of a randomised phase II study in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. in which patients are randomised to treatment with standard Camptosar or the hyaluronic acid/Camptosar combination.

Basic in vitro studies with cultured cell lines and in mice suggest that the effect of hyaluronic acid is to reduce the conversion of Irinotecan to its toxic metabolite SN38, but not within tumour cells. This study is ongoing.


Fox, R. M. Commentary on the ASCO and ESMO evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the use of hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors. In G. Morstyn, M. A. Foote & G. J. Lieschke (eds), Hematopoietic Growth Factors in Oncology, G. Human Press

Ritchie, D. S., Grigg, A. P., Roberts, A. W., Rosenthal, M. A., Fox, R. M. & Szer, J. Staged autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation for Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 431–4

Brown ,T., Falzon, J., Pho, M., Hatherll, E., Vaghella, K., Wilson, J., Fox, R., Gibbs P., Rosenthal, M., Fraser, R. & Brownlee, G. The development of hyaluronic acid as a targeted transport vehicle for chemotherapeutic drugs. In Hyaluronic Acid 2003 Proceedings. Matrix Biology Institute: 1–15

Wong, S., Rosenthal, M. A., DeBoer, R., Green, M. D. & Fox, R. M. Five years managing non-small cell lung cancer: experience at a teaching hospital. Intern Med J 34(8): 458–63

Rosenthal, M. A., Gibbs, P. & Fox R. M. Phase I and pharmacokinetic evaluation of intravenous hyaluronic acid in combination with doxorubicin or 5 fluorouracil. Chemotherapy 51: 132–41

Awards and Prizes

Pierre Fabre Award for Contribution to Australian Oncology


Guest Speaker: Pierre Fabre Lecture at AGM of Clinical Oncological Society in Australia

Member: Board of Directors, Meditech Research Limited

Chairperson: Working Party for Development of National Guidelines for Management of Malignant Lymphoma

Member: Ministerial Cancer Taskforce (Vic.)

Contact Details

Professor Richard Fox Director, Department of Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050


Research

: Ho

no

rary Fellow

s

53

Associate Professor Louis IrvingResearch Highlights

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital provides care and a consultative service for in-patients and out-patients with respiratory diseases. This includes the diagnosis and management of asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer and sleep apnoea. As part of the hospital admission reduction program (HARP) we have developed community-based pulmonary rehabilitation (Melbourne Easy Breathers) and an outreach respiratory nursing service. The lung function laboratory provides a diagnostic service for patients with respiratory disease and athletes with exercise-related problems. Members of the department teach respiratory physiology and medicine to undergraduates at the University of Melbourne and a wide variety of health care professionals.

The department has recently introduced a number of new services:

• The Respiratory Care Unit: a 4-bed unit providing ward-based, high-level respiratory care including non-invasive ventilation and tracheostomy care.

• The Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit: a 2-bed unit providing pulmonary rehabilitation for in-patients with acute respiratory problems; the first of its type in Victoria.

• The Eucapnia Voluntary Hyperpnoea (EVH) challenge testing for exercise-induced asthma: this challenge test is the optimal diagnostic test recommended by the International Olympic Committee for the diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma in athletes. The Royal Melbourne Hospital is the only facility offering this challenge test in Victoria.

• Cardio-pulmonary Exercise Testing: used in the diagnosis of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms, measurement of VO2max, exercise prescription, and pre-operative assessment.

Research activities

The Department of Respiratory Medicine is involved in the following areas of research:

• Industry-sponsored clinical trials of drugs for the management of asthma, COPD and lung cancer.

• Molecular targets involved in the pathogenesis of COPD. This is a collaboration with A/Professor Gary Anderson from the CRC for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Professor Graham Brown and Dr James Black from the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases and Dr Caroline Brand, Department Clinical Epidemiology, RMH. It has involved establishing the Melbourne COPD cohort.

• Investigation of exercise-induced asthma in elite athletes. This is led by Dr Karen Holzer, with A/Professor Peter Bruckner as a major collaborator.

• Self-management in acute severe asthma. Collaboration with School of Physiotherapy, LaTrobe University.

Research projects completed • 7 industry sponsored clinical trials• Role of virus infection in exacerbations of COPD

Current research projects• The Role of Bronchial Provocation Challenge tests in the

diagnosis of EIB in swimmers• 6 industry-sponsored clinical trials involving patients with

asthma, COPD and lung cancer

Clinical staff (2.0 EFT)Director: A/Professor Louis Irving; Deputy Director: Dr Abe Rubinfeld; Dr David Smallwood; Dr Karen Holzer (Sports Medicine Physician)

Research staffMs Annette Cross: Clinical Trials Coordinator; Ms Susanne Schulz: Clinical Trials Coordinator; Ms Carolyn Webb: Clinical Trials Coordinator; Ms Michelle Thompson: Research Nurse


Holzer, K. & Brukner, P. Screening of athletes for exercise-induced bronchoconstruction. Clin J Sport Med. 14: 134–8

Brukner, P., White, S., Sawdon, A. & Holzer, K. Screening of athletes: Australian experience. Clin J Sport Med. 14: 169–77

Jennens, R. R., de Boer, R., Irving, L.B., Ball, D. L. & Rosenthal, M. A. Differences of opinion: A survey of knowledge and bias amongst Australian clinicians regarding the role of chemotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Chest 126: 1985–93

Manser, R. L., Irving, L. B., Stone, C., Byrnes, G., Abramson, M. & Campbell, D. A. Screening for lung cancer. Cochrane Data Base of Systemic Reviews (1): CD001991

Irving, L. B. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Lung Cancer. NHMRC [chapter]

Irving, L. B. Therapeutic Guidelines: Respiratory [chapter]

Grants

Victorian Lung and Tuberculosis Association; NHMRC

Awards and Prizes

Dr Karen Holzer: NHMRC Post Doctoral Practitioner Fellowship

Ms Ana Hutchison: NHMRC PhD Scholarship

A/Professor Louis Irving: Teacher of the Year, RMH Clinical School

Res

earc

h: H

on

ora

ry F

ello

ws


Supervision

• Dr Anil Ghimir, ‘Role of viruses in exacerbations of COPD’, MMed (University of Melbourne)

• Ms Ana Hutchison, ‘Biomarkers for exacerbations of COPD’, PhD

• Dr Adam Castricum, “The role of bronchial provocation callenge tests in the diagnosis of EIB in swimmers’, Masters of Sports Medicine (University of Melbourne)

• Ms Karen Donald, ‘Psychological variables in self management of asthma’, PhD (collaboration with La Trobe University)

• Ms Ana Hutchison, ‘Pathogenesis and inflammatory markers in COPD’, PhD (collaboration with CRC–CID)

• Ms Karen Donald, ‘Self-management in acute asthma’, PhD

• Ms Sophie Bermingham, ‘The impact of exercise-induced asthma on exercise in footballers’, AMS

Contact Details

Professor Louis Irving Director, Department of Respiratory Medicine Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050


Dr Stephen Jane

Dr Stephen Jane is head of the Bone Marrow Research Laboratories (BMRL) at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The BMRL is staffed by four principal investigators and a team of thirty scientists, students and technical support staff. The laboratories have a strong research program funded by the NHMRC, NIH, State Cancer Councils and various other sources. Dr Jane is funded through a NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship administered by the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH).

The BMRL has had a number of research highlights in the past twelve months. Foremost was the awarding of the Premier’s Prize to Dr Stephen Ting, who recently completed his PhD at the BMRL through the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH). Accompanying this was the Smorgon Family Prize in recognition of the BMRL’s contribution to Dr Ting’s work. Both prizes are extremely prestigious and reflect the quality of the work undertaken in the laboratories.

The international standing of the BMRL was also evident in the quality of publications produced. Thirty-five articles were published in top-ranking, peer-reviewed journals that included Science, Nature Medicine, EMBO Journal, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Development and Blood. In addition, substantial peer-reviewed funding was obtained from the NHMRC and Cancer Council.

The support of Professor Graham Brown and the University of Melbourne’s Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) has been invaluable in 2004, and we look forward to closer collaboration in partnership with Bio21 in the forthcoming years.

Contact Details

Dr Stephen Jane Bone Marrow Research Laboratories Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050


esearch: H

on

orary Fello

ws

55

Professor Jonathan M. Kalman

Research Highlights

The Department of Electrophysiology and Pacing is a major unit of the Cardiology Department at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with a national and international reputation for research into cardiac arrhythmias and for management of patients with difficult cardiac arrhythmias. The department has three to five full-time research fellows under the directorship of Professor Jonathan Kalman and the supervision of electrophysiology staff. The program attracts research applicants from around Australia as well as from international centres. Over the past year, fellows from Sydney, Adelaide, England, Scotland and New Zealand have completed or entered the program.

The department performs ambulatory and interventional clinical research in the department of electrophysiology and in the cardiac surgical operating suites. Applied electrophysiology research is performed in the University of Melbourne animal laboratory in Werribee.

Over recent years, members of the department have won both national and international awards. Most recently Professor Kalman was awarded the 2003 R. T. Hall Prize of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, which is the most prestigious research award given to a senior investigator by the society. Dr Prashanthan Sanders, who completed his fellowship in early 2003, has now completed his postdoctoral work and been appointed the National Heart Foundation Professor of Medicine at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

In the past year, Dr Peter Kistler has completed his PhD and won the Neil Hamilton Fairley Overseas Fellowship of the National Health and Medical Research Council 2005–2007. He was also runner-up in the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology 2004 Young Investigator Competition, and has been selected as a finalist for the Ralph Reader Prize at The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand in Perth, August 2005.


JournalsSingarayar, S. & Kalman, J. M. Focal atrial tachycardia. Is it yet time for a new paradigm? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 55: 1394–5 (Invited editorial)

Fynn, S. P. & Kalman, J. M. Pulmonary veins. Anatomy, electrophysiology, tachycardia and fibrillation. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology 27: 1547–59 (Invited review)

Cappato, R., Calkins, H., Chen, S. A., Davies, W., Iesaka, Y., Kalman, J. M., Kim, Y. H., Klein, G., Packer, D. & Skanes, A. A worldwide survey of the methods, efficacy and safety

of primary catheter ablation of human atrial fibrillation. Circulation 111: 1100–05

Kistler, P. M., Davidson, N. C., Fynn, S. P., Sanders, P., Stevenson, I. H., Spence, S., Vohra, J. K., Sparks, P. B. & Kalman, J. M. The acute effects of Angiotensin II on atrial electrophysiology in humans. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 45: 154–6

Kistler, P. M., Sanders, P., Morton, J. B., Vohra, J. K., Kalman, J. M. & Sparks, P. B. Effect of body mass index on defibrillation thresholds for internal cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 94: 370–2

Sanders, P., Kistler, P. M., Morton, J. B., Spence, S. & Kalman, J. M. Remodeling of sinus node function in patients with congestive heart failure: reduction in sinus node reserve. Circulation 110: 897–903

Fynn, S. P., Morton, J. B., Deen, V., Vohra, J. K. & Kalman, J. M. Anisotropic decremental conduction across the crista terminalis during onset of atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 15: 1–7

Kistler, P. M., Sanders, P., Morton, J. B., Fynn, S. P., Stevenson, I. H., Spence, S., Vohra, J. K., Sparks, P. B. & Kalman, J. M. Electrophysiologic and electroanatomic changes in the atrium associated with age. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 44: 109–16

Kistler, P. M., Kalman, J. M., Fynn, S. P., Stevenson, I. H., Sparks, P. B. & Vohra J. K. Irregular tachycardia with varying degrees of bundle branch block aberration: what is the mechanism? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 15: 611–15

Morton, J. B., Sanders, P. & Kalman, J. M. Ablation of atrial fibrillation. Raising expectations for patients and physicians. Heart Rhythm 1:40–2 (Invited editorial in inaugural issue)

Fynn, S. P. & Kalman, J. M. Bundle branch reentrant tachycardia in a patient with normal ventricular function. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 10: 255–9

Stevenson, I. & Kalman, J. M. MRI in the diagnosis of ARVC. The gold standard or just another imaging modality? Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 10: 27–9 (Invited editorial)

Sanders, P., Morton, J. B., Davidson, N. C., Spence, S., Vohra, J. K., Sparks, P. B. & Kalman, J. M. Electrophysiologic and electro-anatomic abnormalities in the atrium of patients with the sick sinus syndrome. Circulation 109: 1514–22

Book ChaptersMorton, J. B. & Kalman, J. M. Intracardiac ultrasound and advanced imaging for catheter ablation. In M. A. Wood & S. K. Huang, Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Principles and Practical Approach, Elsevier Co., Philadelphia

Res

earc

h: H

on

ora

ry F

ello

ws


Kalman, J. M., Sanders, P. & Morton, J. Mechanically-induced electrical remodelling in human atrium. In M. Franz, P. Kohl & F. Sachs, Cardiac Mechano-Electric Feedback and Arrhythmias: From Pipette to Patient, Elsevier Co.

Sanders, P., Morton, J. B., Sparks, P. B. & Kalman, J. M. Atrial physiology: Electrical and mechanical remodeling. In M. Zenati & D. Schwartzman, Innovative Management of Atrial Fibrillation, Blackwell-Futura Co.

Sanders, P. & Kalman, J. M. Stretch mechanisms of thoracic vein arrhythmias. In D. P. Zipes, M. Haissaguerre & S. A. Chen, Thoracic Vein Arrhythmias. Mechanisms and Treatment, Blackwell-Futura Co.

Kalman, J. M. Radiofrequency ablation of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia. In D. P. Zipes & J. Jalife, Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside (4th edn), WB Saunders Company, pp. 1069–77

New Grants

National Heart Foundation of Australia, Grant-in-Aid: Responsible Investigator J. M. Kalman, 2004–05, ‘Atrial electrical and mechanical remodeling in a chronic ovine model of hypertension’

National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, Grant-in-Aid (#244311): Responsible Investigator J. M. Kalman, 2004–05, ‘Electrical remodelling of the atrium associated with chronic stretch. Defining the substrate for atrial fibrillation’

St Jude Medical Research Grant: Principle Investigator J. M. Kalman, 2004–06, ‘Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation’: $500,0000

Guidant Corp: Principle Investigator J. M. Kalman, 2004–05, ‘Role of T wave alternans in predicting arrhytmic risk: $30,000

Medtronic Australasia: J. M. Kalman, 2004–05; ‘New modalities for mapping and ablation of ventricular tachycardia’: $35,000

Awards and Prizes

Electrophysiology Research Fellows won the following awards/prizes:

Kurt Roberts-Thompson (Adelaide) MBBS, FRACP: NHMRC Post-Doctoral Scholarship: 2004–2006; Pfizer Cardiovascular Lipid Research Grant, $50,000

Irene Stevenson (Melbourne) MBBS, FRACP: Pfizer Cardiovascular Lipid Research Grant, $50,000

Peter Kistler (Melbourne) MBBS, FRACP: Neil Hamilton Fairley Overseas Fellowship of the NHMRC, 2005–2007; Runner-up, NASPE Young Investigators Award 2004, San Francisco USA


Invited Speaker and Chairman: ‘Ablation of atrial fibrillation’, American Heart Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2004, New Orleans, USA, November

Invited Speaker and Chairman: ‘Therapy for atrial fibrillation’, 50th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, Brisbane

Invited Speaker: ‘The challenge of defeating atrial fibrillation in the aged’, Satellite Symposium on Cardiac Disease in Aging, International Society for Heart Research, Melbourne, August

Invited Speaker: ‘Mapping and ablation of atrial tachycardia originating from the mitral and tricuspid annulus’, Cardiostim, Thirteenth World Congress on Catheter Ablation, Nice, France, June

Invited Speaker and Chairman: ‘Ablation of atrial tachycardias and atrial flutter’, Cardiostim, Thirteenth World Congress on Catheter Ablation, Nice, France, June

Invited Speaker: ‘Atrial tachycardias from the pulmonary veins and atrial septum’, 25th Annual Scientific Sessions, North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, San Francisco, USA, May

Invited Speaker: ‘Intracardiac anatomy by ICE imaging’, 25th Annual Scientific Sessions, North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, San Francisco USA, May

Invited Speaker: ‘Atrial fibrillation anticoagulation, rate control and rhythm control’, Cardiology, Inaugural Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Mayo Clinic Joint Scientific Meeting, Sydney, May

Contact Details

Professor Jonathan M. Kalman, MBBS, FRACP, PHD, FACC Professor of Medicine, University of Melbourne Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050


Research

: Ho

no

rary Fellow

s

57

Professor Anne-Maree Kelly

Research Highlights

The Joseph Epstein Centre for Emergency Medicine Research (JECEMR) is located at Western Hospital in Footscray, Melbourne. The aim of the JECEMR is translating evidence into better health care by:

• Performing high-quality clinical research in the areas of emergency medicine and pre-hospital care.

• Developing partnerships for research, both across regional (intrastate, national and international) and across disciplines (ambulance, medical, nursing and community).

• Providing education and support to workers in pre-hospital care and emergency medicine in order to develop research that will improve outcomes for patients.

• Demonstrating the translation of evidence into improved practice.

Key areas of interest are the management of cardiovascular disease, pain assessment and management, therapeutics for emergency conditions, pre-hospital care research and process/outcome improvement.

Earlier in 2004, the intranasal naloxone study—a collaboration between JECEMR, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre, and the Metropolitan Ambulance Service—was completed. (Study findings will be published in 2005 in the Medical Journal of Australia)

The Asthma Discharge Management in Relation to the Emergency Department (Admire) project was a multi-centre collaboration of approximately thirty hospitals throughout Australia. It was funded by a grant to the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine from the National Health Priority Funding (Asthma) from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. The project’s aim was to improve discharge processes for patients with asthma treated in emergency departments and then discharged home. Moderate improvements in performance in some areas of asthma discharge practice from emergency departments were observed, notably, provision of a discharge letter, a list of medications and a short-term action plan.

A project funded by the Medical Benefits Fund of Australia (MBF) using three representative region hospital systems—one metropolitan, one large rural city and one small rural city—aimed to develop, implement and evaluate region-specific measures to reduce call to thrombolysis time (CTT) of eligible patients with AMI. Data was collected throughout 2002 and 2004 to compare the effectiveness of the implementation of introduced strategies; the final report is in preparation.

A prospective observational study evaluating the prevalence of previously undiagnosed dyslipidaemia in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain

was conducted throughout 2003 and 2004. Ms Charlotte Elder, a medical student from the University of Melbourne, conducted this study as an Advanced Medical Science project; the findings will be published in the Emergency Medicine Journal (UK) in 2005.


Kelly, A. M., Kerr, D. & Powell, C. V. E. Is severity assessment after one hour of treatment better for predicting the need for admission in acute asthma? Respir Med 98: 777–81

Kelly, A. M., McAlpine, R. & Kyle, E. Agreement between bicarbonate measured on arterial and venous blood gases. Emerg Med Austral 16: 407–09

Kelly, A. M. & Kerr, D. Clinical features in the ED can identify patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes who are safe for care in unmonitored hospital beds. Intern Med J 34(11): 594–7

Kelly, A. M., Bradshaw, L., & Kerr, D. Can nurses apply the Canadian c-spine rule? Can J Emerg Med 6: 161–4

Kelly, A. M. Paternalism, pragmatism or self-protection? Emerg Med Austral 16: 267–8

Kerr, D., Woodruff, I. & Kelly, A. M. Clinical nursing research: Nurses’ attitudes and activity. Collegian 11: 17–21

Kerr, D. C. & Kelly A. M. Do differences exist in treatment and outcome for women with STEMI in Australia? (Letter) Emerg Med Austral 16(1): 91–2

New Grants

National Health Priority Funding (Asthma) from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: Asthma Discharge Management in Relation to the Emergency Department (Admire)’: $375,000

Steering Committee: Professor Anne-Maree Kelly (Chair), A/Professor Alistair Meyer (Australasian College for Emergency Medicine), Ms Megan Clooney (Project Co-ordinator), Dr John Aloizos (National Asthma Reference Group representative), Ms Genevieve Herbert (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing representative), Ms Carolyn Allen (Representative of Pharmaceutical Society of Australia), Mr Robin Ould (Asthma Victoria), A/Professor Steve Doherty (Tamworth Base Hospital), Dr Miriam Harris (Royal Darwin Hospital)

Awards and Prizes

Anne-Maree Kelly: Top Peer Reviewer, Annals of Emergency Medicine, 2004

Debra Kerr: Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research Methods (Monash University)

Res

earc

h: H

on

ora

ry F

ello

ws



Anne-Maree Kelly Member: Steering Committee (Pethidine Project), Victorian Drug Usage Advisory Committee

Member: Victorian Quality Council

Member: Policy and Advisory Committee on Clinical Practice and Technology, Department of Human Services, Victoria

Debra Kerr Member: RMIT Research and Ethics Committee

Contact Details

Professor Anne-Maree Kelly, MD BS MClinEd. FACEM Western Hospital Footscray, Vic. 3011


Debra Kerr, RN MBL, Senior Fellow Western Hospital Footscray, Vic. 3011


Professor Yean L. Lim, AM Research Highlights

Coronary Imaging by 16 slice-CTThe role of CT angiography in percutaneous coronary intervention has been the main focus of research. The assessment of lesion length for stenting and the use of CT coronary angiography to assist stenting of chronic total occlusion are currently in progress and abstracts had been precented or accepted for presentation in major national and international scientific meetings.


Xiong, Zhuowei, Wahlqvist, Mark L., Ibiebele, Torukiri, Biegler, Beryl M. (deceased), Balazs, Nicholas D. H., Xiong, Dingwei & Lim, YeanLeng. Relationship between plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations, apo(a) phenotypes and other coronary heart disease risk factors in a Melbourne South Asian population. Clinical Biochemistry 37(4): 305–11

Wong, A., Mak, K. H., Chan, C., Koh, T. H., Lau, K. W., Lim, T. T., Lim, S. T., Wong, P., Sim, L. L., Lim, Y. T., Tan, H. C. & Lim, Y. L. Combined fibrinolysis using reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab with immediate rescue angioplasty versus primary angioplasty with adjunct use of abciximab for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Cathet Cardiovasc Interven 62: 445–52

Wong, A., Hsu, L. F., Teo, W. S., Mak, K. H., Kam, R., Cahn, C., Koh, T. H. & Lim, Y. L. Occurrence and type of reperfusion arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction is infact-related artery dependent. A Holter substudy of the Asia Pacific Myocardial Infarctino Trial (APAMIT). Europace 6(suppl.1): 10 (Abstract)

Contact Details

Professor Yean L. Lim Western Hospital Footscray, Vic. 3011


esearch: H

on

orary Fello

ws

59

Professor Finlay Macrae Research Highlights

Analysis of 25 years of surveillance for colorectal cancer• The Bio21 MMIM project has proved the springboard for

analysis of this large experience of screening for bowel cancer, initiated in the Department of Gastroenterology by A/Professor Jim St John. Higher level analytic assistance from the CSIRO Health Data Integration consortium has provided important information on the performance of faecal occult blood testing when measured against the gold standard of colonoscopy in asymptomatic screenees. Faecal occult blood testing performs well. This unique experience informs the national bowel cancer screening program, which is based on faecal occult blood testing (as announced by the Federal Treasurer, Hon. Peter Costello in the May budget). Masha Slattery and Pam Herrington manage this huge effort.

Comparison of participation rates for faecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, CT colonography and ‘choice’ in screening average risk people for colorectal cancer• This multi-state trial has now ceased and is under

evaluation. Primary authors are colleagues from Perth.Glutagen protects coeliac patients from symptoms when exposed to gluten, and ameliorates histological changes

• Enzyme therapy to digest gluten peptides, toxic to coeliac patients, has been a theme of the department. A clinical trial was completed in early 2004, and now accepted for publication in a prestigious European gastroenterology journal. The relationship between toxic peptides and HLA restricted genotypes predisposing to coeliac disease continues to be a counterpoint with the work Bob Anderson is pursuing at WEHI. This work is partnered by Glutagen Pty Ltd, an Australian biotech company

Candidate gene searches for colorectal cancer predisposition• MD student Dr Elizabeth Chow has assembled a large

cohort of patients and families with the syndrome of hyperplastic polyposis. This is a fertile clinical–laboratory research interaction. Dr Chow has discounted one base excision repair gene as the culprit (MDB4), but has found a portion of the families harbour the recently described MYH bi-allelic mutations known to cause multiple adenomatous polyps. Dr Chow has also collaborated in two projects using our families at the Familial Cancer Centre,in exploring new genes responsible for Peutz Jeghers Syndrome (STK11) and juvenile polyposis (beyond SMAD4 and BMRP1a). A unique study exploring the role of somatic mosaicism continues in collaboration with our colleagues at the Murdoch Institute.

• We participate in the international US NIH-funded consortium collecting information on mismatch repair gene carriers and pursing co-modifier genes, all aiming to explain the variation in phenotype and its onset.

• With the CSIRO, we are (through the FCC) a major ascertainment source for a 100,000 SNP-based genome-wide search for new cancer predisposition genes in families with dominant early-age onset pedigrees of colorectal cancer, but without mismatch repair deficits.

IBD clinical research trials• Probably the busiest clinical research centre for IBD in

Australia operates through the department with more than fifteen currently active IBD trials recruiting or in progress. Some astoundingly good results have been evident from the novel therapies, although most of these trials remain blinded. Gregor Brown, Cathy Pizzey, Bernadette Viney, Paula Lewis and Heather Hebbard are the indispensable drivers of this large research effort. This effort is dependent on active clinical practice outreach into the community, generating a wonderful clinical experience opportunity for trainees at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in gastroenterology.

Chemo prevention of colorectal cancer trials• We have been intimately involved with the pivotal trial

that raised the cardio-vascular alert against celecoxib. Indeed, several of our recruits to this trial sustained myocardial infarctions while on-study. We believe the trial management has been responsible and direct. All interventions in the trial have ceased, although intense follow-up of the 2500 cohort world-wide continues. Efficacy results are not yet available.

• The CAPP2 trial of resistant starch and aspirin in mismatch repair gene carriers, lead and managed nationally from the RMH (Pascale Ives), is now fully recruited with its one hundredth recruit world-wide. Australia contributed 121 to the total from all States except South Australia, much more than our comparative population. CAPP3 will roll out sometime later this year we hope.

MRI clinical trials• We are excited by two clinical trials evaluating MRI—in

Crohn’s disease, and in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (gene carriers). Both push the boundaries to understand the role of this technology in these clinical practice scenarios. Gregor Brown is leading these projects.

Endoscopy• Capsule endoscopy is now established as the

investigation of choice for flexible endoscopy-negative gastrointestinal bleeding. We are now joining a protocol to assess its performance in endoscopy-negative, suspected small bowel Crohn’s disease. We have completed systematic evaluations of its role for

Res

earc

h: H

on

ora

ry F

ello

ws


detecting small bowel polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz Jeghers Syndrome and juvenile polyposis—the latter two in association as a world first with our paediatric colleagues. K. K. Kiew, our Malaysian government scholar, is working in this domain.

• A new self-propelling, disposable colonoscope is under evaluation with Melbourne entrepreneurs Endogene Pty Ltd. (This work was presented to the World Endoscopy organisation, OMED, in May.)

• Finally, we have won (five in Australia) the right to field test the new double balloon enteroscope, a Japanese invention that allows an endoscope to pass completely through the small bowel with fully functional therapeutic capabilities.

P2X7• An interesting tumour marker P2X7, which is a non-

functional apoptotic receptor, is being evaluated in association with a University of Sydney spin-off company Biosceptre, Pty Ltd. We are the first to evaluate the utility of this marker, impressive in prostate cancer and melanoma, and in colorectal cancer diagnostics. Si Zhiye from China was central to this work, and now Gurjeet Kaur from Malaysia, who is also learning molecular genetics relating to mismatch repair function for clinical cancer diagnostics.

Dietary modulation of gene expression• BSc(Hons) students Kan Li Wong and now Ann Vlass

have moved this research forward to the point where we are being approached by other groups in Australia to utilise the colonic crypt specific imaging technology. We use it to study alterations in the expression of cancer related genes in the human colon in response to dietary interventions. Kan Li successfully completed her honours year working with this newly emerging technology.

Scientific Presentations

Macrae, F. A., Speer, T., Stella, D., Gibson, R., Pizzey, C., Tye, Din, J., Srivatsa, G. & Jones, I. T. Familial adenomatous polyposis: assessment of adenomas distal to duodenoscopy by capsule endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging and barium follow though examination. American Gastroenterological Association Digestive Diseases Week, New Orleans. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 5: AB102

Macrae, F. A., Cornell, H. J., Melny, J., Pizzey, C., Cook, F., Mason, S. & Stelmasiak, T. Enzyme therapy in celiac disease. American Gastroenterological Association Digestive Diseases Week, New Orleans. Gastroenterology 126(4): A248

Macrae, F. A., Polglase, A. L., McLaren, W. J., Murr, E. & Delaney, P. M. In vivo histology of normal and diseased human colonic mucosa using a fluorescence confocal endomicroscope. American Gastroenterological Association Digestive Diseases Week, New Orleans. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 5: AB146

Macrae, F. A., Muir, J., Si, Z., Sharpe, K., Bhathal, P. S. & Bostick, R. Dietary modulation of proliferation in the colorectal: A randomized cross over trial of wheat bran, wheat bran plus resistant starch, and control diets in volunteers on a high red meat diet. American Gastroenterological Association Digestive Diseases Week, New Orleans. Gastroenterology 126(4): A451

Macrae, F. A., Rajesekaram, R., Thomas, R. & Bhathal, P. S. Photodynamic therapy for high grade dysplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus using 5 amino-laevulinic acid sensitization. American Gastroenterological Association Digestive Diseases Week, New Orleans. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 5: AB252

Macrae, F. A. From the Australian polyp prevention poject to the polypill: One at a time or all in one. American Association for Cancer Research, Seattle, September. Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention 13: 1963s

Macrae, F. A., Cornell, H. J., Melny, J., Pizzey, C. J., Cook, F., Mason, S., Bhathal, P. S. & Stelmasiak, T. Enzyme therapy for management of coeliac disease. Gastroenterological Society of Australia Annual Gastroenterology Week, Cairns. J Gastroenterology and Hepatology 19: A204

Macrae, F. A., Speer, A., Stella, D., Gibson, R., Pizzey, C. J., Tye, Din. J. A., Srivatsa, G. & Jones, I. T. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): Assessment of adenomas distal to duodenoscopy b capsule endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and barium follow through examination. Gastroenterological Society of Australia Annual Gastroenterology Week, Cairns. J Gastroenterology and Hepatology 19: A205

Polglase, A. L., Macrae, F. A., McLaren, W. J., Murr, E. & Delaney, P. M. In vivo histology of normal and diseased colonic mucosa using a confocal colonoscope. Gastroenterological Society of Australia Annual Gastroenterology Week, Cairns. J Gastroenterology and Hepatology 19: A206

Chow, E., Lipton, L. & Macrae, F. A. Studies of hyperplastic (serrated) polyposis. Gastroenterological Society of Australia Annual Gastroenterology Week, Cairns. J Gastroenterology and Hepatology 19: A218

Macrae, F. A., Rajesekaram, R. & Thomas, R. Photodynamic therapy in high grade dysplasia in Barrett’s oesophagus using 5 amino-laevulinic acid sensitization. Gastroenterological Society of Australia Annual Gastroenterology Week, Cairns. J Gastroenterology and Hepatology 19: A235

Research

: Ho

no

rary Fellow

s

61


Muir, J. G., Yeow, E. G. W., Keogh, J., Pizzey, C., Bird, A. R., Sharpe, K., O’Dea, K. & Macrae, F. Combining wheat bran and resistant starch raised faecal butyrate and lowered phenols in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79: 1020–8

Chow, E., Thirlwell, C., Macrae, F. & Lipton, L. Colorectal cancer and inherited mutations in base-excision repair. Lancet Oncology 5: 600–06

Professor Macrae is also writing a book on familial bowel cancer for families, and edited the chapter on epithelial polyps in the prestigious gastroenterological textbook by Yamada.

New Grants

CSIRO new grant 2004; Given Imaging Pty Ltd

Ongoing Grants

Continuing grants in IBD research; Bioscepte Pty Ltd; Hicks Foundation; US NIH grant renewed; UKMRC grant renewed


Finlay MacraeCouncillor: Gastroenterolgical Society of Australia

Councillor: International Society of Gastrointestinal Hereditary Tumours (InSiGHT)

Clinical Consultant: CSIRO e-Health flagship program in colorectal cancer

Member: Medical Advisory Board, United Medical Protection

Member: International Scientific Advisory Board or the APPROVe trial (rofecoxib in chemoprevention of colorectal adenomatous polyps)

International Vice-Chairman: CAPP2 trial

Clinical Consultant: Schering Plough, and Enterix (Sydney) Pty Ltd

Research Collaborator: Optiscan Pty Ltd, developers of the Pentax confocal endomicroscope

Contact Details

Professor Finlay Macrae Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050


Professor Allan J. McLean Research Highlights

• The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) based at the University of Melbourne was asked to submit proposals for the design and implementation of change in pharmaceutical use in older Australians, and approaches to the promotion of the dietary recommendations of the PMSEIC Working party Report.

• NARI briefed Hon. Tony Abbott, Federal Minister for Health on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme implications of the PMSEIC Work Party Report on Healthy Ageing.

• Director of NARI, Professor Allan McLean, was asked to consult to the Taxi Directorate Management Committee oversighting the Multi-Purpose Taxi Programme (designed to provide transport for disabled Victorians unable to use public transport).

• The Hon. Andrea Coote, MHR, has had regular briefings on ageing research on from NARI on a bi-monthly basis.

• The first meeting for the NHMRC-funded pilot research project with the Consumer Health Forum took place. The project will bring a consumer perspective to NARI granting proposals.

• Launch of NARI’s Community Balance Screening Service by Hon. Tony Abbott, Federal Minister for Health.


Hilmer, S. N., Warren, A., Cogger, V. C., Fraser, R., McLean, A. J., Sullivan, D. & Le Couteur, D. G. The effect of aging on the immunohistochemistry of Apolipoprotein E in the liver. Exp. Gerontol. 39(1): 53–7

McLean, A. J. Safe blood pressures in the elderly and use of antihypertensives. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, GP Review 8(3): 12–13

**McLean, A. J. & Le Couteur, D. G. Aging biology and geriatric clinical pharmacology. Pharmacological Reviews 56: 163–84

Cogger, V. C., Warren, A., Fraser, R., Ngu, M., McLean,

A. J. & Le Couteur, D. G. Preliminary analysis of the sinusoidal endothelium and space of Disse in ageing Papio hamadrayas. Comp Hepatol. 14(3) Suppl. 1: S26

Cogger. V. C., Muller, M., Fraser, R., McLean, A. J., Khan, J. & Le Couteur, D. G. The effects of oxidative stress on the liver sieve. J Hepatol. 41: 370–6

Kuchel, P. W., Bubb, W. A., Ramadan, S., Chapman, B. E., Philp, D. J., Coen, M., Gready, J. E., Harvey, P. J., McLean, A. J. & Hook, J. 31P MAS-NMR of human erythrocytes: independence of cell volume from angular velocity. Magn Reson Med. 52: 663–8

Res

earc

h: H

on

ora

ry F

ello

ws


Le Couteur, D. G., Yin, Z. L., McLean, A. J. & Rivory, L. P. Wash-in methodology and modelling to determine hepatocellular D-glucose transport in the perfused rat liver. Jpn J Physiol. 54: 421–9

**Major publication

Grants

The Healthy Ageing Prevention and Intervention Network based at NARI received ARC Seed Funding to establish the Network application after a successful EOI.

Continued funding for the Women’s Longitudinal Study was successful.

Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing: NARI, 2004, ‘Literature review—Alcohol use by older people’: $21,000

Conferences and Seminars

Presentation: Interim results of DVA/NHMRC Project Grant ‘Pharmaceutical, metabolic and yherapeutic implications of the oxygen diffusion barrier hypothesis of ageing in liver’, DVA Research Symposium, August

Key Note Presentation: ‘Healthy ageing’, Association of Independent Retirees (AIR) Conference, Renmark, SA, September

Presentation: ‘Impact of co-morbidities on the management of asthma in older people’, 2004 Macquarie Bank Asthma Australia Research Alliance Asthma Colloquium, Sydney, October

Presentation: ‘Personal autonomy—A cardinal value in living better’, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) 2004 Symposium, Adelaide, 15–16 November

Presentation: ‘Opportunities for improving effectiveness and efficiency in the health services sector’, Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), Melbourne, November

Presentation: ‘Understanding adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in older people’, Towards Safer Medicines: Annual Conference of Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) 2004 Conference, Melbourne, 4–7 December

Contact Details

Professor Allan McLean Director, National Ageing Research Institute PO Box 31, Parkville, Vic. 3052

Tel: +61 3 8387 2305 or 0419 362 649 Fax: +61 3 9387 4030


Research

: Ho

no

rary Fellow

s

63

Dep

artm

ent

Act

ivit

iesMiegunyah

Distinguished Fellow 2004

The Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) was proud to sponsor the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences’ Miegunyah Distinguished Fellow for 2004—Professor Emeritus Donald Bailey from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada and the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Professor John Wark, principal of the Bone and Mineral Service in the Department, played host to Professor Bailey, who is a leading expert in the field of bone health and physical activity, particularly in children.

As part of his Fellowship, Professor Bailey presented a public lecture entitled ‘An Historical Look at Skeletal Adaptation: Implications for a Modern Health Problem—Osteoporosis’. He also gave an address to the Bone Seminar Series on ‘Every Child Is Different: Variability on the Road to Maturity. Results from the Saskatchewan Bone Mineral Accrual Study’. Colleen Bermingham, PA to Professor Wark, coordinated these and the many other events associated with Professor Bailey’s visit.

The Miegunyah Distinguished Fellowship Program was established by the University of Melbourne Council in 1993 and funded by the Russell Grimade Bequest. A number of visiting fellows are funded each year under the program, and awards are open to academics of international distinction in a field of interest to the University of Melbourne.

Department Activities

Environment, Health and SafetySafetyMAP

Since 1997, the University has acted as a self-insurer for workers’ compensation. Self-insurers are required by the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) to have in place safety management systems to at least SafetyMAP (Safety Management Achievement Program) Initial Level.

The university chose the VWA audit standard SafetyMAP as the tool to ensure it would provide safe systems of work to reduce risk, to measure its occupational health and safety performance, and to implement a cycle of continuous improvement. This has been achieved by having good safe work procedures, by providing appropriate induction and training for staff and students, and by regularly inspecting the workplace for hazards.

The Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), as part of the MDHS Faculty, has undergone annual internal audits to the SafetyMAP criteria during the past three years. In September 2004, the Department of Medicine at Western Hospital was one of three departments selected to represent the faculty for external audit by Lloyds Assurance.

Environment

The University of Melbourne is committed to care of the environment through the implementation of an Environment Management System compliant to the international standard ISO 14001. The Environment Management System is integrated into the university’s Safety Management System, and audits are held concurrently with the SafetyMAP audit.

The Department is committed to supporting the green laboratory and green office programs offered by the university, for the management of substances hazardous to the environment, waste reduction and recycling, reducing the amount of water and energy used, and, where possible, purchasing environment-friendly products.

Congratulations to the Department of Medicine at Western Hospital

Department students and staff at Western Hospital are to be congratulated on the immense effort that they put in, under the leadership of laboratory manager Lorraine Parker, to ensure the department was accredited to SafetyMAP Initial Level Version 4, and re-accredited to AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environment Management. This accreditation assures that the MDHS Faculty is compliant to both safety and environment criteria for the next three years. During this time, regular internal surveillance audits will take place to ensure there is a continuous cycle of improvement, that necessary changes are implemented and that progress is under continual review.

Professor Emeritus Donald Bailey


Seminar Series, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), 2004

Date

Speaker

Title

Affiliation

19 March

Mr Adrian Achuthan

&Ms Emily Mann

Molecular regulation of the immune functions of macrophages &

Expression and characterisation of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane

protein 1 domain

University of Melbourne+

University of Melbourne

26 March Dr Kathy Speed

Promoter analysis of an ets transcription factor gene, Ese-2/Elf-5 University of Melbourne

2 April

Ms Bianca Jupp

&Mr Andrew Fleetwood

Epileptogenesis: The search for common mechanisms in different rat models of epilepsy

&Functional heterogeneity of GM-CSF- and M-CSF-

derived macrophages


9 April NO SEMINAR GOOD FRIDAY

16 April

Ms Kathryn

Aston-Mourney&

Ms Melkam Kebede

Genetic analysis of diabetes and obesity in the DBA/2 mouse &

The consequence of islet fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase expression on insulin secretion in

type 2 diabetes


23 April Dr Donald Bailey

Bone mineral accrual during growth. What have we learned ?

University of Saskatchewan

30 April Dr Alex Boussioutas Molecular portraits of gastric cancer University of Melbourne

7 May Dr Kerrie Way

Cardiac injury associated with PKC beta2 and diabetes, and rescue of ischaemic myocardium by

angioblasts University of Melbourne

14 May Dr Ross Vlahos

Murine models of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease


21 May Dr Paul HertzogDissecting type I interferon signalling in innate

immune responses

Monash Institute of Reproduction and

Development

28 May Cancelled

4 June Cancelled

11 June Dr Jane VisvaderThe zinc-finger LMO4 protein LMO4 - its normal

function and role in breast cancer

VBCRC Laboratory, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical

Research

18 June Ms Sakeneh ZraikaInsulin secretion: Exploring pathways for regulation

and dysfunctionUniversity of Melbourne

25 June Dr Chris Reid

Dendritic spines on neurons: Comparing the complex with the simple

Dept of Physiology, University of Melbourne

2 July Mid-Year Break, No Seminar

Dep

artmen

t Activities

65

9 July Mid-Year Break, No Seminar

16 July Dr Paul Gleeson

Protein sorting and membrane transport in the secretory and endocytic pathways University of Melbourne

23 July Ms Sandra Petty Handling of human blood and tissue products University of Melbourne

30 July Dr Steve Nutt PU.1 and Blimp: key players in haemopoiesis

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical

Research

6 August Department Reporting Day, No Seminar

13 August Ms Hang Dinh Functional genomics of macrophage differentiation University of Melbourne

20 August

A/Professor

Stephen Rogerson HIV and malaria: Important diseases, emerging

interactionsUniversity of Melbourne

27 August Ms Krystal EvansMechanisms of pathogenesis of severe malarial

anaemia

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical

Research

3 September No Seminar

10 September Dr John Roiniotis DNA shuffling and molecular chaperones University of Melbourne

17 September Prof. Suzanne Crowe

Why can’t we eradicate HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy? Role of monocytes in

HIV persistence

Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical

Research

24 September

‘Byatech’— A Young Achievement Australia company

A Young Achievement Australia company University of Melbourne

1 October No Seminar

8 October Dr Wai-Hong Tham

Complete genome-wide screen for meiotic chromosome segregation mutants University of Melbourne

15 October No Seminar

22 October Dr Lynden Roberts The hope and hype of microarrays in RA University of Melbourne

20 October Dr Michael James COX-2 Inhibition: Biology, ethics, law University of Adelaide

5 November No Seminar

12 November

Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases Annual Colloquium

19 November

Dr Jacqueline Close(John Wark)

Prevention of falls and fractures—Evidence Based Medicine / Patient Centred Care

Guy’s Hospital, London

26 November A/Professor Bev Biggs

Malaria drug resistance: A challenge to malaria control in Vietnam University of Melbourne

3 December No Seminar

10 DecemberDr Neil

O’Brien-Simpson

Vaccines and the immune response to the oral bacterial pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis University of Melbourne

Dep

artm

ent

Act

ivit

ies


Dep

artmen

t Activities

Department Reporting Day, 6 August 2004

Venue: Royal Melbourne Hospital Function and Conference Centre

11:00 Graham Brown Review and strategic planning

11:15 Neville Yeomans and Louise Judd Gastrointestinal disease and cancer

11:40 Discussion

11:45 John Hamilton, Kumar Visvanathan and Glen Scholz Cooperative Research Centre for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases

12:10 Discussion

12:15 Terry O’Brien, Bianca Jupp, Kavita Praveen and Susan Senn Epilepsy and new CRCs

12:40 Discussion

12:45–1:30 Lunch

1:30 John Hamilton, Glen Scholz, Caryn Elsgood, Andrew Cook and Lena Cross Arthritis and Inflammation Research Centre

1:50 Discussion

1:55 Bev Biggs and Chris Lemoh International Health

2:10 Discussion

2:15 Stephen Rogerson, Michael Duffy and Salenna Elliott Malaria

2:40 Discussion

2:45 Joe Torresi Hepatitis

3:05 Discussion

3:10 Richard Osborne and Ian Wicks Arthritis

3:25 Discussion

3:30–3:45 Afternoon Tea

3:45 John Wark, Liz Hristov, Lynda Paton, Sandra Petty and Natalie El Haber Bone Disease

4:05 Discussion

4:10 Megan Brooks Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Infectious Diseases

4:25 Discussion

4:30 Reports from Departmental Fellows

5:00–6:00 Drinks and Nibbles

Audience at the Reporting Day, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), Royal Melbourne Hospital

67

Dep

artm

ent

Act

ivit

ies

DoMSA President’s Report During my term as president of the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) Students’ Association (DoMSA) the members of our committee have endeavoured to observe the four aims of our constitution and to carry out our activities in a democratic and transparent manner. Our first broad aim is to enhance the academic and professional life of the Department of Medicine postgraduate students. Our second aim is to encourage the social interaction of students within the department, which we accomplished by hosting a barbeque, a pizza night and the first of two fund-raising film nights (SupersizeMe) at the Nova Cinema.

The committee’s major project was participation in the Inter-Institute Sport Competition, which included several bio-science student organisations from Parkville and beyond. It featured four sports-filled days (soccer, volleyball, netball and ultimate frisbee), a hugely successful second fund-raising film night (Fahrenheit 9/11) and a memorable social event. As an adjunct to this our soccer training barbeque was particularly well attended by the department’s Advanced Medical Science students students. As the year came to a close we bade a fond farewell to the Honours students with a dinner at The Castle hotel. Our final event of 2004 was dinner and a movie (The Motorcycle Diaries). During the year we had many delightful afternoon teas provided by DoMSA for all students and the occasional staff member.

Our third aim is to provide academic support to fellow postgraduate students and thus foster communication of research ideas and collaborations. Interaction with other postgraduate students, particularly during the sports competition, has led to several joint activities. Of note was

the seminar given by visiting academics Maresi Nerad and Fred Hall, ‘What Makes a Good Post-doc’, hosted by the Department of Immunology and Microbiology student group and attended by several DoMSA students. Some of our members also went on a ski trip held by the same student group. Several members of the DoMSA committee participated with great success in the YAA entrepreneurial scheme with students from outside of the department (details available elsewhere in this report).

Our fourth and final aim is to represent the Department of Medicine postgraduate students to the department, faculty and university. While students have been part of the LAN {Local Area Network) and Safety committees for some time, this year we were also represented on the Website Development Committee and the Postgraduate Coordinating Committee. Our continued presence on the Department Executive keeps us involved in departmental affairs, and is a measure of the importance of students to the department. DoMSA was also well represented on the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) table at the Australian Society for Medical Research dinner in June.

Throughout 2004 we have been able to foster a spirit of participation in the department’s students by staging events that were inclusive, diverse in appeal and financially feasible. By collaborating with other student groups and allocating our resources and efforts in novel and efficient ways, we were able to bring to our students ample opportunities to participate in life outside of the laboratory. While Adrian Achuthan, as treasurer, and I have endeavoured to increase the self-sufficiency of DoMSA to a point where it can become an entity in its own right, we are thankful for the on-going support of the department and the University of Melbourne Postgraduate Association.

Felix Clanchy: ([email protected])

DoMSA soccer team members at the Inter-Institute Sport Competition with bio-science students from the WEHI, Howard Florey Institute and the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, August 2004


Research StaffHead of Department and James Stewart ProfessorGraham Vallancey Brown, MB BS Melb. MPH Harv. PhD

Melb. FRACP FAFPHM FACTM

Deputy Head of Department and ProfessorNeville David Yeomans, MB BS Melb. MD Mon. FACG

FRACP

ProfessorsStephen Ellis Graves, MB BS Adel. DPhil Oxon FAOrthA

AusOrthAssn FRACSJoseph Proietto, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACP

(left DoM 06/04)John Dennis Wark, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACP

Associate ProfessorsGary Peter Anderson, BSc Melb. PhD Melb.Beverly-Ann Biggs, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACP FRCP

FACTMGeoffrey John McColl, MB BS Melb. BMedSci Melb. PhD

Melb. FRACPTerence John O’Brien, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACP

FRCPAStephen John Rogerson, MB BS Adel. PhD Melb. MRCP

FRACP

Senior LecturersAlex Boussioutas, MB BS Melb. FRACP, GESA Stephen Daniel Kolt, MB BS Mon. FRACPRichard H. Osborne, BSc Melb. PhD RMIT. DipAppBiol RMITLynden Roberts, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACP

LecturersFarees Khan, MB BS Punjab FAFRM (RACP)Joseph Torresi, BMedSci Melb. MB BS Melb. PhD Melb.

FRACPSharon van Doornum, MB BS Melb. GDipClinEpi Mon. MD

Melb. FRACP

National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Principal Research Fellow and Professorial FellowJohn Allan Hamilton, PhD Melb. DSc

Western Hospital Senior Research Fellow and Associate ProfessorAndrew Simon Giraud, BSc Mon. PhD Melb.

Senior Research Fellow Glen Matthew Scholz, BAppSci SAIT MAppSci SAIT PhD

Flind.

Research Fellows Grade 2Julie Blasioli, BSc Melb. PhD Melb.Andrew David Cook, BSc Melb. PhD Melb.Ross Vlahos, BSc Melb. PhD Melb.

Research Fellows Grade 1Ruth Hui-Tzee Chin, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb.Lara Edbrooke, BAppSci (Physio) LaT. GDipEpiBiostats Melb. Salenna Rachel Elliott, MB BS Adel. PhD Adel.Caryn Leonie Elsegood, BSc UWA PhD UWA GDipComp

CurtinGael Manes, PhD Montpellier (left DoM 08/04)Kerry Haynes, CertAppSci RMIT ADipOH&S VUT BAppSci

Deak. MPubHlth Mon.

National Health and Medical Research Council Peter Doherty FellowMaddalena Cross, BSc Melb. PhD Melb.

National Health and Medical Research Council Industry FellowNicholas John Wilson, BSc LaT. PhD Melb.

National Health and Medical Research Council Neil Hamilton Fairley FellowJames Geoffrey Beeson, MB BS Mon. BMedSci Mon. PhD

Melb. (left DoM 06/04)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Caroline Marshall, MB BS Melb. GDipClinEpi Mon.

Senior Research ScientistSonia Caruana, BHSc LaT. BSc Melb.

Research OfficersMegan Brooks, BAppSci RMIT PhD RMITYi-Mo Deng, BSc Shandong Univ. PhD UNSWMichael Frank Duffy, BSc Mon. BSc Melb. PhD Melb.Louise Monique Judd, BSc Mon. PhD Mon.Jason C. Lenzo, BSc UWA PhD UWADanny Park, BA Cantab MA Cantab. PhD Cantab.John Roiniotis, BSc LaT. PhD LaT.Kathy Speed, BSc Waikato MSc Waikato PhD WaikatoWai Hong Tham, BA UofC Berkeley PhD PrincetonKerrie Way, BSc Melb. PhD Melb.

Research AssistantsVioleta Bogdanoska, BAppSci RMITEmma Braine, BSc Melb.Tim Byrne, BAppSci Swin.Aphrodite Caragounis, BSc Melb.Jennifer Critchley, DipAppSci BNurs. Flind. P/GDip Adel.

PhD LaT.

Staff &

Stu

den

ts

Staff & Students

69

Anna Davidson, BA Canterbury P/GDipPubHlth Otago Amanda Frame, BSci LaT. GDipHlthPromo LaT.Sharon Gill, BAppSci Lincoln IHS P/GDipEdStuds Melb.Meegan Howlett, BSc Melb.Alice Holloway, BSc Melb.Valentina Jovanovska, BSc Melb.Bianca Marie Jupp, BSc Melb.Martin Keene, BSc JCUKatie Mapp, BPharm Mon.Paul Masendycz, BAppSci RMITJill Moverley, BAppSci RMITPaul Payne, BSc Aberdeen MScIAS Robert Gordon Univ.Elias Polydorou, DipAppSci RMITThao Nguyen, BSc Mon.Lynda Paton, BSc Melb.Amanda Turner, BSc Deak. BSc Melb.Matt Wenham, BSc Adel.

Senior Bone Densitometry Technologist Susan Kantor, DipAppSci (RadnTherapy) RMIT BA Deak. P/GDipA&CPsych Melb. MEdPsych Melb. P/GDipEd Melb.

Genetics NurseMasha Slattery, RN StV’s Hosp. P/GTheatre St Mary’s Hosp. Lond.

Administrative Staff

Department ManagerNick Christopher, BA UWA MBA UWA

Unit Manager, Western HospitalLyn Kalms

Laboratory ManagerLorraine Parker, DipMLT RMIT

IT ManagersGina Barri-Rewell, BSc LaT. Bendigo MIS Swin.Anne MacIntyre, BSc Melb.

Communications ManagerJane Yule, BA Mon. GDipRec PIT MA Mon.

Finance OfficerAngela Luu, BAppSci RMIT

Personal AssistantsColleen Bermingham (to Professor John Wark &

A/Professor Terry O’Brien)Penny Dodds (to Dr Richard Osborne)Mirella Ozols (to A/Professor Beverley-Ann Biggs,

A/Professor Stephen Rogerson & Dr Joe Torresi)Rifa Sallay (to Professor John Hamilton)Heather Saunders (to Professor Graham Brown)

Administrative AssistantsVirginia Champion de Crespigny, BA MA Prelim. Mon.

MSinLS CWRUBernadette CrankshawDianne FergusonJulie Holland

Sta

ff &

Stu

den

ts

Administrative Staff Caption

Back row, L–R: Jane Yule (Communications Manager), Nick Christopher (Department Manager), Lorraine Parker (Laboratory Manager), Graham Burns (Finance & Administration Officer, CRC–CID)

Middle row, L–R: Gina Barri-Rewell (IT Manager), Ann McIntyre (IT Manager), Mirella Ozols (PA to A/Professor Biggs, A/Professor Rogerson and Dr Joe Torresi), Rifa Sallay (PA to Professor J. Hamilton)

Front row, L–R: Heather Saunders (PA to Professor G. Brown), Jenny Davis (Animal Facility Manager), Virginia Champion de Crespigny (Administrative Assistant), Angela Luu (Finance Officer)

Absent: Colleen Bermingham (PA to Professor J. Wark and A/Professor T. O’Brien), Bernadette Crankshaw (Administrative Assistant), Susan Cumming (Education Officer, CRC–CID), Diane Ferguson (Administrative Officer), Julie Holland (Administrative Officer, Western), Lyn Kalms (Unit Manager, Western), Natasha Levy (Communications Manager, CRC–CID), Robyn McLachlan (Business Manager, CRC–CID)


Animal TechniciansJenny Davis, Ass.DipAppSci WMCOTShannyn Venkort, DipAppSci VUTShelley Dellaland

Preparation ServicesMargaret Muir

Cooperative Research Centre for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Administrative StaffBusiness Manager Robyn McLachlan, BSc Mon. MM(T) Melb

Communications Manager Natasha Levy, BA/BEc Mon. GDipMktg Mon.

Finance and Administration Officer Graham Burns

Education Officer Susan Cummings, BSc Auck. P/GDipSci Otago PhD Otago

Honorary AppointmentsProfessorial Fellows with the title ProfessorGavin John Becker, MD Mon. MB BS Melb. FRACP John Francis Cade, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. PhD Melb.

FRACP FCCP FFARCS FANZCA FFICANZCAStephen Misha Davis, MB BS Melb. MD Melb.FRACPPeter Barry Disler, MB BCh Witw. PhD Witw. DComH FCP

FAFRM FRACPRichard Mark Fox, MB BS Syd. BSc Syd. PhD Syd. FRACPGeoffrey S. Hebbard, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACPJonathan Kalman, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACP FACCAnne-Maree Kelly, MB BS NSW MClinEd NSW FACEMRichard Graham Larkins, MB BS Lond. PhD Lond. FRACPYean Leng Lim AM, BMedSci Mon. MB BS, PhD Mon.

FRACP, FAMS, FACC, FICA, ARPSAllan McLean, BSc, MB BS Mon. PhD Mon. FRACPFinlay Alistair Macrae, MB BS Mon. MD Melb.

MRCP FRACP Michael Cowper Franklyn Pain, MB BS Syd. MD Syd.

FRACP FCCPIan Peter Wicks, MB BS Syd. PhD Syd.

Principal Fellows with the title Associate ProfessorJohn Ivan Balla (Principal Fellow), MB BS Melb. MRCP Edin.

MRACP FRACP MA LaT. FRCP Edin.Donald Alexander Campbell, MB BS Mon. MMedSc

Newcastle (NSW) MD Mon. FRACPPeter Graham Colman, MB BS Mon. MD Melb. FRACPMarjorie Elizabeth Dunlop, MSc Melb. PhD Melb.Peter Robert Ebeling, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACPDamon Eisen, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACPJoseph Epstein AM, MB BS Melb. BA Melb. FRACS FACEMLeon Flicker, MB BS NSW PhD, GDip.Epi. Melb. FRACPStephen John Gibson, BSc LaT. PhD LaT.Michael Green, MB BS Melb. FRACPPeter Bert Greenberg, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. PhD Melb.

FRACPAndrew Paul Grigg, MB BS Melb. FRACP FRCPAStephen Hall, BMedSci Mon. MB BS Mon. FRACPVere David Urquhart Hunt, MD BS Melb. FRACP FACC DDULouis Beau Irving, MB BS Melb. FRACGP FRACPStephen Marsden Jane, MB BS Mon. PhD Mon. FRACP FRCPAZeinab Khalil, MB BS Cairo MSc Cairo PhD Melb.Christine Julie Kilpatrick, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACP Geoffrey John Lindeman, BSc Syd. MB BS Syd. PhD Melb.

FRACPLawrence Paul McMahon, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACPHarry George Mond, MB BS, MD Melb. DDU FRACP FACC David McRae Russell, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACPDonald James Bourne St John, AM, MB BS Melb. FRACP

FRCPJeffrey Szer, MB BS Mon. BMedSci Mon. FRACP Brian Duncan Tait, BSc Melb. MSc Melb. PhD Melb. FRCPHarry Teichtahl, MB BS Mon. FRACP FACCPJitendra Vohra, MB BS India MD India FRACP FRCP

Staff &

Stu

den

tsAnd many thanks to Val Komarnicki (left) and her colleagues at RMH Environmental Services for ensuring a clean work environment for all of us in the Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), and to Margaret Muir, Preparation Services, Department of Medicine (RMH/WH), for providing clean glassware to those in our research laboratories.

71

Senior FellowsPaul Victor Andrews, BSc Mon. PhD Mon.John Carnie, MB BS SriLanka. MPH Harv. MMed Melb.

MRCP FAFPHMRobert Yung Ming Chen, MB BS Melb.John Timothy Dowling, MB BS FRACPChristopher John Ingle Driver, BSc Syd. PhD Mon. DipEd Mon.Shing Tung Fan, MB BS FRACPDavid Freilich, MB BS Melb. FRACPMaurice Joseph Frankel, PhD Adel.Peter Shane Hamblin, MB BS Mon. FRACPPeter James Hand, MB BS Mon. MD Edin. FRACPKeith David Hill, BAppSci Melb. PhD Melb. GDipPhysio Melb.Timothy David Hewitson, BSc Massey PhD Melb. GDipMgt

Deak.Robert John Hjorth, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACP FACDMalcolm Holmes, MD FRACPKaren Holzer, MB BS Mon.Anne Margaret Howard, MB BS Melb. FRACPElizabeth Hristov, BHlthSci VUTIan Kronborg, MB BS Melb. CertBiomedEng Melb. FRACPGary Lane, MB BS Syd. FRACPStuart Lance Macaulay BSc Mon. PhD Mon.Belinda Rose Miller, MB BS Mon. PhD Mon. FRACP Joseph Morton, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACPAlison Joy Nankervis, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACPRobert William Newman, MB BS Qld FRACPAmanda Jane Nicoll, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACPKathleen Mary Nicholls, MB BS Melb. MD Melb.FRACP Leslie James Norton, MB BSDavid Kenneth Packham, MB BS Lond. MD Melb. FRACP FRCPJohn Reeder, MSc Salf. PhD Manc. FIMLSMark Andrew Rosenthal, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACPAbraham Roman Rubinfeld, MB BS Melb. MD Melb. FRACP Joseph John Sasadeusz, MB BS Mon. PhD BrCol. FRACPJennifer Anne Schwarz, MB BS Melb. GDipEd Melb. FRACP Monica Anne Slavin, MB BS Melb. FRACPDavid McNaughton Smallwood, MB BS Melb. FRACPPaul Baden Sparks, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb.Antony George Speer, BE, MB BS Melb. FRACPNeil Frederick Strathmore, BSc Melb. MB BS Melb. FRACPAlan Currie Street, MB BS Melb. FRACPBrian James Tate, MB BS Mon. PhD Melb. FACD NZ. Richard Lennard Travers, MB BS FRACPGeorge Andrew Varigos, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb.Poroor Vikraman, MB BS India FRACPJames Wong, MB BS Melb. PhD Melb. FRACP

FellowsGeoffrey Lionel Abbott, MB BS Mon. DipMSM Otago FACRM

FAFRM(RACP)Andrea Bendrups, BSc Melb. MSc Melb. MB BS Melb. FRACPRoger Wilkie Brown, MB BS Melb. FRACPMichael Chou, MB BS Melb. FACRMAnastasia Chrysostomou, MB BS Flind. FRACPIan David Jennens, MB BS Melb. FRACP Jacques Joubert, MB ChB Stellenbosh MRCPDebra Kerr, RN, CoronaryCareCert. RMH BN RMIT

GDipBusMgtHlth RMIT MBL RMIT GCClin.ResMeths Mon. Li Lan, BMSc TaiyuanLara Lipton, MB BS Melb. PhD Lond. FRACPLige Liu, MMed Xi’an MD Xi’anGeoffrey Markov, MB BS Melb. FRACP Vesna Markovska, BSc Melb.Geoffrey Metz AM, MB BS Mon. MD Mon. FACP FRACP

MRCP FRCPEugenia Pedagogos, MB BS Melb. FRACPEma Pitts, BSc Swin.Jeffrey John Presneill, MB BS Qld. PhD Melb. FRACP FJFICMJack Richards, MB BS Melb. FRACPDarren Russell, MB BS Melb. GDipVen Mon. FRACGP

FACSHPNarelle Skinner, BAppSci Swin.Geeta Srivatsa, BSc Lond. MB BS Lond. MRCP FRACPVijaya Sundararajan, BA Oklahoma MD Oklahoma MPH Nth

Carolina, FACPGregory James Taggart, MB BS Melb. FRACPKumar Visvanathan, MB BS NSW PhD NSW FRACP

Sta

ff &

Stu

den

ts


StudentsNational Health and Medical Research Council Medical Postgraduate Research ScholarMurray James Leikis, BHB NZ MBCLB NZ FRACP Christopher Mark MacIsaac, MB BS Mon.Sandra Petty, MB BS Melb.Susan Anne Skull, MB BS Adel. MAppEpi ANU FRACP,

FAFPHMRosemary Sutton, MB BS Melb.

National Health and Medical Research Council Public Health ScholarPaul Charles Vinton, MB BS Mon.

National Health and Medical Research Council Dora Lush Biomedical ScholarTheo Gouskos, BA Melb. BSc Melb.

Australia Postgraduate AwardLouise Evelyn Allport, MB BS Newcastle (NSW)Tanya Alyssa DeJong, BA Mon. BSc Mon.Laura Kate Zamurs, BSc Melb.

Melbourne Research ScholarshipNatalie El Haber, BSc Melb.Bianca Marie Jupp, BSc Melb.Adrienne Alison Williamson, MB ChB Otago FRACPChristine Massa, BSc Melb.

Melbourne International Research ScholarshipGabriela Minigo, DipHumBiol Ernst-Moriz Arndt fs PhD

Ernst-Moriz Arndt fs

University of Melbourne Special Postgraduate StudentshipAdrian Arumainayagiam Achuthan, BBiomedSci Melb.Margaret Chang, BTech Auck.Felix Indigo Llewelyn Clanchy, BAppSci Deak. LLB Deak. BSc

Deak.Dominic DeNardo, BSc Melb.Hang Dinh, BSc Melb.Andrew James Fleetwood, BSc Melb.Cameron Jackson, BSc Melb.Roya Lari, BSc Melb.Rink-Jan Lohman, BSc Melb.Christopher N. Lemoh, MB BS UTas. GDipClinEpi Mon.Emily Jane Mann, BSc Melb.Rajna Ogrin, BPod LaT.Jane Prosser, MB BS Syd. Susan Senn, BSc Melb.Stephen Bek Ngie Ting, MB BS Mon. FRACP, FRCPAAnita Vinton, MB BS Mon.

University of Melbourne Viola Edith Reid ScholarshipElizabeth Chow, MB BS Melb.

Postgraduate PhD and MD ScholarsIlana Naomi Ackerman, BPhysio Melb.Ibrahim Sidi Moh’d A Al-shinkity, MB BS King Abdullaziz

Univ.Hang Thi Cam Dinh, BMedSci Melb. BSc Melb.David Nicholas Edis, MB BS Melb. FRACSAlexandra Erin Fischer, BSc Melb.Andrew Grigg, MB BS Melb. FRCPA, FRACPJulian Hunt-Smith, MB BS Melb. FANZCAPeter Merrick Kistler, MB BS Melb.Poh-Sien Loh, MB BS UWASina Ahou Malki, MD Melb. MB BS Melb.Rosemary Masterson, MB BCh NUI BAO NUI DipPhysio

LRCPSIDavid John Mawdsley, BSc Melb.Katherine Jane Murray, BAppSci SAIT MPhysio Melb.Paul Older, MB BS Lond. LRCP MRCS FRCA FANZCA

FFICANZCAGrantley Ross Peck, BSc Melb.Prudence Pereira, BSc Melb.Lisa Joy Pullen, BEng Mon.Vlado Perkovic, MB BS Melb.Leo Rando, MB BS Melb.Kurt Roberts-Thomson, MB BS Adel.Rebecca L. Rose, DipNurs Wellington Poly BNurs Massey

MNurs Melb. Narmatha Satkunanthan, BSc Melb.Irene Stevenson, MB BS Melb. FRACPCassandra Szoeke, MB BS Flind. BSc Melb. Sophie Claire Treleaven, MB BS Melb. MPH Mon.

GDipIntHlth Mon. FRACPDavid Wang, BMed PRChina, MAppSci RMITLindy Washington, BSc Melb.Ian John Woolley, MB BS Melb. FRACPPaul Ross Wraight, MB BS Melb.

Staff &

Stu

den

ts

73

Pu

blic

atio

ns

Abrams, E., Milner, Jr, D., Kwiek, J., Mwapasa, V., Kamwendo, D., Zeng, D., Tadesse, E., Lema, V., Molyneux, M., Rogerson, S. & Meshnick, S. Risk factors and mechanisms of preterm delivery in Malawi. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 52: 174–83.

Albiston, A., Fernando, R., Ye, S., Peck, G. & Chai, S. Alzheimer’s angiotensin IV and an aminopeptidase. Biological &Pharmaceutical Bulletin 27: 765–7.

Ali, J., Danne, P. & McColl, G. Assessment of the trauma evaluation and management (TEAM) module in Australia. Injury–International Journal of the Care of the Injured 35: 753–8.

Allport, L., Butcher, K., Baird, T., MacGregor, L., Desmond, P., Tress, B., Colman, P. & Davis, S. Insular cortical ischemia is independently associated with acute stress hyperglycemia. Stroke 35: 1886–91.

Anderson, G. TRPV1 and cough. Thorax 59: 730–1.

Anderson, G. & Hamilton, J. GM–CSF biology. Growth Factors 22: 225–31.

Barber, P., Parsons, M., Desmond, P., Bennett, D., Donnan, G., Tress, B. & Davis, S. The use of PWI and DWI measures in the design of ‘Proof-of-concept’ stroke trials. Journal of Neuroimaging 14: 123–32.

Barnes, J., Warner, J., Melrose, W., Durrheim, D., Speare, R., Reeder, J. & Ketheesan, N. Adaptive immunity in melioidosis: a possible role for T cells in determining outcome of infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei. Clinical Immunology 113: 22–8.

Becker, G. Which albumin should we measure? Kidney International 66: S16–S17.

Becker, K., Tilley, L., Vennerstrom, J., Roberts, D., Rogerson, S. & Ginsburg. H. Oxidative stress in malaria parasite-infected erythrocytes: host-parasite interactions. International Journal for Parasitology 34: 163–89.

Beeson, J. & Brown, G. Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes demonstrate dual specificity for adhesion to hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate A and have distinct adhesive properties. Journal of Infectious Diseases 189: 169–79.

Beeson, J., Mann, E., Elliott, S., Lema, V., Tadesse, E., Molyneux, M., Brown, G. & Rogerson, S. Antibodies to variant surface antigens of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes and adhesion inhibitory antibodies are associated with placental malaria and having overlapping and distinct targets. Journal of Infectious Diseases 189: 540–51.

Beeson, J. & Rogerson, S. Phenotypes of Plasmodium falciparum from the peripheral blood of pregnant women. Infection and Immunity 72: 1841.

Benet, A., Mai, A., Bockarie, F., Lagog, M., Zimmerman, P., Alpers, M., Reeder, J. & Bockarie, M. Polymerase chain reaction diagnosis and the changing pattern of vector ecology and malaria transmission dynamics in Papua New Guinea. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 71: 277–84.

Benet, A., Tavul, L., Reeder, J. & Cortes, A. Diversity of the Plasmodium falciparum vaccine candidate merozoite surface protein 4 (MSP4) in a natural population. Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology 134: 275–80.

Bennell, K., Hinman, R., Crossley, K., Metcalf, B., Buchbinder, R., Green, S. & McColl, G. Is the human activity profile a useful measure in people with knee ostoarthritis? Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 41: 621–30.

Bozinovski, S., Jones, J., Beavitt, S., Cook, A., Hamilton, J. & Anderson, G. Innate immune responses to LPS in mouse lung are suppressed and reversed by neutralization of GM–CSF via repression of TLR–4. American Journal of Physiology—Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology 286: L877–L885.

Briggs, A., Greig, A., Wark, J., Fazzalari, L. & Bennell, K. A review of anatomical and mechanical factors affecting vertebral body integrity. International Journal of Medical Sciences 11: 170–80.

Brooks, M., Sasadeusz, J. & Tannock, G. Antiviral chemotherapeutic agents against respiratory viruses: where are we now and what’s in the pipeline? Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 10: 197–203.

Brown, G., Torresi, J. & Flint, S. Delayed onset of malaria—Implications for chemoprophylaxis. New England Journal of Medicine 350: 195–7.

Buising, K., Thursky, K., Black, J. & Brown, G. Are the Australian guidelines asking too much of the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI)? Medical Journal of Australia 180: 486–7.

Butcher, K., Baird, T., MacGregor, L., Desmond, P., Tress, B. & Davis, S. Perihematomal edema in primary intracerebral hemorrhage is plasma derived. Stroke 35: 1879–85.

Cadhilac, D., Ibrahim, J., Pearce, D., Ogden, K., McNeill, J., Davis, S. & Donnan, G. Multicenter comparison of processes of care between stroke units and conventional care wards in Australia. Stroke 35: 1035–40.

Cameron, M., Paton, L., Nowson, C., Margerison, C., Frame, A. & Wark, J. The effect of calcium supplementation on bone density in premenarcheal females: A co-twin approach. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 89: 4916–22.

Carne, R., O’Brien, T., Kilpatrick, C., MacGregor, L., Hicks, R., Murphy, M., Bowden, S., Kaye, A. & Cook, M. MRI-negative PET-positive temporal lobe epilepsy: a distinct surgically remediable syndrome. Brain 127: 2276–85.

Carradice, D. & Szer, J. Cerebral nocardiosis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 698–9.

Publications 2004


Casey, G., Ginny, M., Uranoli, M., Mueller, I., Reeder, J., Genton, B. & Cowman. A. Molecular analysis of Plasmodium falciparum from drug treatment failure patients in Papua New Guinea. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 70: 251–5.

Castiello, U., Lusher, D., Burton, C., Glover, S. & Disler, P. Improving left hemispatial neglect using virtual reality. Neurology 62: 1958–62.

Chai, S., Fernando, R., Peck, G., Ye, S., Mendelsohn, F., Jenkins, T. & Albiston, A. The angiotensin IV/AT4 receptor. Cellular &Molecular Life Sciences 61: 1–10.

Chai, S., Fernando, R., Ye, S., Peck, G. & Albiston, A. Insulin-regulated aminopeptidase. Aminopeptidases in Biology and Disease. M. Hooper and U. Lendeckel. New York, United States of America, Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers: 61–82.

Cham, S., Basire, M. & Kelly, A. Intermediate dose metoclopramide is not more effective than standard dose metopramide for patients who present to the emergency department with nausea and vomiting. A pilot study. Emergency Medicine Australasia 16: 208–11.

Chan C., Lim, Y., Santoso, T., Tresukosol, D., Lim, Y-T., Sonoda, S. & Fitzgerald, P. Acute and long-term clinical and angiographic outcome after S-stent implantation: S-Stent Multicenter Safety and Efficacy Trial. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions 62: 439–44.

Chapman, N., Huxley, R., Anderson, C., Bousser, M., Chalmers, J., Colman, S., Davis, S., Donnan, G., MacMahon, S., Neal, B., Warlow, C. & Woodward, M. Effects of a perindopril-based blood pressure-lowering regimen on the risk of recurrent stroke according to stroke subtype and medical history—the progress trial. Stroke 35: 116–21.

Chong, Y., Mulhern, T., Zhu. H-J., Fujita, D., Bjorge, J., Tantiongco, J., Sotirellis, N., Lio, S., Scholz, G. & Cheng, H. A novel non-catalytic mechanism employed by the C-terminal Src-homologous kinase to inhibit Src-family kinase activity. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279: 20752–266.

Chow, E., Thirlwell, C., Macrae, F. & Lipton, L. Colorectal cancer and inherited mutations in base-excision repair. Lancet Oncology 4: 600–06.

Chua, S., Rosenthal, M., Wong, S., Ashley, D., Woods, A., Dowling, A. & Cher, L. Phase 2 study of temozolomide and Caelyx in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Neuro-Oncology 6: 38–43.

Cicuttini, F., Wluka, A., Davis, S., Strauss, B., Yeung, S. & Ebeling, P. Association between knee cartilage volume and bone mineral density in older adults without osteoarthritis. Rheumatology 43: 765–9.

Cieza, A., Stucki, G., Weigl, M., Disler, P., Jackel, W., Van Der Linden, S., Kostanjsek, N. & De Bie, R. ICF core sets for low back pain. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 44: 69–74.

Cockburn, I., MacKinnon, M., O’Donnell, A., Allen, S., Moulds, J., Baisor, M., Bockarie, M., Reeder, J. & Rowe, J. A human complement receptor 1 polymorhpism that reduces Plasmodium falciparum rosetting confers protection against severe malaria. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 101: 272–7.

Cogger, V., Muller, M., Fraser, R., McLean, A., Khan, J. & Le Couteur. D. The effects of oxidative stress on the liver sieve. Journal of Hepatology 41: 370–6.

Cogger, V, Warren, A., Fraser, R., Ngu, M., McLean, A. & Le Couteur, D. Preliminary analysis of the sinusoidal endothelium and space of Disse in ageing Papio hamadrayas. Comparative Hepatology 3: 526–7.

Colquhoun, D., Keech, A., Hunt, D., Marschner, I., Simes, J., Glaziou, P., White, H., Barter, P. & Tonkin, A. for the LIPID Study investigators. Effects of pravastatin on coronary events in 2073 patients with low levels of both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: Results from the LIPID study. European Heart Journal 25: 771–7.

Cook, A., Braine, E. & Hamilton, J. Stimulus-dependent requirement for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in inflammation. Journal of Immunology 173: 4643–51.

Cook, A. & Visvanathan, K. Molecular targets in immune-mediated diseases: focus on rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets 8: 375–90.

Cortes, A., Benet A., Cooke B., Barnwell, J. & Reeder, J. Ability of Plasmodium falciparum to invade Southeast Asian ovalocytes varies between parasite lines. Blood 104: 2961–6.

Cortes, A., Mellombo M., Benet, A., Lorry, K. & Reeder, J. Plasmodium falciparum: distribution of msp2 genotypes among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals from the Wosera region of Papua New Guinea. Experimental Parasitology 106: 22–9.

Cross, M., Csar, X., Wilson, N., Manes, G., Addona, T., Marks, D., Whitty, G., Ashman, K. & Hamilton, J. A novel 110kDa form of myosin XVIIIA (MysPDZ) is tyrosine-phosphorylated after colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor signalling. Biochemical Journal 380: 243–53.

Curtis, D., Hall, M., Van Stekelenburg, L., Robb, L., Jane, S. & Begley, C. SCL is required for normal function of short term repopulating hematopoietic stem cells. Blood 103: 3342–8.

Davis, S. & Donnan, G. Advances in penumbra imaging with MR. Cerebrovascular Diseases 17: 23–7.

Davis, S. & Donnan, G. Steroids for stroke: another potential therapy discarded prematurely? Stroke 35: 230–1.

Davis, S. & Donnan, G. Stroke unit design: High tech versus low tech. Stroke 35: 1021.

Davis S. & Donnan, G. Why lacunar syndromes are different and important. Stroke 35: 1780–1.

De Georgia, M., Krieger, D., Abou-Chebl, A., Devlin, T., Jauss, M., Davis, S., Koroshetz, W., Rordorf, G. & Warach, S. Cooling for acute ischemic brain damage (COOL AID). Neurology 63: 312–17.

Pu

blicatio

ns

75

Pu

blic

atio

ns

Dennis, M. & Sparks, P. Pacemaker mediated tachycardia as a complication of the autointrinsic conduction search function. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) 27: 824–6.

Donnan, G. & Davis, S. Patent foramen ovale and stroke: closure by further randomized trial is required! Stroke 35: 806.

Donna,n G. & Davis, S. Stroke and cholesterol: weakness of risk versus strength of therapy. Stroke 35: 1526.

Dubin, M., Stokes, P., Sum, E., Williams, R., Valova, V., Robinson, P., Lindeman, G., Glover, J., Visvader, J. & Matthews, J. Dimerization of CtIP, a BRCA1- and CtBP-interacting protein, is mediated by an N-terminal coiled-coil motif. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279: 26932–8.

Dumesny, C., Whitley, J., Baldwin, G., Giraud, A. & Shulkes, A. Developmental expression and biological activity of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and GRP receptors in the kidney. American Journal of Physiology—Renal Physiology 287: F578–F585.

Elliott, J., O’Brien, D., Leder, K., Kitchener, S., Schwartz, E., Weld, L., Brown, G., Kain, K. & Torresi, J. Imported Plasmodium vivax malaria: demographic and clinical features in nonimmune travelers. Journal of Travel Medicine 11: 213–19.

Fernandes, D., Ravenhall, C., Harris, T., Tran, T., Vlahos, R. & Stewart, A. Contribution of the p38MAPK signalling pathway to proliferation in human cultured airway smooth muscle cells is mitogen-specific. British Journal of Pharmacology 142: 1182–90.

Fourlanos, S., Narendran, P., Byrnes, G., Colman, P. & Harrison, L. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for progression to type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia 47: 1661–7.

Franic, T., Judd, L., Nguyen, N., Samuelson, L., Loveland, K., Giraud, A., Gleeson, P. & Van Driel, I. Growth factors associated with gastric mucosal hypertrophy in autoimmune gastritis. American Journal of Physiology—Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 287: G910–G918.

Fu, P., Douros, G. & Kelly, A. Does potassium concentration measured on blood gas analysis agree with serum potassium in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Emergency Medicine Australasia 16: 280–3.

Fung, A., Leikis, M. & McMahon, L. Acute renal failure associated with Legionella pneumonia and actue cholecystitis. Nephrology 9: 105–08.

Funkat, A., Massa, C., Jovanovska, V., Proietto, J. & Andrikopoulos, S. Metabolic adaptations of three inbred strains of mice (C57BL/6, DBA/2, and 129T2) in response to a high-fat diet. Journal of Nutrition 134: 3264–9.

Fynn, S. & Kalman, J. Bundle branch reentrant tachycardia in a patient with normal ventricular function. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 10: 255–9.

Fynn, S. & Kalman, J. Pulmonary veins: Anatomy, electrophysiology, tachycardia, and fibrillation. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) 27: 1547–59.

Fynn, S., Morton, J., Deen, V., Kistler, P., Vohra, J., Sparks, P. & Kalman, J. Conduction characteristics at the crista terminalis during onset of pulmonary vein atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 15: 855–61.

Gaff, C., Lindeman, G., Aragona, C., MacInnis, R., Cowan, R., Payne, C. & Giles, G. Accuracy and completeness in reporting family history of prostate cancer by unaffected men. Urology 63: 1111–16.

Gawenis, L. R., Lesoussal, C., Judd, L. M., Prasad, V., Alper, S. L., Stuart-Tilley, A., Woo, A. L., Grisham, C., Sanforns, L. P., Doetschman, T., Miller, M. L. & Shull, G. E. 2004. ‘Mice with a targeted disruption of the AE2 Cl-/HCO3- exchanger are achlorhydric’, Journal of Biological Chemistry 279:30531–9.

Ghougassian, D., D’Souza, W., Cook, M. & O’Brien, T. Evaluating the utility of inpatient video-EEG monitoring. Epilepsia 45: 928–932.

Gibson, S. & Farrell, M. A review of age differences in the neurophysiology of nociception and the perceptual experience of pain. Clinical Journal of Pain 20: 227–39.

Giles, M., Sasadeusz J., Garland, S., Grover, S. & Hellard, M. An audit of obstetricians’ management of women potentially infected with blood-borne viruses. Medical Journal of Australia 180: 328.

Giraud, A., Pereira, P., Thim, L., Parker, L. & Judd, L. TFF-2 inhibits iNOS/NO in monocytes, and nitrated protein in healing colon after colitis. Peptides 24: 803–09.

Good, M., Stanisic, D., Xu, J., Elliott, S. & Wykes, M. The immunological challenge to developing a vaccine to the blood stages of malaria parasites. Immunological Reviews 201: 254–67.

Goodacre, S., Kelly, A. & Kerr, D. Potential impact of interventions to reduce times to thrombolysis. Emergency Medicine Journal 21: 625–9.

Gothert, J., Gustin, S., Van Eekelen, J., Schmidt, U., Hall, M., Jane, S., Green, R., Gottgens, B., Izon, D. & Begley, C. Genetically tagging endothelial cells in vivo: bone marrow-derived cells do not contribute to tumor endothelium. Blood 104: 1769–77.

Gouskos, T., Wightman, F., Chang, J., Earnest-Silveira, L., Sasadeusz, J., Lewin, S. & Torresi, J. Severe hepatitis and prolonged heaptitis B virus-specific CD8 T-cell response after selection of heaptitis B virus YMDD variant in an HIV/hepatitis B virus-co-infected patient. AIDS 18: 1734–7.

Gouskos, T., Wightman, F., Lewin, S. & Torresi, J. Highly reproducible transient transfections for the study of hepatitis B virus replication based on an internal GFP reporter system. Journal of Virological Methods 121: 65–72.

Graves, S., Davidson, D., Ingerson, L., Ryan, P., Griffith, E., McDermott, B., McElroy, H. & Pratt, N. The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Medical Journal of Australia 180: S31–S34.

Greenberg, P. & Elliott, S. Tested teaching tips. Medical Journal of Australia 180: 376–7.


Grigg, A., Brown, M., Roberts, A., Szer, J. & Slavin, M. A pilot study of targeted itraconazole prophylaxis in patients with graft-versus-host disease at high risk of invasive mould infections following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplantation 34: 447–53.

Grigg, A., Tubridy, N., Szer, J., Mitchell, P., Butzkueven, H, Shuttleworth, P. & Kilpatrick T. Cladribine followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation in progressive multiple sclerosis. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 66–9.

Guthrie, J., Lehert, P., Dennerstein, L., Burger, H., Ebeling, P. & Wark, J. The relative effect of endogenous estradiol and androgens on menopausal bone loss: a longitudinal study. Osteoporosis International 15: 881–6.

Hahm, K., Sum, E., Fujiwara, Y., Lindeman, G., Visvader, J. & Orkin, S. Defective neural tube closure and anteroposterior patterning in mice lacking the LIM protein LM04 or its interacting partner deaf-1. Molecular and Cellular Biology 24: 2074–82.

Haines, T. P., Bennell, K. L., Osborne, R. H. & Hill, K. D. Effectiveness of targeted falls prevention programme in sub-acute hospital setting: A randomised controlled trial. British Medical Journal 328: 676–82.

Harrison, L., Honeyman, M., Steele, C., Stone, N., Sarugeri, E., Bonifacio, E., Couper, J. & Colman, P. Pancreatic beta-cell function and immune responses to insulin after administratio of intranasal insulin to humans at risk for type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 27: 2348–55.

Helme, R., Meliala, A. & Gibson, S. Methodologic factors which contribute to variations in experimental pain threshold reports for older people. Neuroscience Letters 361: 144–6.

Hewitson, T., Martic, M., Darby, I., Kelynack, K., Bisucci, T., Tait, M. & Becker, G. Intracellular cyclic nucleotide analogues inhibit in vitro mitogenesis and activation of fibroblasts derived from obstructed rat kidneys. Experimental Nephrology 96: e59–e66.

Hill, K. & Stinson, A. A pilot study of falls, fear of falling, activity levels and fall prevention actions in older people with polio. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 16: 126–31.

Hilmer, S., Warren, A., Cogger, V., Fraser, R., McLean, A., Sullivan, D. & Le Couteur, D. The effect of aging on the immunohistochemistry of apolipoprotein E in the liver. Experimental Gerontology 39: 53–7.

Hughes, P., Westcott, J., Gibson, R., Francis, D., Becker, G., Cohney, S. & Better, N. Suspected urinary leak in a renal transplant patient with unusual collecting system anatomy. Clinical Nuclear Medicine 29: 592–4.

Hussein, Z., Wentworth, J., Nankervis, A., Proietto, J. & Colman, P. Effectiveness and side effects of thiazolidinediones for type 2 diabetes: real-life experience from a tertiary hospital. Medical Journal of Australia 181: 536–9.

Jefford, M., Michael, M., Rosenthal, M., Davis, I., Green, M., McClure, B., Smith, J., Waite B. & Zalcberg, J. A novel combination of cisplatin, irinotecan, and capecitabine in patients with advanced cancer. Investigational New Drugs 22: 185–92.

Jennens, R., De Boer, R., Irving, L., Ball, D. & Rosenthal, M. Differences of opinion: a survey of knowledge and bias among clinicans regarding the role of chemotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Chest 126: 1985–93.

Jennens, R., Rosenthal, M. & Gonzales, M. Metastatic myoepithelioma of the breast. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery 74: 1135–7.

Jennens, R., Rosenthal, M., Lindeman, G. & Michael, M. Complete radiological and metabolic response of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to SU5416 (semaxanib) in a patient with probable von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Urologic Oncology—Seminars and Original Investigations 22: 193–6.

Judd, L., Alderman, B., Howlett, M., Shulkes, A., Dow, C., Moverley, J., Grail, D., Jenkins, B., Ernst, M. & Giraud, A. Gastric cancer development in mice lacking the SHP2 binding site on the IL-6 family co-receptor gp130. Gastroenterology 126: 196–207.

Kelly, A., Bradshaw, L. & Kerr, D. Can nurses apply the Canadian C-spine rule: A pilot study. Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine 6: 161–4.

Kelly, A. & Kerr, D. Clinical features in the emergency department can identify patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes who are safe for care in unmonitored hospital beds. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 594–7.

Kelly, A., Kerr, D. & Powell, C. Is severity assessment after one hour of treatment better for predicting the need for admission in acute asthma? Respiratory Medicine 98: 777–81.

Kelly, A., McAlpine, R. & Kyle, E. Agreement between bicarbonate measured on arterial and venous blood gases. Emergency Medicine Australasia 16: 407–09.

Kerr, D. & Kelly, A. Do differences exist in treatment and outcome for women with STEMI in Australia? Emergency Medicine Australasia 16: 91–4.

Kerr, D., Woodruff, I. & Kelly, A. Clinical nursing research: nurses’ attitudes and activity. Collegian 11: 17–21.

Khalil, Z., Pearce, A., Satkunanathan, N., Storer, E., Finlay-Jones, J. & Hart, P. Regulation of wheal and flare by tea tree oil: complementary human and rodent students. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 123: 683–90.

Kidwell, C., Chalela, J., Saver, J., Starkman, S., Hill, M., Butman, J., Patronas, N., Alger, J., Latour, L., Luby, M., Baird, E., Leary, M., Tremwel, M., Obviagele, B., Fredieu, A., Susuki, S., Villablanca, J., Davis, S., Dunn, B., Todd, J., Ezzeddine, M., Haymore, J., Lynch, J., Davis, L. & Warach, S. Comparison of MRI and CT for detection of acute intracerebral hemorrhage. JAMA—Journal of the American Medical Association 292: 1823–30.

Kistler, P., Eizenberg, N., Fynn, S. & Mond, H. The subpectoral pacemaker implant: It isn’t what is seems! Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) 27: 361–4.

Kistler, P., Kalman, J., Fynn, S., Stevenson, I., Sparks, P. & Vohra, J. Irregular tachycardia with varying degrees of bundle branch block abberation: What is the mechanism? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 15: 611–13.

Pu

blicatio

ns

77

Pu

blic

atio

ns

Kistler, P., Sanders, P., Fynn, S., Stevenson, I., Spence, S., Vohra, J., Sparks, P. & Kalman, J. Electrophysiologic and electroanatomic changes in the human atrium associated with age. Journal of the American College of Cardiology 44: 109–16.

Kistler, P., Sanders, P., Morton, J., Vohra, J., Kalman, J. & Sparks, P. Effect of body mass index on defibrillation thresholds for internal cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation. American Journal of Cardiology 94: 370–2.

Knott, J., Tan, S., Street, A., Bailey, M. & Cameron, P. Febrile adults presenting to the emergency department: outcomes and markers of serious illness. Emergency Medicine Journal 21: 170–5.

Korman, T., Boers, A., Gooding, T., Curtis, R. & Visvanathan, K. Fatal case of toxic shock-like syndrome due to group C streptococcus associated with superantigen exotoxin. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 42: 2866–9.

Laan, M., Bozinovski, S. & Anderson, G. Cigarette smoke inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced production of inlammatory cytokines by suppressing the activation of activator protein-1 in bronchial epithelial cells. Journal of Immunology 173: 4164–70.

Lawlor, K, Campbell, I., Metcalf, D., O’Donnell, K., Van Nieuwenjuijze, A., Roberts, W. & Wicks, I. Critical role for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in inflammatory arthritis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 101: 11398–403.

Lawrence, S., Wraight, P., Campbell, D. & Colman, P. Assessment and management of inpatients with acute diabetes-related foot complications: room for improvement. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 229–33.

Le Couteur, D., Li Yin, Z., McLean, A. & Rivory, L. Wash-in methodology and modeling to determine hepatocellular D-glucose transport in the perfused rat liver. Japanese Journal of Physiology 54: 421–9.

Leder, K., Black, J., O’Brien, D., Greenwood, Z., Kain, K., Schwartz, E., Brown G. & Torresi, J. Malaria in travelers: a review of the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network. Clinical Infectious Diseases 39: 1104–12.

Leikis, M., Kent, A., Becker, G. & McMahon, L. Haemoglobin response to subcutaneous versus intravenous epoetin alfa administration in iron-replete haemodialysis patients. Nephrology 9: 153–60.

Lieberman, R., Grenz, D., Mond, H. & Gammage, M. Selective site pacing: Defining and reaching the selected site. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) 27: 883–6.

Lim, L., Rosenthal, M., Maartens, N. & Ryan, G. Management of brain metastases. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 270–8.

Lindeman, G., Hiew, M., Visvader, J., Leary, J., Field, M., Gaff, C., Gardner, R., Trainer, K., Cheetham, G., Suthers, G. & Kirk, J. Frequency of the ATM IVS10-6T-G variant in Australian multiple-case breast cancer families. Breast Cancer Research 6: R401–R407.

Lingelbach, K., Kirk, K., Rogerson, S., Langhorne, J., Carucci, D. & Waters, A. Molecular approaches to malaria. Molecular Microbiology 54: 575–87.

Livett, B., Gayler, K. & Khalil Z. Drugs from the sea: Conopeptides as potential therapeutics. Current Medicinal Chemistry 11: 1715–23.

Lowe, A., David, E., Kilpatrick, C., Matkovic, Z., Cook, M., Kaye, A. & O’Brien, T. Epilepsy surgery for pathologically proven hippocampal sclerosis provides long-term seizure control and improved quality of life. Epilepsia 45: 237–42.

Lowe, A., Kilpatrick, C. & O’Brien, T. Hippocampal sclerosis. Epilepsia 45: 1005.

MacKintosh, C., Beeson, J. & Marsh, K. Clinical features and pathogenesis of severe malaria. Trends in Parasitology (formerly Parasitology Today) 20: 597–603.

MacLean, H., Brown, R., Beilin, J., Warne, G. & Zajac, J. Increased frequency of long androgen receptor CAG repeats in male breast cancers. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment 88: 239–46.

MacLeod, M., Amarenco, P., Davis, S. & Donnan, G. Atheroma of the aortic arch: an important and poorly recognised factor in the aetiology of stroke. The Lancet Neurology 3: 408–414.

Magliano, D., Liew, D., Pater, H., Kirby, A., Hunt, D., Simes, J., Sundarajan, V. & Tonkin, A. Accuracy of the Australian National Death Index: Comparison with adjudicated fatal outcomes among Australian participants in the Long-term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischaemic Disease (LIPID) study. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 27: 649–653.

Manser, R., Irving L., Stone, C., Byrnes, G., Abramson, M. & Campbell, D. Screening for lung cancer. Cochrane Library Systematic Reviews: 1–31.

Martic, M., Moses, E., Adams, T., Liu, D., Gook, D., Garrett, C., Dunlop, M. & Baker, H. Recombinant human zona pellucida proteins ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 co-expressed in a human cell line. Asian Journal of Andrology 6: 3–13.

Masterson, R., Hewitson, T., Kelynack, K., Martic, M., Parry, L., Bathgate, R., Darby, I. & Becker, G. Relaxin down-regulates renal fibroblast function and promotes matrix remodelling in vitro. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 19: 544–52.

McLean, A. & Le Couteur, D. Aging biology and geriatric clinical pharmacology. Pharmacological Reviews 56: 163–84.

McLean, K., O’Brien, T., Cook, M. & Vajda, F. The influence of gender on the aggravation of absence seizures by carbamazepine in the low-dose pentylenetetrazol rat model. Seizure 13: 208–16.

McMahon, L., Chester, K. & Walker, R. Effects of different dialysis membranes on serum concentrations of epoetin alfa, darbepoetin alfa, enoxaparin, and iron sucrose during dialysis. American Journal of Kidney Diseases 44: 509–16.

McMahon, L., Roger, S. & Levin, A. Development, prevention, and potential reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy in chronic kidney disease. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 15: 1640–7.

Meckes-Ferber, S., Roten, A., Kilpatrick, C. & O’Brien, T. EEG dipole source localisation of interictal spikes acquired during routine clinical video-EEG monitorint. Clinical Neurophysiology 115: 2738–43.


Meiser, B., Collins, V., Gaff, C., St John, D., Young, M-A., Harrop, K., Brown, J. & Halliday, J. Psychological impact of genetic testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. Clinical Genetics 66: 502–11.

Moeller, M., Haynes, N., Trapani, J., Teng, M., Jackson, J., Tanner, J., Cerutti, L., Jane, S., Kershaw, M., Smyth, M. & Darcy, P. A functional role for CD28 costimulation in tumor recognition by single-chain receptor-modified T cells. Cancer Gene Therapy 11: 371–9.

Mond, H. & Gammage, M. Selective site pacing: The future of cardiac pacing? Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) 27: 835–6.

Mond, H., Irwin, M., Morillo, C. & Ector, H. The world survey of crdiac pacing and cardioverter defibrillators: Calendar year 2001. Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology (PACE) 27: 955–64.

Morris, K., O’Brien, T., Cook, M., Murphy, M. & Bowden, S. A computer-generated stereotactic ‘virtual subdural grid’ to guide resective epilepsy surgery. American Journal of Neuroradiology 25: 77–83.

Morris, M., Osborne, D., Hill, K., Kendig, H., Lundgren-Lindquist, B., Browning, C. & Reid, J. Predisposing factors for occasional and multiple falls in older Australians who live at home. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 50: 153–9.

Mount, A., Mwapasa, V., Elliott, S., Beeson, J., Tadesse, E., Lema, V., Molyneux, M., Meshnick, S. & Rogerson, S. Impairment of humoral immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria in pregnancy by HIV infection. Lancet 363: 1860–7.

Muir, J., Yeow, E., Keogh, J., Pizzey C., Bird, A., Sharpe, K., O’Dea, K. & Macrae, F. Combining wheat bran with resistant starch has more beneficial effects on fecal indexes than does wheat bran alone. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79: 1020–8.

Mullighan, C., Heatley, S., Doherty, K., Szabo, F., Grigg, A., Hughes, T., Schwarer, A., Szer, J., Tait, B., To, L. & Bardy, P. Non-HLA immunogenetic polymorphisms and the risk of complications after allogeneic hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Transplantation 27: 587–96.

Murphy, M., O’Brien, T., Morris, K. & Cook, M. Multimodality image-guided surgery for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy. Journal of Neurosurgery 100: 452–62.

Mwapasa, V., Rogerson, S., Molyneux, M., Abrams, E., Kamwendo, D., Lema, V., Tadesse, E., Chaluluka, E., Wilson, P. & Meshnick, S. The effect of Plasmodium falicparum malaria on peripheral and placental HIV-1 RNA concentrations in pregnant Malawian women. AIDS 18: 1051–9.

Nadesapillai, S., Balcere, I., Kaye, A., Tress, B. & Colman, P. Acute complications of dopamine agonist treatment for macroprolactinoma—how uncommon? Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 11: 825–8.

Nosten, F., Rogerson, S., Beeson, J., McGready, R., Mutabingwa, T. & Brabin, B. Malaria in pregnancy and the endemicity spectrum: what can we learn? Trends in Parasitology (formerly Parasitology Today) 20: 425–32.

O’Brien, T., So, E., Cascino, G., Hauser, M., Marsh, W., Meyer, F., Sharbrough, F. & Mullan, B. Subtraction SPECT coregistered to MRI in focal malformations of cortical development: Localization of the epileptogenic zone in epilepsy surgery candidates. Epilepsia 45: 367–76.

Olayioye, M., Hoffmann, P., Pomorski, Armes, J., Simpson, R., Kemp, B., Lindeman, G. & Visvader, J. The Phosphoprotein StarD10 Is Overexpressed in Breast Cancer and Cooperates with ErbB Receptors in Cellular Transformation. Cancer Research 64: 3538–44.

Osborne, R. H., Elsworth, G. R., Sprangers, M. A. G., Oort, F. J. & Hopper, J. L. H. The value of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for comparing women with early onset breast cancer with population-based reference women. Quality of Life Research 13: 191–206.

Osborne, R. H., Sali, A., Aaronson, N., Elsworth, G., Mdzewski, B. & Sinclair, A. Immune function and adjustment style: Do they predict survival in breast cancer? Psycho-Oncology 13: 199–210.

Osborne, R. H., Spinks, J. & Wicks, I. Patient education and self-management programs in arthritis. Medical Journal of Australia 180: S23–S26.

Parekh, V., McEwen, A., Barbour, V., Takahashi, Y., Rehg, J., Jane, S. & Cunningham, J. Defective extraembryonic angiogenesis in mice lacking LBP-1a, a member of the grainyhead family of transcription factors. Molecular and Cellular Biology 24: 7113–29.

Parker, R., Powell, C. & Kelly, A. How long does stridor at rest persist in croup after the administration of oral prednisolone? Emergency Medicine Australasia 16: 135–8.

Patel, O., Dumesny, C., Giraud, A., Baldwin, G. & Shulkes, A. Stimulation of proliferation and migration of a colorectal cancer cell line by amidated and glycine-extended gastrin-releasing peptide via the same receptor. Biochemical Pharmacology 68: 2129–42.

Paton, L., Beck, T., Nowson, C., Cameron, M., McKay, H., Forwood, M. & Wark, J. A co-twin calcium intervention trial in premenarcheal girls: cortical bone effects by hip structural analysis. Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis. P. Burckhardt, B. Dawson-Hughes and R. Heaney. California, Academic Press: 35–43.

Ponsford, J., Facem, P., Rothwell, A., Kelly, A., Nelms, R. & Ng, K. Use of the Westmead PTA scale to monitor recovery of memory after mild head injury. Brain Injury 18: 603–14.

Pouniotis, D., Proudfoot, O., Minigo, G., Hanley, J. & Plebanski, M. Malaria prasite interactions with the human host. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine 50: 30–4.

Pouniotis, D., Proudfoot, O., Minigo, G., Hanley, J. & Plebanski. M. A new boost for malaria vaccines. Trends in Parasitology (formerly Parasitology Today) 20: 157–60.

Powell, C., Powell, C., Raftos, J., Kerr, D., Rosengarten, P. & Kelly, A. Asthma in emergency departments: Combined adult and paediatric versus paediatric only centres. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 40: 433–7.

Pu

blicatio

ns

79

Pu

blic

atio

ns

Prause, O., Bozinovski, S., Anderson, G. & Linden, A. Increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 concentration and activity after stimul-ation with interleukin-17 in mouse airways. Thorax 59: 313–17.

Presneill, J., Nakata, K., Inoue, Y. & Seymour, J. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Clinics in Chest Medicine 25: 593–613.

Proietto, J. & Baur, L. Managment of obesity. Medical Journal of Australia 180: 474–80.

Rerks-Ngarm, S., Treleaven, S., Chunsuttiwat, S., Muangchana, C., Jolley, D., Brooks, A., Dejsirilert, S., Warintrawat, S., Guiver, M., Kunasol, P., Maynard, J., Biggs, B. & Steinhoff, M. Prospective population-based incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in Thailand. Vaccine 22: 975–83.

Ritchie, D., Grigg, A., Roberts, A., Rosenthal, M., Fox, R. & Szer, J. Staged autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation for Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 431–4.

Roberts, L. & McColl, G. Tumour recrosis factor inhibitors: risks and benefits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 687–93.

Rogerson, S., Gladstone, M., Callaghan, M., Erhart, L., Rogerson, S., Bogstein, E. & Broadhead, R. HIV infection among paediatric in-patients in Blantyre, Malawi. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 98: 544–52.

Rogerson, S., Grau, G. & Hunt, N. The microcirculation in severe malaria. Microcirculation 11: 559–76.

Rosenthal, M. Carcinoid associated encephalitis successfully treated with tryptophan. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 11: 66–7.

Rosenthal, M., Ashley, D. & Cher, L. BCNU as second line therapy for recurrent high-grade glioma previously treated with Temozolomide. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 11: 374–5.

Rubio, J., Bahlo, M., Tubridy, N., Stankovich, J., Burfoot, R., Butzkueven, H., Chapman, C., Johnson, L., Marriott, M., Mraz, G., Tait, B., Wilkinson, C., Taylor, B., Speed, T., Foote, S. & Kilpatrick, T. Extended haplotype analysis in the HLA complex reveals an increased frequency of the HFE-C282Y mutation in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Human Genetics 114: 573–80.

Samuel, C., Zhao, C., Bond, C., Hewitson, T., Amento, P. & Summers, J. Relaxin-1-deficient mice develop an age-related progression of renal fibrosis. Kidney International 65: 2054–64.

Sanders, P., Kistler, P., Morton, J., Spence, S. & Kalman J. Remodeling of sinus node function in patients with congestive heart failure. Circulation 110: 897–903.

Sanders, P., Morton, J., Kistler, P., Spence, S., Davidson, N., Hussin, A., Vohra, J., Sparks, P. & Kalman J. Electrophysiological and electroanatomic characterization of the atria in sinus node disease. Circulation 109: 1514–22.

Sarson-Lawrence, M., Alt, C., Mok, M., Dodds, M. & Rosenthal M. Trust and confidence: towards mutual acceptance of ethics committee approval of multicentre studies. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 598–603.

Segal, L., Day, S., Chapman, A. & Osborne, R. H. Can we reduce disease burden from osteoarthritis? The development of an evidence based health sector wide priority setting model. Medical Journal of Australia 180: S11–S17.

Seymour, J. & Presneill, J. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. What is the role of GM-CSF in disease pathogenesis and treatment? Treatments in Respiratory Medicine 3: 229–34.

Simpson, K., Wati, M., Lindeman, G., Deans, A. & Brown, M. MMTV-trBrca1 mice display strain-dependent adnormalities in vaginal development. International Journal of Developmental Biology 10: 675–8.

Singarayar, S. & Kalman, J. Focal atrial tachycardia: is it yet time for a new paradigm? Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology 15: 1394–5.

Slavin, M., Szer, J., Grigg, A., Roberts, A., Seymour, J., Thursky, K., Chen, S., Morrissey, C., Heath, C. & Sorrell, T. Guidelines for the use of antifungal agents in the treatment of invasive Candida and mould infections. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 192–200.

Stevenson, I. & Kalman, J. Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: The gold standard or just another imaging modality? Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 10: 27–9.

Stocker, C., Shekerdemian, L., Visvanathan, K., Skinner, N., Brizard, C., Carlin, J., Horton, S. & Penny, D. Cardiopulmonary bypass elicits a prominent innate immune response in children with congenital heart disease. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 127: 1523–5.

Sutherland, K., Lindeman, G., Choong, D., Wittlin, S., Brentzell, L., Phillips, W., Campbell, I. & Visvader, J. Differential hypermethylation of SOCS genes in ovarian and breast carcinomas. Oncogene 23: 7726–33.

Szer, J. When to transplant in myelodysplasia? Markov helps. Blood 104: 304–05.

Szer, J., Durrant, S., Schwarer, A., Bradstock, K., Gibson, J., Arthur, C., To, L., Hughes, T. & Raunow, H. Oral versus intravenous ganciclovir for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus disease after allogeneic bone marrow. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 98–101.

Tainton, K., Smyth, M., Jackson, J., Tanner, J., Cerruti, L., Jane, S., Darcy, P. & Johnstone, R. Mutational analysis of P-glycoprotein: suppression of caspase activation in the absence of ATP-dependent drug efflux. Cell Death & Differentiation 11: 1028–37.

Tait, B. & Russ, G. Allocation of cadaver donor kidneys in Australia. Transplantation 77: 627–9.

Tam, C., Wolf, M., Januszewicz, H., Grigg, A., Prince, H., Westerman, D. & Seymour, J. A new model for predicting infectious complications during fludarabine-based combination chemotherapy among patients with indolent lymphoid malignancies. Cancer 101: 2042–9.


Pu

blicatio

ns

Tannock, I., Berry, W., Horti, J., Pluzanska, A., Chi, K., Oudard, S., Theodore, C., James, N., Turesson, I., Rosenthal, M. & Eisenberger, M . Docetaxel plus prednisone or mitoxantrone plus prednisone for advanced prostate cancer. New England Journal of Medicine 351: 1502–12.

Teichtahl, H., Wang, D., Cunnington, D., Kronborg, I., Goodman ,C., Prodromidis, A. & Drummer, O. Cardiorespiratory function in stable methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients. Addiction Biology 9: 247–53.

Ter Kuile, F., Parise, M., Verhoeff, F., Udhayakumar, V., Newman, R., Van Eijk, A., Rogerson, S. & Steketee, R. The burden of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and malaria in pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 71: 41–54.

Thursky, K., Byrnes, G., Grigg, A., Szer, J. & Slavin, M. Risk factors for post-engraftment invasive aspergillosis in allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplantation 34: 115–21.

Tikellis, C., Wookey, P., Candido, R., Andrikopoulos, S., Thomas, M. & Cooper, M. Improved islet morphology after blockade of the renin-agiotensin system in the ZDF rat. Diabetes 53: 989–97.

Tjandra, J. & Tagkalidis, P. Carbohydrate-electrolyte (E-Lyte) solution enhances bowel preparation with oral fleet phosphor-soda. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum 47: 1181–6.

Torresi, J., Bharadwaj, M., Jackson, D. & Gowans, E. Neutralising antibody, CTL and dendritic cell responses to Hepatitis C virus: A preventative vaccine strategy. Current Drug Targets 5: 41–56.

Vajda, F., Lander, C., O’Brien, T., Hitchcock, A., Graham, J., Solinas, C., Eadie, M. & Cook, M. Australian pregnancy registry of women taking antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsia 45: 1466.

Vajda, F., O’Brien, T., Hitchcock A., Graham, J., Cook, M., Lander, C. & Eadie, M. Critical relationship between sodium valproate dose and human teratogenicity: results of the Australian register of anti-epileptic drugs in pregnancy. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 11: 854–8.

Van Doornum, S., McColl, G. & Wicks, I. Atorvastatin reduces arterial stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 63: 1571–5.

Vinton, A., Carino, J., Vogrin, S., MacGregor, L., Kilpatrick, C., Matkovic, Z. & O’Brien, T. ‘Convulsive’ nonepileptic seizures have a characteristic pattern of rhythmic artifact distinguishing them from convulsive epileptic seizures. Epilepsia 45: 1344–50.

Voskoboinik, I., Thia, M-C., De Bono, A., Browne, K., Cretney, E., Jackson, J., Darcy, P., Jane, S., Smyth, M. & Trapani, J. The functional basis for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with co-inherited Missense mutations in the perforin (PFN1) gene. Journal of Experimental Medicine 200: 811–16.

Wilder-Smith, A., Khairullah, N., Song, J-H., Chen, C-Y. & Torresi, J. Travel health knowledge, attitudes and practices among Australasian travelers. Journal of Travel Medicine 11: 9–15.

Wong, A., Mak, K-H., Chan, C., Koh, T-H., Lim, T-T., Lim, S-T., Sim, L-L., Lim, Y-T., Tan, H-C. & Lim, Y. Combined fibrinolysis using reduced-dose alteplase plus abciximab with immediate rescue angioplasty versus primary angioplasy with adjunct use of abciximab for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction: Asia–Pacific Acute Myocardial Infarction Trial (APAMIT) Pilot Study. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions 62: 445–52.

Wong, S., Gibbs, P., Chao, M., Jones, I., McLaughlin, S., Tjandra, J., Faragher, I. & Green, M. Carcinoma of the anal canal: A local experience and review of literature. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery 74: 541.

Wong, S., Rosenthal, M., Deboer, R., Green, M. & Fox, R. Five years managing metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: experience at a teaching hospital. Internal Medicine Journal 34: 458–63.

Xiong, Z., Wahlqvist, M., Ibiebele, T., Biegler, B., Balazs, N., Xiong, D. & Lim, Y. Relationship between plasma lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein (a) phenotypes, and other coronary heart disease risk factors in a Melbourne South Asian population. Clinical Biochemistry 37: 305–11.

Yeomans, N. Impact of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: are they fulfilling their promises? Internal Medicine Journal 34: 145–7.

Zernich, D., Purcell A., MacDonald, W., Kjer-Nielsen, L., Ely, L., Laham, N., Crockford, T., Mifsud, N., Bharadwaj, M., Chang, L., Tait, B., Holdsworth, R., Brooks, A., Bottomley, S., Beddoe, T., Peh, C., Rossjohn, J. & McCluskey, J. Natural HLA class I polymorphism controls the pathway of antigen presentation and susceptibility to viral evasion. Journal of Experimental Medicine 200: 13–24.

Zhao, Q., Cumming, H., Cerruti, L., Cunningham, J. & Jane, S. Site-specific acetylation of the fetal globin activator NF-E4 prevents its ubiquitination and regulates its interaction with the histone deacetylase, HDAC1. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279: 41477–86.

Zhou, W., Zhao, Q., Sutton, R., Cumming, H., Wang, X., Cerruti, L., Hall, M., Wu, R., Cunningham, J. & Jane, S. The role of p22 NF-E4 in human globin gene switching. Journal of Biological Chemistry 279: 26227–32.

Zraika, S., Dunlop, M., Proietto, J. & Andrikopoulos, S. Elevated SNAP-25 is associated with fatty acid-induced impairment of mouse islet function. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 317: 472–7.


Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) The University of Melbourne 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences Building The Royal Melbourne Hospital Parkville, Vic. 3050 AUSTRALIA

T: +61 3 8344 6252 F: +61 3 9347 1863 E: [email protected] W: http://www.medrmhwh.unimelb.edu.au

Department of Medicine (RMH/WH) The University of Melbourne

Western Hospital Cnr Eleanor and Marion Streets

Footscray, Vic. 3011 AUSTRALIA

T: +61 3 8345 6252 F: +61 3 9318 1157

E: [email protected] W: http://www.medrmhwh.unimelb.edu.au

17037-depmed.arfinalcover - melbourne medical school · postgraduate programs 9 honours projects...

Documents