Potential MBBS Research Projects:
Honours, MPhil, PhD
Students with a ‘genuine interest’ in any of the following projects or areas of
research are encouraged to enquire by email to the contact person listed and
discuss possible project opportunities
NEW Projects update – September 2012
'Per scientiam ad sanitatem publicam'
Proposal for A Cochrane-Like Systematic Review And MetaAnalysis On Deep Brain Stimulation For Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) & Depression
This is a project to undertake a systematic review on Deep Brain Stimulation for OCD & depression. Deep
Brain Stimulation is the latest development of neurosurgical approaches to psychiatric disorder & highly
controversial. To enable deep brain stimulation, a surgeon must first implant electrodes in the brain and
connect them to a pair of small electrical generators underneath the clavicle. Although deep brain stimulation is
sometimes described as a “pacemaker for the brain,” that is an oversimplification. Cardiac pacemakers monitor
heart rhythm and trigger a heartbeat when necessary. While cardiac pacemakers have an established track
record of success and clear guidelines for use, deep brain stimulation does not.There have only been a few
studies, most of them uncontrolled. Although it is not possible to do double blind randomised trial, a few studies
have randomly assigned patients to real or sham stimulation for several weeks on the basis that, as with motor
disorders, it only works with concurrent stimulation. These are double blinded to take into account the
confounder of having the surgery itself, which clearly will have a huge placebo effect. As the patients can’t be
randomly allocated to insertion of the device or placebo, but trials have randomly allocated people to activation
and not activating the device once it’s inserted The purpose of this review is therefore to undertake a
systematic review of only those studies that have randomly assigned patients to real or sham stimulation
Meta-analyses would be done in Cochrane’s RevMan, for which training would be provided, and be supervised
by Steve Kisely who is an experienced Cochrane reviewer, being 1st author on two & co-author on another four.
The nature of the project means that the work is flexible and so could fit round other commitments. It will give
practical experience of doing a Cochrane review with the possibility of publication in a peer-reviewed journal
with a reasonable impact factor
CONTACT: Steve Kisely
Phone: +61 7 336 55330 | Fax: +61 7 336 55442
Websites: www.healthlinq.org.au
Email: s.kisely@uq.edu.au
1
Document1
Research Officer POSITION
See main listing on web page
CONTACT: Donna Jones
djones@csqtc.qld.edu.au www.csqtc.qld.edu.au
Projects in School of Population Health
Several opportunities are available for students to join School of Population Health’s (SPH)
vibrant research culture. Opportunities illustrate the diversity of the School's research
programs and include the chance to work on projects investigating nutrition; parasitic
diseases; longitudinal studies; the health effects of sedentary behaviour; and hospitalbased pathogens. More information on specific projects can be found below:




Mathematical modelling of parasitic co-infection
Public health nutrition
A life course approach to women's health
Clostridium difficile: assessing the risks to Australia
Interested students should
 Email RHD@sph.uq.edu.au ,or
 Call 07 3365 5393
2
Document1
Diagnosis and description of preterm infants with hearing loss
detected under newborn hearing screening
Introduction: All babies born in Queensland are screened for hearing loss soon after birth through
the Queensland Healthy Hearing, Newborn Hearing Screening Program (Queensland Health). The
Hear and Say Centre will work in partnership with the Queensland Healthy Hearing Research
Committee (QHRRC) to conduct a study examining specific aetiological factors for pre-term infants
diagnosed with a Permanent Hearing Loss. This study will include a focussed literature review which
would help define the aims and objectives of this project, and ensure the study is novel and does not
duplicate already published work.
Applications are called for an MBBS Honours student to undertake a literature review on this
topic to determine current research in this area and identify knowledge gaps. This will be followed by
a retrospective chart review to determine contributing factors to the hearing loss and its outcomes
and any concurrent features of this population.
Aims & Objectives: To gain information on the diagnostic process and aetiology and describe the
concurrent features of the population of infants diagnosed with hearing loss through universal
newborn hearing screening in Queensland. The outcomes of this study will be used to inform
government and decision makers. This study will also develop the foundation for future outcomes
research which will enhance the diagnosis, treatment and counselling for these infants and their
parents.
Study Design: This study will consist of three phases:
 Phase 1 – Literature Review
 Phase 2 – Data gathering through dynamic chart review as a pilot project
 Phase 3 – Analysis and publication of results of pilot project.
Study population: Preterm infants diagnosed with a moderate or greater bilateral permanent
sensorineural hearing loss with no medically identified syndromes.
Ethical Considerations:
*The study is pending ethical approval and part of the research student’s role will be to
facilitate writing of NEAF and Queensland Health ethics.
Study Outcomes and Significance:
This study will make a significant contribution to the knowledge of outcomes for preterm infants with
hearing loss.
Future Research: Funding for a later stage of this project targeting speech and language outcomes
for these children is currently being sought through the Australian Centre for Health Services
Innovation (AusHSI)
Please apply in writing by Friday 30 Oct 2012, including your CV to:
Adjunct Associate Professor Dimity Dornan
dimity@hearandsaycentre.com.au
Supervisors will include:
Professor David Tudehope, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, UQ and Mater Medical
Research Institution.
Adjunct Associate Professor Dimity Dornan, Department of Speech and Hearing, School of
Health and Rehabilitation Services, Founder and Executive Director of Hear and Say.
Dr Gabriella Constantinescu, Lead Researcher, Hear and Say.
Successful applicants will be interviewed and notified in writing by 30 November 2012.
3
Document1
Projects in Emergency Medicine – RBWH
The following projects are suitable for Honours Projects. Students will be offered either first of 2nd
authorship on publications depending on the amount of work.
A database with ~ 1000 patients recruited in the ED with possible acute coronary syndrome has been
developed. All patients have been recruited and completed 30 day follow-up. Data can be extracted
from this database to answer a number of questions related to patients with possible ACS. These
include:
1) Agreement Between Patient-reported and cardiology-adjudicated medical history in patients
with possible ischaemic chest pain.
2) Diagnostic performance of mean platelet volume for patients with acute coronary syndrome
visiting an emergency department with acute chest pain.
3) Admission heart rate as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary
syndromes.
4) Undiagnosed metabolic abnormalities in patients with possible ACS.
Contact: Dr Louise CULLEN louise_cullen@health.qld.gov.au
The University of Queensland, The School of Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital,
QLD, 4029. Australia
Director: Prof Jeffrey Lipman
Chair: Dr Jennifer Paratz
Research Manager: Dr Sia Athanasas
See separate listing on main web page for projects in BTCCRC
4
Document1
Dr Chamindie Punyadeera
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland
Email contact: c.punyadeera@uq.edu.au
Saving Hearts with a Simple Saliva Test
Supervisor: Dr Chamindie Punyadeera
Background:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including heart, stroke and blood vessel disease, affect about 3.67
million Australians. Every 10 minutes ONE Australian dies from CVD. An increase in CVD in
Australia is accelerated by growing as well as an aging population. There is a strong correlation
between ageing population and chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and
diabetes.
Human saliva as a diagnostic medium has gained attention in the last decade due to its noninvasiveness, easy sampling and lower threat of transmitting infection. Human saliva is the window to
our body and saliva mirrors biomarkers found in blood. Up until now, there have been ~ 2000
proteins found in human saliva and about ~26% are also present in blood, highlighting the
importance of saliva for clinical research.
The Saliva Research Team:
Our team is dynamic and vibrant, and is a multidisciplinary team (locating soon to the New
Translational Research Institute, Wollangabba and Brisbane). The primary focus is to translate our
basic research findings from the lab to the bench side of the patient to improve clinical management
of patients.
Project aims:
We aim to identify biomolecules present in saliva with a clinical relevance to heart disease using
techniques such as mass spectrometry and/or multimarker protein technology platforms. Identified
biomolecules will be further validated using bead based immunoassays. In addition, we will also use
the state-of-the-art bioinformatics techniques to discern biological functions of the identified proteins
and their relevance to heart disease.
Benefits for you?
 You will be exposed to working in a multidisciplinary and cutting edge, emerging research
area
 You will develop skills to process saliva for downstream applications
 You will have the opportunity to work in hospitals
 You will gain technical expertise on immunoassay development, mass spectrometry as well
as the use of bioinformatics tools
5
Document1
Dr Chamindie Punyadeera, and
Professor William B Coman
Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, UQ
Email contact: c.punyadeera@uq.edu.au
Early Cancer Detection is Spitting Distance Away
Supervisors: Dr Chamindie Punyadeera and Professor William B. Coman
Background:
Head and Neck cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the word and there are 780,000
people diagnosed each year with this debilitating disease. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for
cancer, and smoking kills over 1,000,000 people a year, causing 30% of all cancer-related deaths in
western societies. Yet, 1 in 3 people world-wide are addicted to nicotine. About 90% of head and
neck cancers and lung cancers are caused by toxins in tobacco. The direct impact of smoking can be
seen clearly in the oral cavity due to its proximity, thus, human saliva is an ideal diagnostic medium
for investigating smoking-related cancers.
DNA methylation in cells is one of the earliest events that occur during cancer initiation and has
demonstrated considerable utility by enabling early disease detection, better disease
stratification, and predicting disease relapse and response to therapy in cancer and other
diseases (Esteller, M. Epigenetics in Cancer, New England Journal of Medicine, 358: 2008 ). We are
developing cutting-edge tools to diagnose cancer at an early stage, Changing Traditional Health
Care Paradigm. These products/tools will address a large and growing unmet medical need in
cancer patient care management. Earlier diagnosis of cancer and a more individualized choice of
treatment options has the potential to greatly improve the outcome of life-threatening diseases.
Saliva Translational Research Team:
Our team is dynamic and vibrant, and is a multidisciplinary team (locating soon to the New
Translational Research Institute, Wollangabba and Brisbane). Our primary focus is to translate our
basic research findings from the lab to the bench side of the patient to improve clinical management
of patients.
Project aims:
We have a number of projects aiming to develop tools to detect head and neck cancer at an early
stage.
Benefits for you?
 You will be exposed to working in a multidisciplinary and cutting edge, emerging research
area
 You will develop skills needed to process saliva for downstream applications
 You will have an opportunity to work in hospitals
 You will gain technical expertise on DNA isolation and purification and bisulphite conversions,
PCRs, sequencing, gene arrays and bioinformatics.
6
Document1
Project: Disease progression in chronic liver injury
Most of the morbidity and mortality from chronic liver disease (CLD) occurs in subjects with
advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, who are at risk of developing complications of end-stage liver
disease, including hepatocellular cancer. Our Centre for Liver Disease Research is helping
to develop novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies by integrating a number of scientific
and clinical research projects. Some of the current studies include:
 Assessment of non-invasive markers to diagnose and monitor liver disease
progression
 Prevalence of alcohol as a co-factor in chronic liver diseases and strategies for
detection.
 Role of circulating monocytes/ liver monocyte and macrophage populations, and other
innate immune cells, in the progression of CLD
 Hepatocyte senescence and the senescence associated secretory phenotype
 Characterization of the portal inflammatory infiltrate in NASH
 The role of the ductular reaction and progenitor cells in progression of CLD
 The role of gut microbes in liver disease
Motivated students interested in undertaking part-time clinical research or a concurrent
research degree are encouraged to contact Dr Powell or Dr Irvine for further information.
Contact person: Prof Elizabeth Powell, e.powell@uq.edu.au
MBBS(HONS), PhD, FRACP, FRCP
Hepatologist and Director, Centre for Liver Disease Research
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
University of Queensland
Ipswich Rd
Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
Dr Kate Irvine, Katharine.irvine@uq.edu.au
Research Fellow
Centre for Liver Disease Research
7
Document1
Queensland Brain Institute l University of Queensland
Queensland Room 432| Building 79
T + 61 7 33466374 F +61 7 33466301 W www.qbi.uq.edu.au
Projects in statistical genomics
One of the NHMRC Strategic Plan 2010-2012 priorities is “Genomic medicine and frontier
technologies”. The goal of genomic medicine is to tailor health care at the individual level by using
genomic information. This goal recognises the contribution of genetic variation to risk of disease, to
response to treatment (and, therefore, to treatment options) and to prognosis. A fundamental building
block for the advancement of genomic medicine is the understanding of the nature of genetic
variation between individuals. Data sets are now available that allow us to investigate the nature of
genetic variation of complex human diseases. In fact, our understanding of the genetic basis of
common complex genetic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, auto-immune disease,
psychiatric disorders and cancer has undergone a revolution in short period of only five years due to
advances in high-throughput genetics and genomics technologies.
Our research programme focuses on methodology in statistical and quantitative genetics (particularly
associated with prediction of genetic risk) and application of new methods to genetically informative
data sets. Our research is methodology based and we apply our methods to a range of diseases,
disorders and complex traits. Our laboratory is split across two UQ Institutes, the Queensland Brain
Institute and the UQ Diamantina Institute. Through international collaboration we have access to
many data sets and can offer projects on a wide range of diseases and disorders.
All our projects are computer-based and so it is possible to complete projects without being based
full-time in our group. Our projects are only suitable for students who consider themselves highly
numerate, are logical thinkers, independent workers, and who are interested in learning advanced
statistical and computing skills.
We list some example projects.
Genome-wide association studies
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are based on a high throughput technology that
genotypes SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and CNVs (copy number variants i.e., insertions,
deletions and duplications). These studies are powerful and cost-effective because < 10% of the
variable sites in the human genome are genotyped (~1M SNPs) but they capture ~80% of the
variation between individuals. GWAS have uncovered hundreds of gene variants that are robustly
associated with complex traits, have uncovered new biological pathways and have led to clinically
relevant findings. In GWAS each SNP is tested for association with the trait under study - a
quantitative trait or case control status. We have access to a large number of data sets from GWAS.
While primary analyses have been published, the data sets can be used for secondary analyses.
Possible projects include:


Comparing standard association results (based on a trend test, which assumes an additive
genetic model) to a new method that considers also recessive and dominant models
Using data from the psychiatric genome consortium for major depression undertake analyses
using secondary phenotypes such as anxiety and/or nicotine dependence
8
Document1


Using data from the psychiatric genome consortium investigate the hypothesis of an
association between variants in Clock (circadian rhythm) genes and psychiatric disorders
Using data from the international consortia for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
investigate the shared genetic etiology between these disorders.
Gene expression studies
There is growing evidence that genetic risk factors for common disease are caused by hereditary
changes of gene regulation acting in complex pathways. Clearly, understanding the molecular
genetic relationships between genetic control of gene expression and its effect on complex diseases
is of upmost importance. Our group has gene expression data from ~50,000 transcript probes in
~1000 individuals. Furthermore, each of these individuals has been genotyped on high-density SNP
arrays. Using statistical methods we can elucidate the genetic architecture across the genome that
influences the expression level of a particular probe. Possible projects include:



Investigation of gene network / pathways involved in disease risk
How does an individual’s age effect gene expression
Do genes show X-Inactivation
More information
To find out more about our research see:
http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-wray
http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/group-leader-visscher
http://www.di.uq.edu.au/about-us
Contact: Associate Professor Naomi Wray
Naomi.wray@uq.edu.au
Tel: 3346 6374
9
Document1
Paediatrics & Child Health – Royal Children’s Hospital
The role of Eph/ephrin signaling in the vascular leak in sepsis/systemic inflammatory
response syndrome

Suitable for MPhil or PhD
1. Lay description of the Project
Sepsis/Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a life-threatening condition which arises during
severe infections, and following serious injury or major surgery. Cells lining the blood vessels become “leaky”
and “sticky”, leading to blockage of the small blood vessels. Eventually this interruption in the blood supply to
vital organs results in shock, organ failure and death. We will investigate the mechanism of the leakiness and
stickiness of the cells which line the blood vessels in the laboratory. We will then use a mouse model to test
several novel molecular antidotes as potential treatments.
2. Project Aim
The Project will aim:1) To investigate the role of Eph/ephrin signalling in the change to the pathogenic vascular endothelial cell
phenotype in sepsis/SIRS.
- The proposed experiments will require murine endothelial cell isolation (wild type and knock out animals) and
reverse transcriptase PCR.
- To determine the localisation of Eph/ephrin proteins in relation to endothelial junction proteins by
immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy.
2) To determine whether inhibition of EphA2/ephrinA1 signaling will reduce SIRS in a murine model of systemic
inflammation.
- a mouse model of sepsis/SIRS has been developed in Professor Taylor’s laboratory and the model will be
used to test Eph signaling blockers.
We have preliminary proof-of-concept data which supports our hypothesis that the Eph receptors are involved
in the “leakiness and stickiness” of blood vessels in sepsis/SIRS. Furthermore, others have shown that Eph
receptor blocking reagents can treat the vascular changes found in retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic
retinopathy.
A recent study of adult ICUs in Australia with data collected in 1999–2000 identified 11.8 patients with a
diagnosis sepsis (SIRS) per 100 ICU admissions with a hospital mortality rate of 37.5% (Finfer, Bellomo et al.
2004). This study estimated the population incidence of sepsis occurring in adult patients in ICU to be 0.77
cases per 1000 of population (Finfer, Bellomo et al. 2004). Extrapolating from Australian population data
(www.abs.gov.au), there are nearly 17,000 cases of sepsis/SIRS per annum with 6,000 deaths. This ranks
deaths from sepsis/SIRS as the fifth most common disease-related cause of mortality in our community. It is
important to further determine the underlying molecular and cellular pathogenic mechanisms of sepsis/SIRS in
order to develop new approaches to treatment.
3. Significance of the project
A recent study of adult ICUs in Australia with data collected in 1999–2000 identified 11.8 patients with a
diagnosis sepsis (SIRS) per 100 ICU admissions with a hospital mortality rate of 37.5% (Finfer, Bellomo et al.
2004). This study estimated the population incidence of sepsis occurring in adult patients in ICU to be 0.77
cases per 1000 of population (Finfer, Bellomo et al. 2004). Extrapolating from Australian population data
(www.abs.gov.au), there are nearly 17,000 cases of sepsis/SIRS per annum with 6,000 deaths. This ranks
deaths from sepsis/SIRS as the fifth most common disease-related cause of mortality in our community. It is
important to further determine the underlying molecular and cellular pathogenic mechanisms of sepsis/SIRS in
order to develop new approaches to treatment.
4. Resources for this Project
The Leukaemia Foundation laboratory (Boyd Laboratory, QIMR) has the technical expertise and resources
required for the successful completion of this PhD project. The molecular and cellular techniques described are
routine practice in the laboratory and the student will be appropriately supervised. The Taylor laboratory (UQ St
Lucia) has all the resources to complete the animal experiments required for completion of this project.
For more information contact: Dr Mark Coulthard
Mark_Coulthard@health.qld.gov.au
10
Document1
Projects on women’s health such as;





Satisfaction with use of MIRENA for menorrhagia and need for further surgery
Maternal an perinatal morbidity associated with failed attempt at vaginal birth after 1 previous
c/section - a case controlled study
pregnancy outcome in women with hyperemesis gravidarum
experience with the use of foetal fibronection at Ipswich hospital
GP survey re training in insertion of MIRENA - facilitators and barriers
1. Shoulder dystocia over 5 years period looking at risk factors and in particular Obesity
2. elective c/sections and admission to SCN related to gestational age
3. Duration of rupture of membranes and risk of neonatal sepsis
4.hypothyroidism in pregnancy and outcome
5. Post menopausal bleeding - endometrial thickness and endometrial sampling
6.consenting for gynae procedure - womens understanding of the process - this would be a
prospective study
7. Consenting for C/section understanding risks
8. cervidil versus Atad for IOL
9. antidepressant use and preg outcome
10.D&C and complications
11.obesity and VTE
12. prophy misoprostol at CS to reduce PPH
13. obesity and 1st stage of labour
14.risk of amnio and CVs in obese
15. mirena use and subseq hysterectomy
16. SD and BMI
17. BMI>40 and preg outcome
18. BMI and LGA and SGA
19. Laminaria/dilapin for IOL
20. 3rd/4th degree tears and follow up
21. hyperemesis gravidarum and preg outcome
22. TVT versus monarc
23. duration of second stage and outcome
24. MGP versus public women – outcome and satisfaction
25. obesity and nullip women and duration of 1st and 2nd stage and C/section
26. severe PP morbidity and mode of birth
27. early versus late cord clamping 20 sec versus 2 min
28. maternal perinatal risks in women >44 yrs
29. high initial Hb >130 and failure to get haemodilution – SB rates
Contact: Kassam MAHOMED Kassam_Mahomed@health.qld.gov.au
Ipswich Clinical School
11
Document1
Geriatric Medicine
Audit:
 Long line insertion and complications
 Compliance with guidelines for the management of delirium
Retrospective:
 Dementia and case note documentation, Case review of patients with delirium,
Prospective:
 The natural history of delirium behaviour, evaluation of cognitive testing in delirium,
relationship between behaviour and intervention, Gait and delirium, Delirium and poor
outcome
Literature review
 Models of care in delirium: what should a delirium service look like?
Contact: Dr Eamonn Eeles
Eamonn_Eeles@health.qld.gov.au
The Prince Charles Hospital and Northside Clinical School
Australian Red Cross Blood Service: Research & Development
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service (Blood Service) has a proud history of innovative and
exciting research and development. Such ingenuity is essential for ensuring the Blood Service
provides a safe and high quality service to the community. The aim of the Research and
Development (R&D) division is to conduct world class research that will inform the Blood Service's
core activities. R&D at the Blood Service is underpinned by a robust business plan and focuses on
building relationships with current and future donors; maintaining the safety and quality of blood
products; enhancing knowledge of transfusion; and improving practice.
A strong emphasis is placed on translational research that could ultimately lead to improved
operational procedures or changes in clinical practice. We have a number of research projects
available based on the analysis of existing databases for donor vigilance and component usage
patterns. In addition, we have tools for on-line surveys to examine attitudes to blood component
usage. Projects are available for Honours, MPhil or PhD students
Contact: Professor Robert Flower (rflower@redcrossblood.org.au) or
Dr Helen Faddy (hfaddy@redcrossblood.org.au)
12
Document1
Student Wellbeing Intervention Project
School of Medicine
The aim of this project is to produce a resource for educators and support staff both nationally and
internationally, that details the evidence for interventions that aim to prevent and treat mental health
problems in tertiary students. There is scope for up 8-10 students to work on this project.
Skills developed will include:
 Carrying out systematic literature reviews
 Applying NHMRC criteria in evaluating levels of evidence of studies
 Presenting information in creative and user-friendly formats
 Working in a highly motivated multidisciplinary team environment
There is also scope for students with skills in website design and development to be involved in the
project.
Contact: Dr Helen Stallman, Senior Lecturer
h.stallman@uq.edu.au
Medication Use in University Students
Schools of Medicine and Pharmacy
There is a growing body of research investigating the utilisation of medications by university students,
however the focus has been on the illicit drugs or the abuse of prescribed medications rather than the
general use of medicines. This population, which accounts for approximately 5% of the total
Australian population, has significantly higher levels of psychological distress compared to patients at
community general practices, with one in two students attending university health services and 83%
of the general student population having elevated levels of distress. Despite these differences with
the general population regarding mental health, very little is known about the types of medication
prescribed to students, their consultation expectations, their beliefs about medications and the way
that they use their medications and how these factors are affected by their general wellbeing. It is
unknown how this population is similar to or different from the general population in regards to these
factors. It is also unknown whether University Health Services may be more attuned to the physical
and psychological problems of university students and respond to them in different ways than
community general practices. The aim of these project is to explore these issues.
Contact: Dr Helen Stallman | Senior Lecturer
h.stallman@uq.edu.au
13
Document1
Research in Community Health: School of Population Health
The self-management approach is generally implemented to those diagnosed with one or more
chronic conditions e.g. arthritis, diabetes, asthma to support day-to-day management of symptoms.
This Honours project will explore the potential for developing self-management as a tool for
prevention, and for delaying onset of chronic conditions. It will also involve qualitative interviews in an
effort to understand lay beliefs that support and/or hinder scientific knowledge transfer regarding the
onset of chronic conditions at the community level.
Contact: Dr Robyn Mobbs r.mobbs@sph.uq.edu.au
Respiratory Medicine: Lung & Allergy Research Centre
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Two very interesting clinical projects are available and suitable for Honours.
1. Outcomes in patients admitted to a Respiratory High Dependency Unit with hypoxic
respiratory failure.
2. Outcomes of patients with lung cancer complicated by pericardial effusion.
Contact Prof John Upham MB BS FRACP PhD j.upham@uq.edu.au or
Dr Michelle Murphy Michelle_A_Murphy@health.qld.gov.au
Research in Obstetric Medicine
Royal Brisbane Clinical School, UQCCR
This research group consists of both clinician scientists and scientists in obstetric medicine. We study
complications of pregnancy. We have projects covering a wide area of complications from gestational
diabetes and preeclampsia to thromboembolisms and sleep disorders.
The methods we employ vary from medical chart audits to wet lab based projects with a focus on
DNA methylation, gene expression and glucose and lipid metabolism. We have projects that are
suitable to all levels of study.
Contact: Marloes Dekker Nitert PhD
m.dekker@uq.edu.au
14
Document1
The Rural Clinical School
Two new projects suitable for Honours or MPhil students
1) NHMRC funded Aus ICUROS study: Involves interviewing patients with fracture to obtain health
economics data
2) ZiPP study, funded by the Medical Research Council, UK: Identifying and interviewing patients
with Paget's Disease of Bone (PDB), getting blood to determine whether they have a gene
mutation commonly associated with PDB, constructing a family tree, then investigating the members
for presence of the gene mutation and/or clinical PDB
Other projects:
1) Osteoclast Biology: Role of M-CSF and other Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in the regulation
of differentiated human osteoclast function. The research team has recently shown that M-CSF is
a potent regulator of human osteoclast resorbing activity and survival. This project will exploit a
unique mature human osteoclast model, which uses CFU-GM cells derived from human umbilical
cord blood, to characterise the molecular mechanism of the M-CSF effect and to study possible
similar effects mediated by other agonists of c-fms kinase and other receptor tyrosine kinases.
2) Co-morbidities in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians with mental health disorders
– a Case-Control Study. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity,
hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and cancer, and risk factors for these conditions, are increased in
persons with mental health disease. This study will characterise the burden of disease and risk
factors in a population-based study set in South Western Queensland. The study will involve
collaboration with Queensland Mental Health Services.
3) Randomly-selected, Population-based, Cohort study - The Australian Regional, Rural, and
Remote Area Health Study, “The A3R Health Study”). A major strategy of this population health
research set in the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnet regions of Queensland will be
the establishment of a large (n=1600 females and 1600 males), representative, cohort study, which
will provide both cross-sectional (prevalence) and prospective longitudinal (incidence) health-related
data. An additional 400 persons of Indigenous origin will be included in the sample. This will be a
unique study for Australia because of oversampling of the remote population, random selection and
high participation. Thus, it will provide unique insight into the health and health risk factors of the 40%
of Queenslanders who do not live in major cities. Of these 21.8%, 15%, 2.0% and 1.2% reside in
Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote and Very Remote areas, respectively.
Contact: Professor Geoff Nicholson MBBS PhD FRACP FRCP
Head of School & Director of Research, Rural Clinical School,
geoff.nicholson@uq.edu.au
15
Document1
Research in General Practice and Pharmacy
Project title: What do consumers and HPs want to know about paracetamol?
Supervisors: Prof. Mieke van Driel (Discipline of General Practice) and Assoc. Prof. Treasure
McGuire (UQ School of Pharmacy)
Background:
There are currently three national pharmacist-operated telephone call centres where consumers and
health professionals can seek information and advice about medicines for the cost of a local call:
 NPS Medicines Line (ML) - a service for consumers with questions about medication
 Therapeutic Advisory Information Service (TAIS) - a companion national telephone information
service for community based health professionals.
 Adverse Medicines Events (AME) line - a service where consumers can report where “something
has gone wrong with their medicine(s). The service triages calls about possible adverse medicine
events or medication errors and filters information through to the Adverse Drug Advisory
Committee (ADRAC) of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
All contacts over the past 8-10 years (2000/02-2010) with consumers and health professionals are
recorded in an electronic database. It is a valuable source of information that will help us to
understand the health information needs of both consumers and health professionals.
Aims of the Project
To explore the health and medicines information needs of consumers and health professionals; and
relate these identified needs to prescription data and contextual information (such as publication of
evidence, media coverage etc).
Methods
We will analyse data collected in ML, AME, TAIS and contextualise the findings. We will explore the
nature of the questions using the “background versus foreground model”.
Outcome
The written report will be an article to be submitted to a biomedical journal for publication.
List of suggested topics
1 Paracetamol
2. Antidepressants
3. Drugs in lactation
4. “Steroids”
5. Lifestyle drugs
6. NSAIDs
Contact: Professor Mieke van Driel Head of General Practice,
m.vandriel@uq.edu.au or
Assoc Prof Treasure McGuire, School of Pharmacy, t.mcguire@uq.edu.au
16
Document1
Southside Clinical School and Princess Alexandra Hospital
Patterns of care between Indigenous and non-indigenous cancer patients: health care
professionals’ perspectives about cancer treatment for Indigenous & non-Indigenous
patients
Despite a similar incidence of cancers, Indigenous Australians have higher mortality rates and poorer
survival compared to other Australians. The reasons for this are multi-faceted and may be due to later
cancer stage at diagnosis, reduced uptake of or access to treatment, increased comorbidities, and
higher rates of more aggressive cancers, however, little is known about these. This proposed study is
part of a larger study which aims to explore the patterns of care received by both Indigenous and nonIndigenous cancer patients and whether any differences may be identified to explain the current gaps in
health outcomes. This study will involve interviewing health care professionals at the Princess
Alexandra Hospital and the Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Specific aims are:
 explore health care professionals’ perspectives about Indigenous & non-Indigenous patients
who commenced treatment
 to examine their clinical decision-making, particularly in the context of comorbidity, Indigeneity
and geographical isolation from cancer care services
 explore health care professionals’ perspectives about patients who did not commence
treatment to examine their reasons for non-uptake or non-completion
Please contact: Dr Jennifer Martin, Head Southside Clinical School, PAH
j.martin4@uq.edu.au
17
Document1
Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)
Richards Lab Student Projects for Honours, Masters, PhD
Project 1: Finding a possible treatment for glioblastoma multiforme. Glioblastoma multiforme
(GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, where patients have little chance of survival
beyond one year after first diagnosis. We recently discovered that a specific transcription factor can
halt the progression of brain tumours and presents an exciting possibility for therapeutic treatments.
This projects aims to identify the molecular mechanism by which this transcription factor can prevent
the progression of GBM.
Project 2: Developing a diagnostic test for patients with agenesis of the corpus callosum.
Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) occurs in 1:4000 live births and can result in a spectrum of
symptoms ranging from severe mental retardation and sensory and motor deficits to more mild
cognitive disorders. Babies affected by ACC can be diagnosed in utero by ultrasound or fetal MRI
but there is little information that can be given to parents as to the prognosis for each child. A good
diagnostic test is required. This project aims to begin to develop such a test.
Project 3: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of corpus callosum formation. The
corpus callosum is the largest fibre tract in the brain and connects neurons in the left and right
cerebral hemispheres. Our lab is interested in the mechanisms that underlie how the axons that
make up the corpus callosum are guided at the midline and how they find their targets in the
contralateral hemisphere. These mechanisms underlie the fundamental basis for how the brain
becomes wired up during development and defects in these mechanisms may be associated with
mental retardation, autism spectrum disorder and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder. A number of smaller specific projects are available in this area of research.
Contact: Professor Linda J. Richards,
richards@uq.edu.au
18
Document1
Queensland Brain Institute (QBI)
Mathematical and computer modelling research to understand spatial navigation circuits in
the mammalian brain.
 Suitable for Honours, MPhil or PhD
Spatial navigation is one of the most important, ancient and ubiquitous functions of animal brains. A
number of eminent scientists believe spatial navigation will be the first non-sensory brain function to
be understood at the microcircuit computation level.
A number of neurons have already been identified in the hippocampus and surrounding brain regions
of mammals which show spatially-selective firing patterns. Their ensemble activity is believed to
represent a neural code for position and direction during navigation. Despite this, models are lacking
which can simultaneously explain the functional requirements of efficient navigation, as well as the
neurophysiology of observed spike patterns and/or brain dynamics.
Recent theoretical work has shown that uncertainty in position and direction place unexpected
constraints on the computations needed for effective navigation. These results provide important
guidance for the development of models of brain circuits which can successfully carrying out spatial
navigation under realistic conditions.
Students (Honours to PhD) with a strong theoretical background (mathematics, physics,
programming) will have the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of the neurobiology of
mammalian spatial navigation, of optimal spatial navigation theory, plus develop, simulate and
analyze neural models of mammalian spatial navigation. For longer projects (e.g., PhD) students can
implement and test models on a mobile robot (the iRat), and some model predictions could be tested
in real rats (in collaboration with another lab).
Contact: Allen Cheung (send a current CV)
a.cheung@uq.edu.au
Research Fellow
Queensland Brain Institute
The Qld Centre for Mothers and Babies
The Qld Centre for Mothers and Babies are currently funding evaluation.
www.uqhealthcare.org.au/possums
An example of a project available could be looking at our preliminary data and determining numbers
of patients already diagnosed with GORD, and whether dealing other problems (eg breastfeeding
difficulties) in these patients decreases the problematic symptoms.
Contact: Dr Pamela Douglas MBBS FRACGP
Discipline of General Practice
School of Medicine
pameladouglas@uq.edu.au
19
Document1
Ipswich Clinical School
Melatonin for initial insomnia in stimulant-treated pediatric ADHD
Synopsis Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder
affecting 5-12% of children. A highly prevalent problem for children with ADHD is initial insomnia. The
standard management for ADHD symptoms is the use of stimulant medications, which can
exacerbate the severity of existing initial insomnia or cause its development. Children with ADHD
who are prescribed stimulant medications, represent one of the most vulnerable populations to
experience chronic initial insomnia. Sleep problems in children negatively impact their social,
physical, and mental well-being, aggravate the severity of their ADHD symptoms, and cause parental
exhaustion and stress. To combat the problem of initial insomnia, ADHD children are prescribed
sleeping pills which may have serious side effects, are expensive, and may interfere with their
stimulant medications. At present, there is no gold standard option available for these children and
their families.
Melatonin, a popular natural health product (NHP), is commonly used by parents and recommended
by health care providers, but high quality pediatric evidence is lacking. Although randomized
controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating treatment efficacy, they may fail to recruit
for studies of NHPs as these may be obtained without prescription (& often, potential participants do
not consent to be randomized to placebo). We will offer N-of-1 trials which are multiple crossover,
randomized, triple-blind controlled trials in a single individual. These will maintain methodological
rigor while allowing each participant the opportunity to learn if melatonin is effective for them. Results
from the N-of-1 trials will be pooled for meta-analyses. These aggregated results will be compared
with data from the first period, which will effectively form a parallel group RCT, and a detailed
comparison of the two methodological approaches will be conducted.
Contact: Jane Nikles, Ipswich Clinical School
0408 599 033
Can death in a community-based population be predicted by
their GP?
Most patients who die of a predictable disease are not under the care of a specialist palliative care
team. However, most are patients of a general practitioner. If it is possible to predict who may die
within a defined time, for example the next twelve months, then appropriate planning can be put in
place to ensure their needs are met. This project has two parts. 1. Retrospective audit of medical
records of patients who have died within the last five years, in a large general practice, to identify
evidence of involvement in a palliative care service, and record clinical features present within the
last twelve months of life, that may have predicted their death. 2. Compare these features with a
matched cohort to estimate the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the selected
features that may predict death.
Contact: Professor Geoff Mitchell
g.mitchell@uq.edu.au
20
Document1
The Queensland Heart and Lung Transplant Unit
Prince Charles Hospital
The Prince Charles Hospital campus and is a world recognised leader in research in the areas of
lung transplantation and pulmonary hypertension medicine. The research program aims to improve
patient outcomes post-transplant by better understanding the cell biology of the allograft. Due to the
unique nature of our research program which is embedded within the clinical program, we have
unprecedented access to patient samples.
Contact: Dr Stephanie Yerkovich
3130 4050
Stephanie_Yerkovich@health.qld.gov.au
Queensland Centre for Advanced Imaging
Centre for Clinical Research
One exciting area of research currently underway at the QCPRRC is the use of advanced
neuroimaging technology to measure brain injury and neuroplasticity in newborn babies at high risk
of abnormal neurodevelopment and in children with cerebral palsy. Within the next 12 months there
will be a new state-of-the-art imaging facility located within the UQCCR dedicated to clinical imaging
research.
Contact: A/Professor Stephen Rose
stephen.rose@cai.uq.edu.au
Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre
Muscle mechanics and function in Cerebral Palsy. In the past it has been assumed that the main
limitation for normal movement in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is muscle spasticity. We have
been developing highly innovative ultrasound imaging and force measuring techniques to
characterise how the structural and mechanical properties of affected CP muscles differ from typically
developed muscle. Opportunities exist to use these techniques to assess the effectiveness of
interventions such as Botulinum toxin A, strength training or serial casting.
Contact: Dr Glen Lichtwark
g.lichtwark@uq.edu.au
Psychiatry: The Prince Charles Hospital
A project is available in this area;
The Prince Charles Hospital has a strong shared care model between the Geriatric Physicians and
Geriatric Psychiatrists, in particular with regards to patients with dementia who suffer from severe
BPSD(Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia), i.e. patient with dementia who are
severely agitated, pose a risk to themselves and others, and whose cares cannot be safely managed
in the community. While this arrangement may exist in other hospitals, TPCH is rather unique
(nationally and internationally), because of our use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a
treatment for severe BPSD.
Contact: Peter DEVADASON Geriatric Psychiatrist
Peter_Devadason@health.qld.gov.au
21
Document1
Department of Renal Medicine, RBWH
Two Clinical Research Projects
1. POEMSLUN Study
(Pharmacokinetics of Enteric Coated Mycophenolate Sodium in Lupus Nephritis)
Mycophenolate Sodium (MPS) is an immunosuppressive drug used in managing patients with Lupus
Nephritis (LN)). The active metabolite is Mycophenolic acid. (MPA).The amount of MPA in the blood
varies from patient to patient. The factors causing these differences were well studied in transplant
patients but not well documented in LN patients.
Aim of the study is to define the relationship between MPA exposure and clinical efficacy and toxicity.
Design: Thirty two participants with clinically defined signs and symptoms of LN who are more than
18 years and on MPS for more than two weeks will be recruited in to this study.MPA drug levels will
be measured in all participants. Patients will be block randomised to one of the treatment groups,
with 16 patients entering each group.
Exposure controlled group: Oral MPS dosage will be modified according to area under curve (AUC);
Fixed dose Group: Sixteen participants will receive a fixed dose regimen in line with current practice.
Primary endpoint: To assess the effect of MPS on clinical improvement in patients with LN
as measured by complete or partial remission
Secondary endpoint(s):
1) To determine the effect of MPS in improvement in SLE Disease;
2) To study the relationship between disease activity of LN and MPA blood concentration;
3) To develop a pharmacokinetic model that can be used to develop MPS dosing
recommendations in LN patients treated with MPS;
4) Cost effectiveness of Therapeutic drug monitoring analysis.
Investigators: Dr Dwarakanathan Ranganathan, Dr. George John , Dr.Jason Roberts, Prof. Jeffrey
Lipman, Prof. Robert Fassett, Dr. Helen Healy, Dr. Paul Kubler, Dr. Jacobus Ungerer
Contact: Dr Dwarakanathan Ranganathan ,
Ph: 07-36368576; d.ranganathan@uq.edu.au
Department of Renal Medicine, RBWH, Brisbane
2. Epidemiology of Biopsy proven Glomerulonephritis 1999- 2011
There is limited data on spectrum of glomerulonephritis in Australia. An insight into this can be
obtained from renal biopsy diagnoses.
This study aims to recognize any changes in the prevalence, gender ratios and mean age (at time of
diagnosis) of glomerular disease from 1999 to 2010.
Investigators:
Dr Dwarakanathan Ranganathan, Dr. George John, Dr Leo Francis
Contact: Dr Dwarakanathan Ranganathan ,
Ph: 07-36368576; d.ranganathan@uq.edu.au
Department of Renal Medicine, RBWH, Brisbane
22
Document1
Head of Research
Director
Chief Scientist
Daniel Chambers MBBS MRCP FRACP MD
Thoracic and Transplant Physician
Peter Hopkins MBBS FRACP
Thoracic and Transplant Physician
Stephanie Yerkovich PhD
The Queensland Heart and Lung Transplant Unit was formed in June 1996 with the addition of lung
transplantation to the established Heart Transplant Unit. The first lung transplant was performed in
Queensland in September 1996. The Queensland Lung Transplant Unit was established as a
separate entity in April 2000 maintaining close professional links with the Heart Transplant Program.
Over 200 lung transplant operations have been performed and approximately 135 outpatients are
cared for the by the Queensland Lung Transplant Program, with approximately 18-24 lung
transplants performed each year. In March 2009 the Queensland Lung Transplant Unit was renamed
the Queensland Centre for Pulmonary Transplantation and Vascular Disease (QCPTVD). This was
to recognise the additional medical services undertaken by the Transplant Program inclusive of
pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, airway interventional techniques, lung volume
reduction surgery, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy and the care of other patients with advanced
lung disease.
Our Unit has a fully equipped laboratory on site at The Prince Charles Hospital campus and is a
world recognised leader in research in the areas of lung transplantation and pulmonary hypertension
medicine. The research program aims to improve patient outcomes post-transplant by better
understanding the cell biology of the allograft. Due to the unique nature of our research program
which is embedded within the clinical program, we have unprecedented access to patient samples. A
number of projects are available to students wishing to obtain a research higher degree, including:





Adult lung stem cells
o Investigating the engraftment and role of recipient derived progenitor/stem cells in the
allograft.
Lung fibrosis
o Better understanding the role of airway epithelial injury and repair in obliterative
bronchiolitis.
Overcoming lung transplant rejection
o Phenotyping and understating the biology of immune cell subsets that influx into the
allograft.
What is lung ‘normal flora’?
o The human lung microbiome project – metagenomics of the lung in health and disease
Human papillomavirus and non-melanotic skin cancer
o Identifying if human papillomavirus has a role in the development of squamous cell
carcinomas (SCC) of the skin. Transplant patients have an increased risk of SCC
development and these are a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
Contact: Stephanie Yerkovich PhD
3130 4050
Stephanie_Yerkovich@health.qld.gov.au
23
Document1
Mater Mothers' Hospital Neonatology
Timing of elective caesarean section delivery and short term
Neonatal outcomes
In USA the rate of prematurity is 12.7% with the dramatic growth over the last 2 decades in late
preterm births [34-36+6 weeks]. Australia is following an identical course with consistent state-wide
data available from NSW and QLD. The Australian rate of prematurity is currently 8.7% and
constantly growing, almost exclusively in the late preterm sub-group. Data are now available for
relationship between birth and individual weeks of gestation and rates of ADHD, child protection
problems, learning difficulties, Aspergers, Autistic Spectrum Disorders etc .Rates are lowest at 40
and 41 weeks gestation and progressively increase week by week down to 35 weeks. Of course
there is a major inflection point at 32 weeks gestation.
MMH now has a unique data-set of 5000 public and 5000 private births per annum in 2009 2011 having increased from 7627 in 1998. The 13 year data-set 1998-2010 [about 110,000
births] would provide the opportunity to analyse various peri-natal risk factors against short term
neonatal outcomes.
Perinatal Variables
Gestational age
Public/Private
Mode of delivery
CS [repeat or initial]
Outcomes
Admission to Nurseries
Length of stay [days]
Respiratory distress [RDS or TTN]
requirement for CPAP or mechanical ventilation
CS [no labour]
pulmonary air leak
CS [labour
surfactant therapy
SVD
Breast feeding at discharge
Instrumental Delivery [forceps/vacuum] Duration of breast feeding
Anaesthetic for CS
GA, regional
The large sample size would allow for trend analysis over 4 triennia and would lend itself to an
economic evaluation.
The study has major implications for practice improvement and provide adequate evidence based
data for informed decision making by mothers about optimal time and mode of delivery .
Mater Medical Research Institute would be able to offer some infrastructure to facilitate the research.
Of course candidate would need to perform a literature review and further develop the research
project before developing submission to Mater Health Services HREC for Ethical Approval. I would
anticipate this phase of the research taking about 2-3 months. Arrangements regarding supervision
of Research between MMRI and UQ would need to be developed.
Contact: Prof David Tudehope, Director Neonatology Medical, Mater
Mothers' Hospital
David.Tudehope@mater.org.au
24
Document1