2016 / 2017

Research Area Snapshots

Index page

Researcher Page

Azari, Dr Michael 1

Badoer, Prof Emilio 2

Benson, Dr Amanda 3

Bertrand, Dr Paul 4

Bozinovski, Assoc Prof Steven 5

Bruce, Dr Lyndell 6

Chan, Dr Vincent 7

Conduit, Dr Russell 8

Coyle, Dr Meaghan 9

Danks, Assoc Prof Janine 10

Deb, Dr Pradip 11

De Foe, Dr Alexander 12

Dias, Dr Daniel 13

Di Benedetto, Dr Mirella 14

Geso, Assoc Prof Moshi 15

Greaves, Dr Ronda 16

Hart, Dr Joanne 17

Herbert, Assoc Prof Terence 18

Jackson, Prof Denise 19

Jenkins, Dr Trisha 20

Kennedy, Prof Gerard 21

Kwa, Dr Faith 22

Lenon, Dr George 23

Macrides, Assoc Prof Theodore 24

Maude, Assoc Prof Phil 25

May, Dr Brian 26

Melzer, Dr Patricia 27

Osman, Dr Narin 28

Paravicini, Dr Tamara 29

Piva, Assoc Prof Terry 30

Rank, Dr Michelle 31

Reichelt, Dr Amy 32

Richardson, Assoc Prof Samantha 33

Spencer, Assoc Prof Sarah 34

Sze, Dr Daniel 35

Tolcos, Dr Mary 36

Vlahos, Assoc Prof Ross 37

Wright, Assoc Prof Paul 38

Yang, Dr Angela 39

Ye, Prof Jiming 40

Young, Assoc Prof Simon 41

Zhang, Dr Mary 42

Zheng, Dr Zhen 43

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Our current research focuses on two separate topics of postural distortions and low back pain, and treatment of neck pain in the elderly.

DR MICHAEL F. AZARI BAppSc(Chiro), BSc(Hons), PhD, FRCC(UK) DISCIPLINE OF CHIROPRACTIC michael.azari@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The relationship between leg length discrepancy and

degenerative joint disease in the hip and the lumbar spine of adult chiropractic patients.

The association between lumbar lordotic angle and degenerative joint disease in adult chiropractic patients.

The incidence of neck pain and headaches in older people presenting to Australian chiropractors and the responses of these complaints to chiropractic care.

Combining chiropractic and podiatric methods of treatment for leg length discrepancy

Fractal analysis of postural sway in the elderly with neck pain

Key References Murray KJ, Molyneux T, Le Grande MR, Castro A, Fuss FK, Azari MF, (2016) Mild Leg

Length Discrepancy Correlates with Degenerative Changes in the Hip Joint and Lumbar Spine, Accepted for publication in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

Kendall JC, Hartvigsen J, Hvid L, Azari MF, Skjødt M, Boyle E, Caserotti P, (2016) Neck pain and risks of falling in community dwelling Danish citizens over 75 years of age: A cross-sectional study, Scandinavian Journal of Public Health 31 August 2016 1-7 (IPP=1.6)

Azizan A, Fard M, Azari MF, Benediktsdóttir B, Arnardóttir ES, Jazar R, Mansfield NJ, Maeda S, (2016) The Influence of Vibration on Seated Human Drowsiness, Industrial Health 54(4) (IPP=1)

Kendall JC, Hartvigsen J, Azari MF, French SD, (2016) The effects of non-pharmacological interventions for dizziness in older people: A systematic review, Physical Therapy May;96(5):641-9 (IPP=2.6)

Tan AM, Fuss FK, Weizman Y, Azari MF, (2015) Centre of pressure detection and analysis with a high resolution and low-cost smart insole Procedia Engineering, 112:146-151 (IPP=0.5) Citation=1

Murray KJ, Azari MF, (2015) Chiropractic management of low back pain in a 75-year-old man with bilateral developmental hip dysplasia, Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 14(1): 46-50 (IPP=0.3)

Murray KJ, Azari MF, (2015) Leg Length Discrepancy and Osteoarthritis in the Knee Hip and Lumbar Spine, Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association, Sep; 59(3): 226–237 (IPP=0.3)

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/a/azari-dr-michael http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=NMUNqzgAAAAJ&hl=en

Collaborators INSTRUCTIONS: optional section

Kendall JC, Hartvigsen J, French SD, Azari MF, (2015) Is there a role for neck manipulation in elderly falls prevention? An overview, Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association, March 59(1): 53-63 (IPP=0.3) Citation=1

Azizan MA, Fard M, Azari MF, (2014) Characerization of the effects of vibration on seated driver alertness, Nonlinear Engineering, 3(3): 163-168 Citation=2

Kendall JC, Bird A, Azari MF, (2014) Foot Posture, Leg Length Discrepancy and Low Back Pain - their relationship and clinical management using foot orthoses - An overview, Foot, 24(2):75-80 (IPP=0.9) Citation=12

Grants and fellowships NHMRC Health Practitioner Postdoctoral Fellowship

2006-2009 Monash University Faculty of Medicine Strategic

Research Grant 2007 Foundation for Chiropractic Research and

Postgraduate Education International Stipend 2014-17 Fellowship of the Royal College of Chiropractors (UK)

in 2016

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research The research focus of the Neuropharmacology and Neuroinflammatory Research group is gaining an understanding of the role of the central nervous system in diseases such as heart failure, obesity and diabetes and neuropathic pain.

The cost to the community of stroke, cardiovascular disease associated with obesity and diabetes and the management of neuropathic pain runs into the billions of dollars each year. By gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to these problems, we hope to reduce the enormous health costs associated with these diseases/conditions and improve quality of life for patients

Prof Emilio Badoer

Pharmaceutical Sciences Discipline Head emilio.badoer@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The regulation of nerve function in obesity and diabetes Neural pathways mediating neuropathic pain Neurotransmitters and pathways involved in inflammation in

the central nervous system Novel Therapies for obesity Inflammation in the brain during the development of heart

failure induced by myocardial infarction.

Key References Hettigoda, N.,Fong, A.,Badoer, E.,McKinley, M.,Oldfield, B.,Allen, A.

(2015). Identification of CNS neurons with polysynaptic connections to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland. Brain Structure and Function, 220:2103-20

Rana, I.,Badoer, E.,Alahmadi, E.,Leo, C.,Woodman, O.,Stebbing, M. (2014). Microglia are selectively activated in endocrine and cardiovascular control centres in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats In: Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 26, 413 - 425

Dworak, M.,Stebbing, M.,Kompa, A.,Rana, I.,Krum, H.,Badoer,E. (2014). Attenuation of microglial and neuronal activation in the brain by ICV minocycline following myocardial infarction In:Autonomic Neuroscience, 185, 43 – 50

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/b/badoer-professor-emilio/

Collaborators Professor Andrew Allen, University of Melbourne. Inflammation and obesity Professors MJ McKinley and RM McAllen, Howard Florey Institute. Hypothalamus and temperature regulation. We are investigating the hypothalamus and its influence in body temperature regulation Dr BJ Oldfield, Howard Florey Institute. Angiotensin II receptor distribution and brain neurons. We are combining our ability to label neurons with retrogradely transported markers with Dr Oldfield’s novel antibody to the angiotensin II receptor to identify the neurons in the brain containing the receptor Associate Professor BP McGrath, Monash University. Cardiac mechanoreceptor reflex in heart failure. We have studied the central sites activated by stimulation of the cardiac mechanoreceptors in the conscious rabbit in heart failure. A/Professor GA Head, Baker Institute. Cardiovascular effects of the A5 region. This collaboration has investigated the role of the A5 region in sympathetic nerve regulation.

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research I conduct research in using exercise (resistance training and

aerobic) and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease such as cardiac rehabilitation, metabolic health and type 2 diabetes. Including conducting randomised controlled trials

I also conduct research on mobile, wearable and sensor technology to enhance exercise and physical activity prescription and promotion.

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/b/benson-dr-amanda https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=MoSCDesAAAAJ&hl=en https://kineticwellbeing.com

Dr Amanda C Benson

Current projects Cardiac rehabilitation and exercise Wearable and sensor technology in physical activity and exercise.

The Apple Watch Project. Exercise supervision in the workplace Glycaemic variation in response to exercise in people with type 2

diabetes

EXERCISE SCIENCE http://amanda.benson@rmit.edu.au

Key References Benson AC, Bruce L, Gordon, BA. (2015). Reliability and validity of a GPS-enabled

iPhone “app” to measure physical activity. Journal of sports sciences, 33 (14). http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2014.994659 DOI:10.1080/02640414.2014.994659

Gordon, B.,Bruce, L.,Benson, A. (2016). Physical activity intensity can be accurately monitored by smartphone global positioning system 'app' In: European Journal of Sport Science, 16, 624 – 631

Price, K.,Gordon, B.,Bird, S.,Benson, A. (2016). A review of guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation exercise programmes: Is there an international consensus? In: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 1 - 19

Gordon, B.,Bird, S.,MacIsaac, R.,Benson, A. (2016). Does a single bout of resistance or aerobic exercise after insulin dose reduction modulate glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes? A randomised cross-over trial In: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19, 795 – 799J

Jenkinson, K.A, Naughton, G. Benson, A.C (2012). The GLAMA (Girls! Lead! Achieve! Mentor! Activate!) Physical Activity and Peer Leadership Intervention Pilot Project: A Process Evaluation using the RE-AIM Framework. BMC Public Health, 12:55. http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/12/55

Caia, JP., Doyle, TLA., Benson, AC. (2013). A cross-sectional lower-body profile of elite and sub-elite Australian football players. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 27 (10): 2836-2841. http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/publishahead/A_cross_sectional_lower_body_power_profile_of.97897.aspx

Benson AC, Torode, M. E., Fiatarone Singh, M. A. (2008). The effect of high-intensity progressive resistance training on adiposity in children: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Obesity, 31: 1016-1027.

Benson AC, Torode, M. E., Fiatarone Singh, M. A. (2008). Effects of resistance training on metabolic fitness in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 9(1): 43-66.

Collaborators Dr. Grant Abt, University of Hull Prof. Stephen Bird, RMIT University Prof. Geraldine Naughton, Australian Catholic

University Dr. Brett Gordon, La Trobe University Austin Health

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research My group examines the neurohormonal basis of functional and immflammatory bowel diseases and the neurophysiology of the peripheral nervous system in conditions such as obesity, inflammation and aging. We focus on the roles of ATP and serotonin (5-HT) in neurotransmission and sensory transduction using electrophysiological and electrochemical techniques.

Dr Paul Bertrand Senior Lecturer Pharmaceutical Sciences HDR Coordinator School of Medical Sciences Health Innovations Research Institute e: paul.bertrand@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Regulation of enterochromaffin cells by TRP and pannexin

channels Regulation of the serotonin transporter (SERT) Changes to the GI tract during obesity or inflammation Neuroplasticity of enteric neurons P2X and 5-HT3 channel/receptor complexes Role of 5-HT and melatonin in the GI tract

Key References Diezmos, E. F., Sandow, S. L., Markus, I., Shevy Perera, D., King, D. W., Bertrand, P.

P., Liu, L. (2013) Expression and localisation of pannexin-1 hemichannels in human colon in health and disease. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 25, e395-405.

Bertrand, R. L., Senadheera, S., Tanoto A., Tan, K. L., Howitt, L., Chen, H., Murphy, T. V., Sandow, S. L., Liu, L. and Bertrand, P. P., (2012) Serotonin availability in rat colon is reduced during a Western diet model of obesity. American Journal of Physiology. 303(3):G424-34.

Bertrand, P. P. and Bertrand R. L. (2010). Serotonin release and uptake in the gastrointestinal tract. Eds Grundy and Blackshaw. Autonomic Neuroscience. 153:47-57. Invited Review

Bertrand, P. P. Barajas-Espinosa, A., Neshat, S., Bertrand, R. L. and Lomax, A. E. (2010). Analysis of real-time serotonin (5-HT) availability during experimental colitis in mouse. American Journal of Physiology. 298:G446-G455.

Ren, J. and Bertrand, P. P. (2008). Purinergic receptors and synaptic transmission in enteric neurons" IN: Purinergic signalling in the gastrointestinal tract. Eds Galligan and Blackshaw. Special supplement for the journal: Purinergic Signalling. 4(3):255-66. Invited Review. Evaluated by Prof Geoffrey Burnstock - Faculty of 1000 Biology evaluation.

Links • Links: http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/paul-bertrand • http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_DC57O0AAAAJ • https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-bertrand-7622

Collaborators Dr L Liu Department of Pharmacology, University of New South

Wales Dr S Sandow Faculty of Science, Health, Education and

Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast Dr H Chen School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences,

University of Technology, Sydney Dr A Lomax Departments of Medicine and Physiology, Queen's

University. Prof JC Bornstein Department of Physiology, University of

Melbourne. Prof M Schemann and Dr K Michal Center of Life and Food

Sciences, Technische Universität München.

Grants and fellowships NHMRC Project. Liu, Bertrand and Sandow (2013-15) NHMRC Project. Bornstein, Thomas, Parry, Bertrand (2009-13) NHMRC Project. Bertrand, Liu (2008-10) NHMRC Project. Bertrand (2004-06) NHMRC RD Wright Fellowship. Bertrand (2000-03) NHMRC Project. Bornstein, Davies, Bertrand (2000-02) NIH (US) NRSA Fellowship. Bertrand (1995-98)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Lung diseases including COPD (or emphysema), asthma, respiratory infections and lung cancer rank within the top 10 global causes of premature death. Uncontrolled inflammation is a hallmark feature of these diseases that damages the lungs. Our broad approach involves the use of in vitro and experimental models to identify key mediators of damaging inflammation. We have a specific interest in a receptor termed FPR2, which controls inflammation by binding to agonists that can either switch on or switch off inflammation. We have already shown that the balance between inflammatory and resolution agonists will influence chronic inflammation (summariesed in figure and references). We work closely with respiratory physicians to validate key mediators using clinically derived human disease tissue. We have expertise in targeting molecules using pharmacological and biological agents where lead targets are tested in cutting edge disease models.

Current projects We are investigating the role of pro-resolving mediators that

target the FPR2 receptor for their ability to switch off damaging inflammation and promote tissue healing in the chronic and acute lung disease setting.

Since many COPD patients die from lung cancer, we are investigating whether the inflammatory SAA-FPR2 axis can support tumour growth in lung cancer, and we will investigate whether pro-resolving mediators can counteract this process.

We have developed novel models involving early life infection that predispose to developing severe asthma later in life. This work is focused on understanding the origin of asthma.

We are investigating how oxidative stress directly contributes to poor vaccine responses in people with underlying chronic lung disease, as these patients are most susceptible to respiratory infections.

STEVEN BOZINOVSKI Associate Professor CELL BIOLOGY & ANATOMY steven.bozinovski@rmit.edu.au

Key References COPD and squamous cell lung cancer: aberrant inflammation and immunity is

the common link. Bozinovski et al. Br J Pharmacol. 2016 Feb;173(4):635-48. SAA drives proinflammatory heterotypic macrophage differentiation in the

lung via CSF-1R-dependent signaling. Anthony et al. FASEB J. 2014 Sep;28(9):3867-77.

SAA opposes lipoxin A₄ to mediate glucocorticoid refractory lung inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bozinovski et al. PNAS U S A. 2012 Jan 17;109(3):935-40.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-

staff/b/bozinovski-associate-professor-steven • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=bk2MVtQAAAAJ&hl=en

Collaborators Prof Louis Irving, Head of Respiratory Medicine at Royal

Melbourne Hospital Prof Bruce Levy, Harvard Medical School and Brigham &

Womens Hospital where he is Division Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care

A/Prof Ross Vlahos, RMIT University

Grants and fellowships ARC Future Fellow (2014-2017) Multiple NHMRC project grant holder (4x as Chief

Investigator A since 2008) Rebecca Cooper Foundation equipment grant awardee

2015

Co-investigator on NHMRC Development grant (2014)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Dr Lyndell Bruce's main research focus is in the area of decision making expertise. Specifically the factors influencing decision making performance; how decision making expertise is developed; and the influence of various factors including practice, environment and family on decision making skill. Further related to this, is how the practice environment is structured to have greatest benefit to the athlete’s performance. In addition, she has an interest in notational analysis, and how player’s decisions are affected by their environment. A more recent interest area is regarding athlete wellbeing and how this is monitored, especially with the development of technology. Research using new and developing technology is of importance in all projects.

Dr Lyndell Bruce Exercise Science lyndell.bruce@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The use of the 30-15 IFT as a measure of aerobic fitness in sub-

elite female athletes Talent identification and development in Australian Soccer The use of heart rate variability to monitor training loads in sub-

elite females athletes Relationship between player load and heart rate variability A holistic examination of the interaction between player load,

wellness, injury prevention technique and recovery in high performance sport

Key References Benson, A. C., Bruce, L., & Gordon, B. A. (2015). Reliability and validity of a GPS-enabled

iPhone “app” to measure physical activity. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33(14), 1421-1428.

Bruce, L., Farrow, D., Raynor, A., & Mann, D. (2012). But I can’t pass that far! The influence of motor skill on decision making. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 13(2), 152-161.

Bruce, L., Farrow, D., & Raynor, A. (2013). Performance milestones in the development of expertise: Are they critical? Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 25(3), 281-297.

Gordon, B. A., Bruce, L., & Benson, A. C. (2015). Physical activity intensity can be accurately monitored by smartphone global positioning system ‘app’. European Journal of Sport Science, 1-8. doi:10.1080/17461391.2015.1105299

Woods, C. T., Raynor, A. J., Bruce, L., McDonald, Z., & Robertson, S. (2016). The application of a multi-dimensional assessment approach to talent identification in Australian football. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(14), 1340-1345. doi:10.1080/02640414.2016.1142668

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/b/bruce-dr-lyndell • https://twitter.com/LyndellBruce • https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndell-bruce-9705b243?trk=hp-identity-name • https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lyndell_Bruce • https://rmit.academia.edu/LyndellBruce • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=RUQBXZsAAAAJ&hl=en

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Pharmacy Practice & pharmacists interventions Adherence to Medicines/Quality Use of Medicines Medical/Pharmacy education Consumer trust/perceptions in pharmacy & non-pharmacy settings Integrative medicine Cardiovascular Pharmacology Hypertension, heart failure, diabetes

Dr Vincent Chan DISCIPLINE OF PHARMACY vincent.chan@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Pharmacy practice Clinical pharmacy Pharmacists interventions Integrative medicine

Key References Chan, V. and Tran, H. (2016). Purchasing Over-the-counter medicines from Australian pharmacy: What do

the pharmacy customers value and expect? Pharmacy Practice, 14:782. Mishriky, J., Balassone, J., Bashour, Z., Kaur, S., Raman, V., Getachew, R., Osman, N., Guidone, D., Chan, V.

and Little, P.J. (2016). An investigation of Sodium Fusidate and recombinant Cytochrome P450 enzymes inhibition in-vitro. Drug Metabolism Letters, 10:180-186.

Guidone, D., Getachew, R., Osman, N., Ward, M., Chan, V. and Little, P.J. (2015). Sodium fusidate inhibits rCYP3A4 in vitro – a possible mechanism defining the interaction with statins. Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology. 5(3) 174.

Chan, V., Patounas, M., Dornbusch, D., Tran, H. and Watson, P. (2015). Is there a role for pharmacists in multidisciplinary health care teams at community outreach events for the homeless? Australian Journal of Primary Health, 21:379-383.

Doggrell, S.A. and Chan, V. (2015). Adherence to insulin treatment in diabetes: can it be improved? Journal of Diabetes, 7:315-21.

Doggrell, S.A. and Chan, V. (2014). Do interventions by allied health professionals discussing adherence to insulin improve this adherence? Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 104:e61-e63.

Chan, V. (2011). Teaching oral communication in undergraduate science: Are we doing enough & doing it right? Journal of Learning Design, 4:71-79.

Chan, V., Fenning, A., Hoey, A. and Brown, L. (2011). Chronic beta-adrenoceptor antagonist treatment controls cardiovascular remodelling in heart failure in the ageing spontaneously hypertensive rat. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 58:424-431.

Chan, V., Fenning, A., Levick, S., Loch, D., Chunduri, P., Iyer, A., Teo, Y.L., Hoey, A., Wilson, K., Burstow, D. and Brown, L. (2011). Cardiovascular changes during maturation and ageing in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 57:469-478.

Chan, V., Fenning, A., Iyer, A., Hoey, A. and Brown, L. (2011). Resveratrol improves cardiovascular function in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 12:429-436.

Links http://www1.rmit.edu.au/staff/vincent-chan

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current Research Russell currently supervises research projects investigating sleep disorders and the effects of sleep disruption on cognitive performance. His most recent work has focused on:

1) Sleep disorders & treatment 2) Sleep effects on learning and memory 3) Sleep in children, particularly those with developmental

disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 4) Novel ways of measuring and quantifying sleep and the

development of new sleep recording technology 5) Complementary & Alternative medicine interventions for sleep

problems

Dr Russell Conduit Discipline of Psychology russell.conduit@rmit.edu.au@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The effects of sleep restriction on visual

processing and cognitive performance in children with Autism. This project will investigate visual and cognitive performance after control conditions of normal sleep and conditions of partial and cumulative sleep restriction in control children and children with Autism.

Sleep dependent learning in patients with sleep fragmentation disorders. This project will investigate sleep dependent learning in patients with sleep fragmentation disorders (such as periodic limb movement syndrome and bruxism), before and after treatment.

Assessing the Validity of a new Technology Integrated Apnoea Respiration Analyser (TIARA). This project will aim validate TIARA and its component parts against gold-standard polysomnography equipment during clinical OSA sleep studies conducted in the new Sleep Research Laboratory at RMIT, Bundoora.

The use of Panax Ginseng with CPAP therapy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. This study will evaluate the effects of a standardised preparation of Panax Ginseng (G115), on nasal obstruction, sleep quality, OSA severity, CPAP use and cognitive performance in people using CPAP therapy.

Neurological & Psychological Response to High Frequency Light. The current project will examine the potential of light stimuli at different frequencies to influence health measures relevant to depression, sleep timing and insomnia.

Key References Landry S, O'Driscoll DM, Hamilton GS, Conduit R. (2016). Overnight Motor Skill

Learning Outcomes in Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. J of ClinSleep Med 12, 681-688.

Barham, M., Enticott, P., Conduit, R., & Lum, J. (2016). Transcranial electrical stimulation during sleep enhances declarative (but not procedural) memory consolidation: Evidence from a meta-analysis, Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 63, 65 – 77.

Fletcher, F., Conduit, R., Foster-Owens, M., Rinehart, N., Rajaratnam, S., & Cornish, K. (2016). The association between anxiety symptoms and sleep in school-aged children: a combined insight from the children's sleep habits questionnaire and actigraphy, Behav Sleep Medicine, 1–16

Ngan, A & Conduit R. (2011). A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Investigation of the Effects of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) Herbal Tea on Subjective Sleep Quality. Phytotherapy Res 25(8): 1153–1159.

Conduit, R., Sasse, A., Hodgson, W., Trinder, J., Veasey S., & Tucker, A. (2007). A neurotoxinological approach to the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Sleep Medicine Reviews 11, 361-375.

Links

• http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/c/conduit-dr-russell

• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Russell_Conduit

Collaborators Latrobe University – Prof Shiela Crewther Deakin University – Dr Jarrad Lum Monash University – Prof Kim Cornish Swinburne University – Prof David Crewther Melbourne University – Prof Grahame Coleman Medical Practice – Dr Anthony Sasse

Grants and fellowships ARC – Linkage Project (2010-2013). Increasing the

utility of tetanus toxin by protein engineering (P. Smooker, P. Coloe, R. Conduit, A. Sasse).

ARC – Discovery Project (2012-2014) Attentional mechanisms in the relationship between sleep disruption and academic outcomes in Australian school children. (K. Cornish, S. Rajaratnam, N. Rinehart, R. Conduit, H. Heussler, H. Hiscock)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Dr Meaghan Coyle is a research fellow in the Discipline of Chinese Medicine. Meaghan uses an evidence-based medicine approach in evaluating treatment of dermatological and other chronic diseases with Chinese medicine. Areas of expertise include evidence-based Chinese medicine, clinical research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Meaghan supervisors several PhD students investigating the role of Chinese medicine treatment of dermatological and chronic diseases.

Dr Meaghan Coyle Discipline of Chinese Medicine Meaghan.coyle@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Evaluating evidence for Chinese medicine treatment of: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) Chronic urticaria (hives) Acne vulgaris Herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia

Key References Gu SX, Zhang AL, Coyle ME, Chen DC, Xue CCL. Chinese herbal medicine for

atopic eczema: An overview of clinical evidence. J Dermatol Treatment. Accepted July 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2016.1214673Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas.

Coyle M, Deng JW, Zhang AL, Yu JJ, Guo XF, Xue CCL, Lu CJ. Acupuncture therapies for psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Forschende Komplementarmedizin 2015; 22(2):102-109

Gu SX, Zhang AL, Coyle ME, Mo XM, Lenon GB, Cranswick NE, Chen DC, Xue CCL. Chinese herbal medicine granules for children with moderate to severe atopic eczema: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Trials 16:294. Doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0806-y

Coyle ME, Smith CA, Peat B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. (Cochrane Review) The Cochrane Library, Issue 5, 2012. Oxford: Update Software.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/c/coyle-dr-

meaghan • https://www.rmit.edu.au/research/research-institutes-centres-and-

groups/multi-partner-collaborations/cairccm

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research The evolution of calcium regulating hormones and their roles in normal and tumour growth Comparative endocrinology allows researchers to find novel roles for known hormones or even discover new hormones. Simpler ancestral animals (Figure 1) may have a single hormone that has only one function or task and, as animals have evolved, they now may have several hormones that do that one function. This multiplication of hormones ensures survival of that species. The hormone that interests us the most is parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) which we have demonstrated in a range of fish and sharks. PTHrP has been shown to be important in normal tissues (Figure 2) and number of cancers in humans and our group is looking at how the comparative approach can shed more light on PTHrP’s role in cancer, particularly breast and bone cancer.

Janine Danks Associate Professor

Laboratory Medicine Janine.danks@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The evolution of the vertebrate skeleton from cartilage to bone Canine mammary tumours as a model for human breast cancer Canine osteosarcoma: is histological grade related to

prognosis? The role of parathyroid hormone family in the acquisition of a

metabolic syndrome profile.

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/d/danks-associate-

professor-janine

https://scholar.google.com.au/scholar?hl=en&q=janine+danks&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C5

Key References Danks, J.A., Ebeling, P.R., et al. Parathyroid hormone-related protein of cancer:

immunohistochemical localization in cancers and normal skin. J. Bone Min. Res.,

4:273-278, 1989.

Ho, P.M.W., Goradia, A., Russell, M.R., Chalk, A.M., Milley, K., Baker, E.K., Danks, J.A., et al. Knockdown of PTHR1 in osteosarcoma cells decreases invasion and growth and increases tumor differentiation in vivo. Oncogene. 14:2922-33. 2015.

Powell, G.J., Southby, J., Danks, J.A., et aJ. Localization of parathyroid-hormone-

related protein in breast cancer metastases: increased incidence in bone

compared with other sites. Cancer Res., 51:3059-3061, 1991.

Milley Kristi M., Nimmo Judith S., Bacci Barbara, Ryan Stewart D., Richardson Samantha J., and Danks J A. DogMATIC—A Remote Biospecimen Collection Kit for Biobanking. Biopreservation and Biobanking.13: 247-254, 2015 .

Collaborators Assoc Prof Samantha Richardson , RMIT

Prof Jeffrey Zajac, The University of Melbourne

Dr Mathis Grossmann, The University of

Melbourne

Prof John Clement, The University of Melbourne

Dr Rachel Davey, The University of Melbourne

Byrappa Venkatesh, IMCB Singapore

Sydney Brenner, IMCB Singapore

Prof Jack Martin, St Vincent’s Institute of

Medical Research

Dr Stewart Ryan, The University of Melbourne

Dr Mourad Taybei, The University of Melbourne

INSERT

Dr Pradip Deb Pradip.deb@rmit.edu.au

Research Areas Radiation Dosimetry in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures Radiobiological Models in Radiotherapy Applications of Nuclear Physics in Medicine Radiation Safety and Protection

Key References Badawy, M. Deb, P. Chan, R. and Farouque, O. 2015, 'A review of radiation protection solutions for

the staff in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory', in Heart Lung and Circulation, Elsevier, Australia, vol. 25, no. 10, pp. 961-967 ISSN: 1443-9506

Deb, P. Jamison, R. Mong, L. and U, P. 2015, 'An evaluation of the shielding effectiveness of lead aprons used in clinics for protection against ionising radiation from novel radioisotopes', in Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Oxford University Press, United Kingdom, pp. 1-5 ISSN: 0144-8420

Maghrabi, H. Vijayan, A. Deb, P. and Wang, L. 2015, 'Bismuth oxide-coated fabrics for x-ray shielding', inTextile Research Journal, Sage Publications Ltd, United Kingdom, pp. 1-10 ISSN: 0040-5175

Azahari Kasbollah, Peter Eu, Simon Cowell, and Pradip Deb, Review on Production of 89Zr in a Medical Cyclotron for PET Radiopharmaceuticals, Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology, Vol 41, No 1, pp 35-41 (2013).

P. Deb and A. Fielding, Radiobiological model comparison of 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT plans in treatment of prostate cancer, Australasian Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine, Vol. 32 (2), pp 51-61 (2009).

Visit http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/pradip-deb

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School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Dr De Foe’s research centres on perception and consciousness. His most recent work involves looking into the nature of perceptual processing in high-realism virtual reality (VR) simulations which are generated using technology such as the Oculus Rift device. Dr De Foe also takes an active interest in the development of clinical interventions incorporating VR (e.g., VR therapy), in addition to the induction of altered states of consciousness (e.g., peak and plateau experiences and their role in sustaining mental health and well-being).

Dr Alexander De Foe Psychology alexander.defoe@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Virtual reality (VR) therapy: Comparison of traditional

mindfulness homework tasks and VR-aided mindfulness practice

Perceptual set and virtual reality (VR): Implications for clinical and normal populations

Neurological and psychological response to high frequency light strobe

The efficacy of light and cognitive behavioural therapy for treating sleep and mood disorders

Biofeedback markers in insomnia: Measures of clinical efficacy

Key References De Foe, A., Van Doorn, G., & Symmons, M. (2013). Floating sensations prior to sleep

and out-of-body experiences. Journal of Parapsychology, 77(2), 271-280. De Foe, A. (2012). How should therapists respond to client accounts of out-of-body

experience?. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 31(1), 75-82. De Foe, A., Van Doorn, G., & Symmons, M. (2012). Research note: Induced out-of-

body experiences are associated with a sensation of leaving the body. Australian Journal of Parapsychology, 12(2), 177-185.

De Foe, A., Van Doorn, G., & Symmons, M. (2012). Auditory hallucinations predict likelihood of out-of-body experience. Australian Journal of Parapsychology, 12(1), 59-68.

Links www.rmit.edu.au/staff/alexander-de-foe

Collaborators Dr Russell Conduit

Dr James Collett

Mark Lee

Professor Gerard Kennedy

Professor Antonio Paolini

Grants and fellowships 2016: Australian Institute of Parapsychological

Research Cardigan Fellowship, $6,665.40 awarded to examine perception in high-realism out-of-body experiences (OBEs)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Natural products chemistry has been the foundation for the treatment of diseases for most of human history and in many cases has served as sources of lead molecules which have formed the basis of current pharmaceuticals. Of the 1135 new drugs approved from 1981-2010, 50% are of natural product origin. To date, by combining multidisciplinary fields of metabolomics with natural products chemistry in conjunction with the latest advances in analytical technologies - liquid-chromatography (separation), mass spectrometry (identification) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (structure elucidation) can expedite the discovery of new natural products from Australia’s untapped biodiversity.

Dr Daniel A. Dias Laboratory Medicine daniel.dias@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Metabolite profiling of various medicinal plants, marine

algae, liverworts and lichens from the BioDiscovery Natural Products Collection.

An evidence-based approach to identify biologically active natural products from medicinal plants.

A natural products and metabolomics investigation of Southern Australian bryophytes.

Exploring and exploiting the hidden microbiome from Australian marine algae

The candidate will gain experience in multidisciplinary fields including: microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biological screening, metabolite profiling, isolation and purification (HPLC), structure elucidation using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometric (MS) techniques leading as an emerging analytical biochemist to employable attributes

Projects can be tailored focusing on natural products chemistry or in combinations with other fields of research. Feel free to contact me!

Key References Dias DA (2009) Natural Product Studies of Terrestrial and Marine Organisms.

PhD Thesis, RMIT University. https://researchbank.rmit.edu.au/view/rmit:9520 Dias DA, Urban S and Roessner U. (2012) A Historical Overview of Natural

Products in Drug Discovery. Metabolites, 2: 303-336. Dias DA*, Hill CB*, Jayasinghe N, Roessner U, Atieno J, Sutton T and Roessner U

(2015) Comparative multi-platform profiling of polar primary metabolites of two chickpea cultivars with contrasting responses to salinity. J. Chromatograph B. 1000: 1-13 *Equal first Authors.

Olmstead ILD, Hill DRA, Dias DA, Jayasinghe NS, Callahan DL, Kentish SE, Scales PJ, Martin GJO. (2013) A quantitative analysis of microalgal lipids for optimization of biodiesel and omega-3 production. Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 110: 2096-2104.

Dias DA, White J and Urban, S. (2009) Laurencia filiformis: Phytochemical Profiling by Conventional and HPLC-NMR Approaches. Natural Product Communications 4: 157-172.

Collaborators School of Science (RMIT University) Metabolomics Australia (The University of

Melbourne) Curtin University CSIRO Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (Malaysia)

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/d/dias-dr-dan • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=g6uNxDsAAAAJ&hl=en • http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Daniel_Dias5?ev=hdr_xprf • https://www.linkedin.com/pub/daniel-dias/3a/32/3b8 • https://sites.google.com/site/anzmn2/

Grants and fellowships The American Society of Pharmacognosy – RSG: Dias

DA “Metabolomic Strategies for the Untargeted Identification of Natural Products from Australian Terrestrial and Marine Organisms,” The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University.

Early Career Development Fellowship – (2015), The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University.

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Psychometric assessment of depression scales; Psychosocial determinants of depression associated with chronic illnesses; Depression and adherence to healthy lifestyle; Psychological factors related to cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, dementia, and cancer; Music, mindfulness, and mental health; Attitudes and beliefs about the causes of depression and its treatment; Mental health workers and stress, burnout, depression, wellbeing.

Dr Mirella Di Benedetto Psychology mirella.dibenedetto@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Screen time, academic performance, sleep quality and

psychological distress in Australian university students

Post-operative cognitive decline in rural Australians

Attitudes towards causes and treatment of depression in people with a chronic illness

Key References Di Benedetto, M., & Swadling, M. (2013). Burnout in Australian Psychologists:

Correlations with work-setting, mindfulness and self-care behaviours. Psychology, Health & Medicine. Psychology, Health & Medicine.

Di Benedetto, M. et al. (2013). Co-morbid depression and chronic illness related to coping and physical and mental health status. Psychology, Health & Medicine.

Di Benedetto, M. et al. (2007). The role of coping, anxiety, and stress in depression post-acute coronary syndrome. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 12, 460-469.

Di Benedetto, M. et al. (2006). Depression following acute coronary syndromes: A comparison between the Cardiac Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 60, 13-20.

Di Benedetto, M. et al. (2005). A Cardiac Depression Visual Analogue Scale for the brief and rapid assessment of depression following acute coronary syndromes. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 59, 223-229.

http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sghxmxl86jh7

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mirella_Di_Benedetto https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dr-mirella-di-benedetto/42/b66/3a1

Collaborators

Drs Russell Conduit & Melinda Jackson Western District Health Services Ballarat Health Services

Grants and fellowships Factors that increase the likelihood that ageing rural

Australians will acquire post-operative cognitive dysfunction. RMIT Seeding Grant, 2015, $10, 000.

Motivational Interviewing based Health Coaching as an Early Intervention for the Prevention of Depression in Type II Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in an Australian Regional and Rural population. Beyondblue, 2007, $134, 817.

Health coaching for lifestyle behaviour change: Comparison between internet and face to face based intervention. Early Career Research Program, University of Ballarat, 2007 $10, 000.

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Our research is based on medical radiations in general both applications of technology to improve dose delivery in radiotherapy and the radiologic image quality.

Moshi Geso Associate Professor

Medical Radiations moshi.geso@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Radiation dose enhancement caused by nanoparticles

made of heavy atoms such as gold. Synthesis, characterisation, and investigations of

radiobiological & radiological effects of Bi compounds (Bi2S3, BiOI, and Bi2O3).

Fabrication of Ti2O3 nanoaprticles and study their radiological properties especially their effects on dose delivery.

Study nuclear reaction via neutrons and protons for activation of metallic nanoparticles such Au, Bi, and Ti.

Effects of nanoparticles on cells gap fillings.

Key References Youkahana, E.Q., Gagliardi, F. and Geso, M., 2016. Two-dimensional scanning

of PRESAGE® dosimetry using UV/VIS spectrophotometry and its potential application in radiotherapy. Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express, 2(4),

p.045009. Alqathami M, Belencowe A, and Geso M, “ Quantitative 3D determination of

radiosensitization by bismuth-based nanoparticles’ 2015, Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology, Vol 12, PP:1-8

Clare L. Smith , Moshi Geso*, ”Determination of dose enhancement caused by gold-nanoparticles irradiated with proton, X-rays (kV and MV) and electron beams, using alanine/EPR dosimeters”, Radiation Measurements, 82 (2015) 122e128

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/moshi

Collaborators Dr. Trevor Ackerly, Alfred Health Radiation Oncology,

The Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Australia. Prof. T Tominaga, Department of radiology, University

of Hiroshima International - Japan.

Dr Akasak, Kobe University, Japan.

Grants and fellowships Radiation dose measurements using NanoDOT and

DAP for two scoliosis imaging systems -Victoria

Medical Radiation Practicioners-2016

Determination of radiation dose and image quality for

multiple body areas using GE volumeRAD -Australian

Institute of Radiography-2016

FIGURE 2

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Our laboratory focuses on translational clinical biochemistry research in paediatric endocrinology, gastroenterology and respiratory medicine. Specific analytical interests include: understanding the role of the vitamins and steroid pathways in paediatric pathologies; development of mass spectrometry reference methods and intervals for small molecular weight compounds; standardisation / harmonisation of mass spectral based techniques used in laboratory medicine; and development of evidence based best practice guidelines for clinical biochemistry endocrine and metabolism testing.

Dr Ronda Greaves Laboratory Medicine Ronda.greaves@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Paediatric Food Allergy and the Role of Fat Soluble Vitamins

(D and A). Investigating the role of thiamine and its phosphate

derivatives in critically ill patients Development of normative age related reference intervals

for sex steroids in extremely premature neonates. Harmonisation of Mass Spectrometry based steroid

methods. Vietnam Urine Steroid Metabolomics and Reference

Interval Project

Key References Tran MT, et al. Practical application of biological variation and Sigma metrics

quality models to evaluate 20 chemistry analytes on the Beckman AU680. Clin Biochem. 2016; in press

Greaves RF et al. Harmonisation of Serum Dihydrotestosterone Analysis: Establishment of an External Quality Assurance Program. Clin Chem Lab Med 2016 in press.

Al Bahrani A, et al. A simultaneous quantitative method for vitamins A, D and E in human serum using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2016;159:41-53.

Greaves RF, et al. Hormone modelling in preterm neonates: Establishment of pituitary and steroid hormone reference intervals. JCEM 2015;100(3):1097-103.

Links • RMIT: http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-

staff/g/greaves-dr-ronda

Collaborators Professor Katie Allen – Murdoch Childrens Research

Institute, Melbourne, Australia. Dr James Baglin – RMIT University Prof Rinaldo Bellomo – Austin Hospital, Melbourne,

Australia A/Prof CS Ho - Prince of Wales Hospital, New

Territories, Hong Kong. Dr Oliver Jones – RMIT University. Dr Mai Tran – National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi

Vietnam. Prof Stefan Wudy - Justus Liebig University Giessen,

Germany Professor Margaret Zacharin – Murdoch Children’s

Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research Dr Hart’s main scientific research interest is the regulation of vascular function, particularly in small, resistance-like blood vessels, which are the most important vessels for regulating blood pressure and blood flow to vital organs. In the past few years most of her work has focused on the role of the biological gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulation of blood vessels and its potential role in protecting the vasculature from the effects of oxidative stress. She utilizes a range of techniques in her work from biochemical and molecular biology, in vitro pharmacology and physiology as well as in vivo modelling of cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Joanne Hart Pharmaceutical Sciences Joanne.Hart@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Hydrogen sulfide donors and vasoprotection in diabetes. Mechanism(s) of hydrogen sulfide induced vasoprotection

in vascular oxidative stress. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide production and control of

vascular tone. The mechanism of vasorelaxation elicited by hydrogen

sulfide.

Key References T Jenkins, J Nguyen and J Hart (2016) Decreased vascular H2S production is

associated with vascular oxidative stress in rats fed a high-fat western diet. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology 389(7):783-90.

Al-Magableh, Kemp-Harper& JL Hart. (2015) Hydrogen sulfide treatment reduces blood pressure and oxidative stress in angiotensin II-induced hypertensive mice. Hypertension Research, 38(1):13-20.

Al-Magableh, Kemp-Harper, Ng, Miller & JL Hart (2014) Hydrogen sulfide protects endothelial nitric oxide function under conditions of acute oxidative stress in vitro. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, 387:67–74

Streeter, Badoer, Woodman & JL Hart (2013) Effect of type 1 diabetes on the production and vasoactivity of hydrogen sulfide in rat middle cerebral arteries. Physiological Reports. Oct; 1(5):e00111.

Ford, Al-Magableh, Gaspari & JL Hart (2013) Chronic NaHS treatment is vasoprotective in high fat fed ApoE-/- mice. International Journal of Vascular Medicine, Volume 2013, Article ID 915983.

Streeter, Ng & JL Hart (2013) Hydrogen sulfide as a vasculoprotective factor. Medical Gas Research 3:9

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/hart-dr-joanne/ https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=yr8sgYkAAAAJ&hl=en

Proposed pathways for endogenous H2S production and confocal microscope immunofluorescence images showing vascular smooth

muscle cells staining positive for the H2S producing protein CSE (blue=nuclei, red=CSE).

Collaborators Prof Owen Woodman, RMIT University Dr Simon Potocnik, RMIT University Dr Alyson Miller, RMIT University

Grants and fellowships Dr Hart has been the recipient of a number of grants and fellowships: William Buckland Foundation Grant Ramaciotti Establishment Gift RMIT University, School of Medical Sciences Project

Grant Monash University Small Grant scheme NHMRC Peter Doherty Research Fellowship

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Understanding the molecular basis for the development of type-2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic human disease characterised by high blood glucose concentration which is caused by insulin deficiency. Four percent of all Australians have diabetes and the Australian Government spends $3 billion per annum on the treatment and management of diabetes and diabetes related illness. The primary function of a pancreatic beta-cell is to make and release insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Critically, it is when the beta-cell stops working properly that diabetes occurs. My laboratory wishes to find out why the beta-cell stops working and identy stragegoes/therapies to prevent and/or reverse this.

Terence Herbert Associate Professor Pharmaceutical Sciences Terence.herbert@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Are flavonoids an effective treatment for type 2

diabetes? Identification of novel modulators of beta-cell function The role of mTOR in beta-cell compensation and

dysfunction The role of ER stress and the unfolded protein response

(UPR) in type-2 diabetes. The role of amino acid transporters in beta-cell function

and type-2 diabetes

Key References A Re-evaluation of the Role of the Unfolded Protein Response in Islet

Dysfunction: Maladaptation or a Failure to Adapt? Herbert TP, Laybutt DR. Diabetes. 2016 Jun;65(6):1472-80.

System-L amino acid transporters play a key role in pancreatic β-cell signalling and function. Cheng Q, Beltran VD, Chan SM, Brown JR, Bevington A, Herbert TP. J Mol Endocrinol. 2016 Apr;56(3):175-87.

Exendin-4 stimulates islet cell replication via the IGF1 receptor activation of mTORC1/S6K1. Xie J, El Sayed NM, Qi C, Zhao X, Moore CE, Herbert TP. J Mol Endocrinol. 2014 Aug;53(1):105-15.

ER stress in rodent islets of Langerhans is concomitant with obesity and β-cell compensation but not with β-cell dysfunction and diabetes. Omikorede O, Qi C, Gorman T, Chapman P, Yu A, Smith DM, Herbert TP. Nutr Diabetes. 2013 Oct 21;3:e93. doi: 10.1038/nutd.2013.35.

Evidence for rapamycin toxicity in pancreatic β-cells and a review of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Barlow AD, Nicholson ML, Herbert TP. Diabetes. 2013 Aug;62(8):2674-82. doi: 10.2337/db13-0106. Review.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/h/herbert-

associate-professor-terence • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=EKCFtEQAAAAJ&hl=en

Immunostained islet of Langerhan

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Our research aims to understand the cellular mechanisms of how blood clots are formed and what leads to stabilisation of blood clots. Our research also involves identification and development of novel inhibitors of blood clot formation. The research of Professor Jackson and her team ranges from work on the cellular, molecular, physiological and biochemical aspects of thrombosis, to small animal models of in vivo thrombus formation and ischaemic stroke. In addition, research of this team examines the importance of cell surface receptors known as immunoreceptors and tetraspanins. Furthermore, investigation of the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in regulating platelet thrombus formation. Research objectives To study mechanisms that regulate platelet thrombus formation in

mouse models. To gain knowledge on the importance of tetraspanins and

immunoreceptors in regulating blood clots. To study mechanisms of signalling and compartmentalisation in

platelet responsiveness. To understand the role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and bruton’s

tyrosine kinases in regulating blood clots. To investigate the role of natural chinese and aboriginal medicines in

regulating blood clot formation.

Denise Jackson Professor

DISCIPLINE: Laboratory Medicine Denise.jackson@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Atherosclerosis and Atherothrombosis Mechanisms of regulating thrombus growth and stability Immunoreceptors, tetraspanins, integrins, purinergic receptors Role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in thrombus formation in health and

disease (CML) Role of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, Btk inhibitors in the treatment of

lymphoproliferative disorders including B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Mouse models of thrombosis Natural inhibitors of thrombosis

Collaborators Dr. Cindy O’Malley, Dr. Faith Kwa, Dr. Daniel Sze, A/Prof. Mark Wright, A/Prof.

Janine Danks, A/Prof. Matthew Linden, Prof. Sonia Najjar, Prof. Nicole Beauchemin, Prof. Andrew Grigg, Dr. Kate Burbury, Dr. Constantine Tam.

Grants and fellowships Ariad Pharmaceuticals.

Perpetual Trustees.

Aramco.

http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/Jackson DE

http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&view_op=search_authors&mauthors=RMIT

Citations: 3017; H index: 29.

Key References Jones et al., PECAM-1/CD31 is a negative regulator of platelet-

collagen interactions. Blood 2001;98(5):1456-1463. Lau et al., The tetraspanin superfamily member, CD151 regulates

the outside-in integrin alphaIIbbeta3 signaling and platelet function. Blood 2004;104(8):2368-2375.

Wong et al., CEACAM1 negatively regulates platelet-collagen interactions and thrombus growth in vitro and in vivo, Blood 2009;113:1818-1828.

Orlowski et al., A platelet tetraspanin superfamily member, CD151 is required for thrombus growth and stability in vivo. J. Thromb. Haemost. 2009;7(12):2074-2084.

Mosawy et al., Treatment with quercetin and 3-4-dihydroxyflavanol inhibits platelet function and delays thrombus formation in vivo. J Thrombosis and Thrombolysis 2013;36(1):50-57.

Alshahrani M et al., CEACAM2 negatively regulates hemi (ITAM-bearing) GPVI and CLEC-2 pathways and thrombus growth in vitro and in vivo. Blood 2014;124(15):2431-2441. Alhawiti N et al., The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nilotinib

potentiates a prothrombotic state. Thrombosis Research 2016;145:54-64.

Links

http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/

http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_Others

STAFF

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Our laboratory explores how cognition and behaviour are controlled, and change, in the healthy and diseased brain. This research includes animal models of specific neurological, psychiatric and metabolic disorders which demonstrate memory and affective dysfunction, investigated at behavioural and cellular levels so as to identify pathological mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets.

Dr Trisha Jenkins Senior Lecturer Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences trisha.jenkins@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The neurodevelopmental causes of psychosis Modelling cognitive and negative symptoms of

schizophrenia Behavioural and brain changes in animal models of

depression Pharmacological and environmental reversal of memory

and behavioural deficits High fat feeding and cognition High fat feeding in Alzheimer’s models Postoperative cognitive decline

Key References • McKibben, C.E., Reynolds, G.P. and Jenkins, T.A (2016) Concurrent

risperidone administration attenuates the development of locomotor sensitization following sub-chronic phencyclidine in rats. Pharmacopsychiatry 49, 62-5.

• De Luca, S.N., Ziko, I., Sominsky, L., Nguyen, J.C.D., Dinan, T., Miller, A.A., Jenkins T.A. and Spencer, S.J. (2016) Early life overfeeding impairs spatial memory performance by reducing microglial sensitivity to learning. Journal of Inflammation, 13, 112.

• Nguyen, J.C.D., Killcross, A.S. and Jenkins, T.A. (2014) Obesity and cognitive decline: role of inflammation and vascular changes. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 8, 375.

• McKibben C.E., Reynolds G.P. and Jenkins T.A (2014) Analysis of sociability and preference for social novelty in the acute and subchronic phencyclidine rat. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28, 955-963.

• Nguyen, J.C., Killcross, A.S. and Jenkins, T.A. (2013) Effect of low-intensity treadmill exercise on behavioural measures and hippocampal parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the rat. Behavioural Brain Research 256, 598-601.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-

staff/j/jenkins-dr- trisha • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=2Qzb1_IAAAAJ&hl=en

Collaborators Prof Gavin Reynolds Biomedical Sciences,

Sheffield Hallam University, UK Prof John Aggelton School of Psychology, Cardiff

University, UK Prof Simon Killcross Department of Psychology,

University of New South Wales Dr Nicole Jones Department of Pharmacology,

University of New South Wales Assoc Prof Siew Yeen Chai School of Physiology,

Monash University Prof Owen Woodman RMIT University Dr Sarah Spencer RMIT University Dr Joanne Hart RMIT University Dr Paul Bertrand RMIT University

Grants and fellowships IBRO Women in World Neuroscience Network travel grant NHMRC Seed Dementia grant. Callaway, Royse, Jenkins; 2012 Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Jenkins and Reynolds; 2007-

2008 Parkinson’s Disease Society, UK. Jenkins; 2006-2007 NHMRC Howard Florey Centenary Fellowship. 2003-

2005

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Sleep disorders and treatments Circadian rhythms in humans and other animals Clinical psychology Alopecia Areata, self-esteem, mood and coping Effects of technology on sleep and other behaviours

Prof. Gerard A Kennedy Psychology Gerard.kennedy@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The relationship between chronotype and the visual system. Psychological factors influencing compliance to continuous

positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in sleep apnoea. The relationship between chronotype and mood disorders. The efficacy of light and cognitive behavioural therapy for

treating sleep issues and mood. The relationship(s) between chronotype, and eating

behaviour, sleep apnoea and obesity. Self-esteem, mood and coping in people alopecia areata. Effects of technology on sleep and other behaviours.

Key References Paz Hidalgo, M., et al. (2009) Relationship between depressive mood and chronotype in healthy subjects. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 63(3),

283–290. Lucassen, E., et al. (2013) Evening chronotype is associated with changes in eating behavior, more sleep apnea, and increased stress hormones in

short sleeping obese individuals: PLoS One ,8.3 . Sawyer A.M., et al. (2011) A systematic review of CPAP adherence across age groups: Clinical and empiric insights for developing CPAP adherence

interventions. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 15(6), 343–356. Golden, R. N., et al. (2005) The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Mood Disorders: A Review and Meta-Analysis of the Evidence. The

American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(4), 656-662. Thomee, S., et al. (2007)Prevalence of perceived stress, symptoms of depression and sleep disturbances in relation to information and communication

technology (ICT) use among young adults –an explorative prospective study. Computers in Human Behavior 23, 1300–1321

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Dr. Kwa heads the Epigenetics in Human Disease Laboratory. Her research explores novel and safe therapeutic approaches with superior efficacy for the treatment of human diseases such as haematological malignancies and age-related macular degeneration, using naturally-occurring compounds and/or chromatin modifying agents. Dr. Kwa’s research team also has an interest in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of these improved treatments at a genomic, proteomic and metabolomic level.

Dr. Faith Kwa Laboratory Medicine faith.kwa@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Dissecting the mechanisms behind the protective effects of

broccoli-derived compound in an age-related macular degeneration model

Exploring the potential use of natural products isolated from native Australian marine algae in the treatment of leukaemia

Key References Alhawiti, N., Burbury, K. L., Kwa, F. A., O'Malley, C. J., Shuttleworth, P., Grigg, A. P.,

Jackson, D. E. (2016). The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nilotinib potentiates a prothrombotic state. Thrombosis Research. 145:54-64.

Kwa, F. A. A. and Thrimawithana, T. R. (2014). Epigenetic Modifications as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Age-related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy. Drug Discovery Today 19(9): 1387-1393.

Rafehi, H., Ververis, K., Balcerczyk, A., Ziemann, M., Ooi, J., Hu, S., Kwa, F. A., Loveridge, S. J., Georgiadis, G. T., El-Osta, A., and Karagiannis, T. C. (2012). Investigation of the Biological Properties of Cinnulin PF in the Context of Diabetes: Mechanistic Insights by Genome-wide mRNA-Seq Analysis. Pathobiology of Aging & Age Related Diseases 2: 11905 - DOI: 10.3402/pba.v2i0.11905.

Licciardi, P., Kwa, F., Ververis, K., Di Constanzo, N., Balcerczyk, A., Tang, M., El-Osta, A., and Karagiannis, T. (2012). Influence of Natural and Synthetic Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on Chromatin. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling 17: 340-354.

Kwa, F. A., Balcerczyk, A., Licciardi, P., El-Osta, A. and Karagiannis, T. C. (2011). Chromatin Modifying Agents – The Cutting Edge of Anti-cancer Therapy. Drug Discovery Today 16: 543-547.

Kwa, F. A., Cole-Sinclair, M., and Kapuscinski, M. (2010). Chlorambucil-sensitive and -resistant Lymphoid Cells Display Different Responses to the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Sodium Butyrate. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 403: 288-292.

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/k/kwa-dr-faith https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?hl=en&btnA=1&user=QUYwWzAAAAAJ

Collaborators Professor Denise Jackson – Discipline of Laboratory Medicine,

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia

Dr. Daniel Dias - Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia

Dr. Thilini Thrimawithana – Discipline of Pharmacy, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Australia

Dr. Tom Karagiannis – Epigenomic Medicine Laboratory, Baker Heart IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Australia

Associate Professor Merrole Cole-Sinclair – Laboratory Haemtology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Australia

Dr. Miroslav Kapuscinski – Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Australia

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research Dr George Lenon’s research is focusing on Obesity and diabetes management using Chinese herbal medicine. His research also extends using Chinese herbal medicine for allergic disorders. He concentrates on clinical evidence as well as investigation into mechanism of action. Currently, he is looking for overseas collaboration.

Dr George Lenon Discipline of Chinese Medicine george.lenon@rmit.edu.au

Current projects The Effectiveness of a Self-Management Educational support for

People with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia Clinical effects and mechanism of actions of a Chinese herbal

formula (RCM-104) for weight management: Literature reviews and computational analysis

Effects and safety of acupuncture and mindfulness-based eating in the management of overweight.

Development of weight loss product using Chinese herbal medicine combines with nutritional technologies

Data mining of classical formulae in Shang Han Za Bing Lun for the management of dermatological conditions

Links http://www1.rmit.edu.au/staff/george-lenon

http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_

Key References Xifeng Z, Lenon,G.B., Xue, C.L. , Li, C.G.(2016). Euonymus alatus: A Review on

Its Phytochemistry and Antidiabetic ActivityIn: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 1 - 12

Tan, H.,Lenon, G. (2016). Atopic dermatitis and Chinese medicine In: Herbal Medicines New Horizons, Springer Science, United States

Gu, X.,Zhang, A.,Coyle, M.,Mo, X.,Lenon, G.,Cranswick, N.,Chen, D.,Xue, C. (2015). Chinese herbal medicine granules (PTQX) for children with moderate to severe atopic eczema: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial In: Trials, 16, 1 - 6

Tan, H.,Lenon, G.,Zhang, A.,Xue, C. (2015). Efficacy of acupuncture in the management of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review In: Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 40, 711 - 716

Alhaiti, A.,Jones, L.,Qasim, A.,Lenon, G. (2015). The effectiveness of self-management education with type 2 diabetes patients in Saudi Arabia: systematic literature review In: International Journal of Current Research, 7, 21854 - 21860

Li, K.,Yang, A.,Xue, C.,Lenon, G. (2015). Traditional Chinese manual acupuncture for management of obesity: A systematic review In: World Journal of Meta-Analysis, 3, 206 - 214

Tan, H.,Zhang, A.,Chen, D.,Xue, C.,Lenon, G. (2013). Chinese herbal medicine for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review In: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 69, 295 - 304

Tan, H.,Zhang, A.,Xue, C.,Chen, D.,Da Costa, C.,Lenon, G. (2013). Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal formula (RCM-106) for atopic dermatitis: Study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in children In: BMJ Open, 3, 1 - 9

Lenon, G.,Li, C.,Da Costa, C.,Thien, F.,SHEN, Y.,Xue, C. (2012). Lack of efficacy of a herbal preparation (RCM-102) for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial In: Asia Pacific Allergy, 2, 187 - 194

Lenon, G.,Li, K.,Chang, Y.,Yang, W.,Da Costa, C.,Li, C.,Cohen, M.,Mann, N.,Xue, C. (2012). Efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal medicine formula (RCM-104) in the management of simple obesity: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial In: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1 - 11.

Collaborators School of Science: Dr Andrew Hung; Ass. Prof Cliff Dacosta;

Professor Hasharn Gill Vietnam Keylab PRT: Ass. Prof. VuThi Thu Ha and Dr Tran Thi

Thanh Thuy Vietnam Military Medical University Hospital (VMMU): Ass.Prof.

Nguyen Linh Toan SHBS, Nursing: Dr Linda Jones

Grants and fellowships RMIT Emerging Research Grant 2006 AACMA research Grant 2007 Windermere research grant 2008 RMIT teaching and research awards, 2011 Australian National Citations Award for Outstanding

Contributions to Student Learning, 2012 Program Development Fund, 2014 GLBD Grant 2015

School of Health & Biomedical Sciences 2015/2016

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Marine fatty acids with anti-inflammatory

properties. Secondary metabolites from plants with

antimicrobial, antiviral and or anti-tumour activity.

Marine lipids with antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and or anti-tumour activity.

Marine bile salts with hepatoprotective properties.

Organic synthesis of marine bile sterols. Lipids with wound healing properties.

Theodore Macrides theo.macrides @rmit.edu.au

Current projects Marine fatty acids with anti-inflammatory

properties. Organic synthesis of marine bile sterols. Lipids with wound healing properties. The potential of the shark bile salt 5β-

scymnol as a cholesterol clearing agent in the formation of plaque in atherosclerosis.

The potential use of 5β–scymnol and its sulfate ester as a treatment for oily skin.

3D model of scymnol

5β-scymnol

Key References Hodges,L.D., Carter, F., Kalafatis, N.,Wright, P.F.A.,

and Macrides,T.A.(2016). Elucidation of the hepatoprotective moiety of 5β-scymnol that suppresses paracetamol toxicity in mice. Mol Cell Biochem, 417: 135-140

Glowacki, L.L., Hodges, L.D., Wynne, P.M., Kalafatis, N., Wright, P.F. A. and Macrides, T.A. (2011). Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase transformations of 5β-scymnol and identification of oxoscymnol products by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. Steroids, 76: 163-168.

Muthusamy,V., Hodges, L.D., Macrides, T.A.,Boyle, G.M. and Piva, T.J. (2011). Effect of novel marine nutraceuticals on IL-1α-mediated TNF-α release from UVB-irradiated human melanocyte-derived cells. Oxidative Medicine and Cell Longevity, ID728645, 11pp.

McPhee, S., Hodges, L.D., Wright, P.F.A., Wynne, P.M., Kalafatis, N. and Macrides, T.A. (2010). Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Mytilis edulis fatty acids on adjuvant-induced arthritis in male Wistar rats. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essent. Fatty Acids, 82: 97-103.

Harney, D.W.,and Macrides, T.A. (2008). Synthesis of an isomeric mixture (24RS, 25RS) of sodium scymnol sulfate. Steroids, 73: 424-429.

Singh, M., Hodges, L.D., Wright, P.F.A., Cheah, D.M.Y., Wynne, P.M., Kalafatis, N. and Macrides,T.A. (2008). The CO2-SFE crude lipid extract and the free fatty acid extract from Perna canaliculus have anti-inflammatory effects on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Comp. Biochem.Physiol. Part B, 149: 251-258

Treschow, A.P., Hodges, L.D., Wright, P.F.A., Wynne, P.M., Kalafatis, N. and Macrides, T.A. (2007). Novel anti-inflammatory ω-3 PUFAs from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part B, 147: 645-656.

• http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/theo-macrides • http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user

=_ • https://theconversation.com/profiles/

Collaborators Assoc. Prof Paul Wright, Nanosafety Research Group, RMIT. Dr Bryce Feltis , RMIT and Monash University. Dr Paul Wynne, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (Oceania) Pty Ltd.

Grants and fellowships Victorian State Govt Technology

Voucher program (TVP) Grants : Macrides, Wright and Maclab Aust. P/L (2015)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research My areas of interest for research are Mental Health and Addictions. In particular areas that focus on harm minimisation and management of behavioural emergencies such as violence, suicide and self-harming. The use of therapy (CBT and Motivaioanl Interviewitn) and interventions for metaboloic syndrome are a focus of my research group. I use mixed method designs and conduct research within a clinical setting.

Phil Maude Nursing Phil.maude@rmit.edu.au Associate Professor

Key References Maude, P & O’Brien, A. (2016). Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues. In, K. Evans D.

Nizette and T. O’Brien. Practical perspectives in psychiatric and mental health nursing 4th edition Melbourne: Elsevier.

Sharrock, J., Maude, P., Olasoji, M., & Wilson, L. (2016). Settings for Mental Health. In, K. Evans D. Nizette and T. O’Brien. Practical perspectives in psychiatric and mental health nursing 4th edition Melbourne: Elsevier.

Searby, A., Maude, P., & McGrath, I. (2015). The prevalence of co – occurring alcohol

and other drug use in an Australian older adult mental health service. Drug and Alcohol Review (under review)

Searby, A., Maude, P., & McGrath, I. (2015). Harm reduction in older adults who use alcohol and other drugs. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (under review)

Searby, A., Maude, P., & McGrath, I. (2015). Maturing out, natural recovery and dual diagnosis: What are the implications for older adult mental health services. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (accepted and in press)

Searby, A., Maude, P., & McGrath, I. (2015). An ageing methadone population: A challenge to aged person’s mental health services? Issues in Mental Health Nursing (accepted and in press)

Tinney, J., Dow, B., Purchase, R., Barrett, C., Whyte, C & Maude, P (2015). Mental health issues and discrimination amongst older LGBTI people. International Psycho-geriatrics 1 – 6 ISSN: 1041-6102

Maude, P. (2015). Development of an undergraduate dual diagnosis elective. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. 22(10) 42

Searby, A., Maude, P., & McGrath, I. (2015). Drugs, alcohol, older adults and mental health. Caring for the invisible addicts. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal 22(10), 41.

Searby, A., Maude, P & McGrath, I. (2015). Growing old with ice: A review of the potential consequences of methamphetamine abuse in older adults. Journal of Addictions Nursing. 26(2), 93 – 98 DOI: 10.1097/JNN.0000000000000076

Searby, A., Maude, P & McGrath, I. (2015). Dual Diagnosis in Older Adults: A Review. Issues in Mental Health Nursing. DOI: 10.3109/IMHN.01612840.2014.951135

Warland, J. & Maude, P. (2015). Critical appraisal of the literature. In S. Jirojwong ., M Johnson and A Welch (Eds.). Understanding Nursing Research: Methods for Evidence-Based Practice.(2nd edition) London: Oxford University Press.

Whitehead, D., & Maude, P. (2016). Searching and reviewing the research literature. In, C. Beanland, Z Schneider, G LoBionso-Wood & J. Haber. (Eds.). Nursing Research: Methods, Critical Appraisal and Utilisation. Sydney: Mosby.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-

staff/m/maude-associate-professor-phil

Collaborators I am an adjunct Professor with the University of

Tasmania Centre for Health Innovation, Hobart and have strong links with mental health clinical agencies such as Alfred Psychiatry and the Connext Ed Addictions program.

Grants and fellowships Maude, P., Olasoji, M & Chamberlain Salaun, J. (2017)

Exploring nursing student experiences with Occupational Violence. Vi Elliott Occupational Health Nurses Trust. $6,00

Dow, B., Barrat, C, Tinney, J & Maude, P. (July 2013-June 2015). Developing an evidence-based resource to improve service responses and practices targeting depression and anxiety among older people of minority sexual orientation in Victoria. Beyond Blue $214,708 over 30 months (collaborative Grant with the National Ageing Research Institute, The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society and RMIT University)

Cleary, S., Maude, P., Murphy, L., Partridge., F & Pisani, H. (2013) The Development of “Case Based” visual aids to support student engagement and learning in a revised Bachelor of Nursing Curriculum.. RMIT Project Development Fund $16,000

Sim, J., James, J., McDonald, M., Maude, P., Baverstock, K., Zhang, T., Mansu, S., Martin, J. Gordon, B., Sale, C., Ryan, T., Colsante, M. (2013) Embedding 3D simulation into curriculum: Developing, integrating and sharing web-based resources for simulated learning 2013 RMIT LTIF [$16,760]

Simm, J., James, J., McIntosh, M, Maude, P., Little, P., Bavistock, K., Zhang, T., Mansu, S., Nartin, J., Costello, S., Willimas, J., Sale, C., Bird, J & Ryan, T. (2012). Using 3D simulation environment to enhance student communication skills and interdisciplinary learning across multiple disciplines. RMIT 2012 Learning in Teaching Fund $60,000(collaborative Grant with Medical Imaging, Nursing & Midwifery, Chiropractic, Chinese Medicine, Pharamcy and Social Work)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research Investigation of natural products including herbal medicines and various Chinese medicine therapies for the management of chronic disorders. Methods include systematic reviews, meta-analyses of clinical data, text-mining of historical texts, systematic analysis of experimental studies and clinical studies. Disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), colorectal cancer, psoriasis, asthma, cigarette smoking, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

Dr Brian H May Discipline of Chinese Medicine Brian.may@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Herbal medicines and acupuncture for Alzheimer’s disease

and vascular dementia. Herbal medicines for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and

the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

Historical use of Chinese herbal medicines for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis.

Natural products, Chinese herbal medicines and acupuncture for colorectal cancer.

Key References May BH, Mei Feng M, Zhou IW, Chang SY, Lu SC, Zhang AL, Guo XF, Lu CJ, Xue

CCL. (2016) Memory impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in classical and contemporary traditional Chinese medicine. J Altern Complement Med., 1-11.

Chen M, May BH, Zhou IW, Sze DM, Xue CC, Zhang AL. (2016) Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy combined with traditional medicines for neutropenia in colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis of the contributions of specific plants. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. Sep;105:18-34.

Dong L, May B, Mei F, Hyde A, Tan HY, Guo XF, Zhang AL, Lu CJ, Xue CCL. (2016) Chinese herbal medicine for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive outcomes. Phytotherapy Research, Oct;30(10):1592-1604.

May BH, Deng SQ, Zhang AL, Lu CJ, Xue CCL. (2015) In silico database screening of potential targets and pathways of compounds contained in plants used for psoriasis vulgaris. Arch Dermatol Res. Sep;307(7):645-57.

Di YM, May B, Zhang AL, Zhou IW, Worsnop C, Xue CCL. (2014). A meta-analysis of ear-acupuncture, ear-acupressure and auriculotherapy for cigarette smoking cessation. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 142:14-23.

Deng SQ, May BH, Zhang AL, Lu CJ, Xue CCL. (2013) Plant extracts for the topical management of psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British J. of Dermatology, 169(4): 769-782.

Chen XK, May B, Di YM, Zhang AL, Lu CJ, Xue CCL, Lin L. (2014). Oral Chinese Herbal Medicine Combined with Pharmacotherapy for Stable COPD: a Systematic Review of Effect on BODE Index and Six Minute Walk test. PLOS One. Mar 12;9(3):e91830.

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/

http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_

OTHERS

May BH, Zhang AL, Robinson SR, Xue, CCL (2015). Chinese herbs

for cognitive decline: historical and contemporary applications. In Martin C & Preedy V eds Diet and Nutrition in Dementia and Cognitive Decline, Chapter 74, pp 805-818. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Chen MH, May BH, Zhou IW, Zhang AL, Xue CCL (2016) Integrative Medicine for Relief of Nausea and Vomiting in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Using Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Phytotherapy Research, 30(5):741-53.

Feng M, Lu JM, May BH, Liu SN, Guo XF, Zhang AL, Xue CC, Lu CJ. (2016) Chinese herbal medicine for patients with vascular cognitive impairment no dementia: protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open, 6(3):E010295

Shergis JL, Wu L, May BH, Zhang AL, Guo X, Lu C, Xue CC. (2015).

Natural products for chronic cough: Text mining the East Asian

historical literature for future therapeutics. Chron Respir Dis.

Aug;12(3):204-11.

Zhang CS, May B, Yan YH, Yu JJ, Danni Yao DN, Chang SY, Zhang

AL, Guo XF, Lu CJ, Xue CCL (2016) Terms referring to psoriasis

vulgaris in the classical Chinese medicine literature: a systematic

analysis. Complement Ther Med. 25:55-60.

May BH, Lu YB, Lu CJ, Zhang AL, Xue CCL (2014). The systematic

assessment of traditional evidence from the premodern Chinese

medicinal literature: a text-mining approach. J Altern

Complement Med. Dec;20(12):937-42.

INSERT

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Research interest in clinical psychology in the areas of mental health, mental health and health conditions, disordered eating, obesity, and disordered body image.

Dr Patricia Melzer Psychology. Trish.melzer@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Current Research Students: PhD: Richard Knight: Primary sup. Ethical considerations in collaborative care in severe and enduring

anorexia nervosa: an application of an ethical decision-making model Stephen Holthouse: Primary sup University and hospital based training clinics and their role in the

training of psychology interns. MPsych(Research) Terousha Mootin (Secondary sup) The Protective Role of Father Involvement, Family Functioning, Peer

and Teacher Relations on Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being Letian Wang (on leave): Primary sup. Emotion regulation in individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder

MPsych (Coursework) Ruth Lonie – Mindfulness Based Eating Awareness Training for

obesity – Australian pilot study Robert Potter – researching in the area of male body image Eloise Silburn – researching in the area of Parkinson’s disease

following deep brain intervention Tiffany Ho – researching in the area of food addiction Paige Landy – researching in the area of a restricted calorie diet on

the individual’s relationship with food Journal Articles: Centofanti, A.T., Smith, D. I., Altieri, T. (2005). Posttraumatic stress

disorder as a reaction to the experiences of psychosis and its sequelae. Clinical Psychologist, 9, 15-23.

Lo Nigro, J. & Altieri, T. (2010). Community support workers’ attitudes towards clients with borderline personality disorder. New Paradigm, Summer 2010/11, 55-59.

Dubois, J. Altieri, T., & Schembri, A. (2013). Thinking yourself fat: The perceived relationship between thoughts and body shape. Clinical Psychologist, doi:10.1111/cp.12015

Ross, A . & Melzer, T. (2015). Beliefs as barriers to healthy eating and physical activity. Australian Journal of Psychology doi: 10.1111/ajpy.12103

Ryan, M., & Melzer,T. (2015) Delusions in Schizophrenia: Where are we and where do we need to go? International Journal of School and Cognitive Psychology 1:115. doi: 10.4172/ijscp.1000115

Books: Nesci, J., Smith, D., & Altieri, T. (2009). Subgroups of Borderline Personality Disorder: Identification and clinical utility. Saarbrucken, Germany. VDM Verlag Dr. Muller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG. ISBN: 9783639220278 HDR Thesis Supervision: Cvetanovski, A. (2014) Mindful Embodiment: Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship Between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Mindfulness, and the Effectiveness of Two Pilot Interventions for Adult Men and Women. (Second Supervisor). (DPsych)

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/ • http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_

OTHERS

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Our research is focused on the signalling networks that regulate extracellular matrix proteoglycans in human health and disease. Small leucine rich proteoglycans are major structural and signalling components of the cell matrix microenvironment and via their interactions they regulate many critical cell functions including proliferation, adhesion, migration and response to inflammatory stimuli. We aim to understand the role of proteoglycans and their signalling mechanisms particularly in the context of vascular disease to enable the identification of new pharmaceutical targets for the prevention and treatment of disease.

Dr Narin Osman VC Senior Research Fellow Cell Biology and Anatomy narin.osman@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Tyrosine kinase signalling pathways and proteoglycans in

the prevention of the cardiovascular disease. Regulation of pancreatic β cell proliferation via by TGFβ-

mediated signalling pathways in diabetes. Using proteoglycans to enhance bioactive growth factors. The impact of GPCR signalling on vascular proteoglycans. Proteoglycans and age-related macular degeneration.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/narin-osman

https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=a2lIGugAAAAJ&hl=en

Key References Rostam MA, Kamato D, Piva TJ, Zheng W, Little PJ, Osman N. The role of

specific Smad linker region phosphorylation in TGF-β mediated expression of glycosaminoglycan synthesizing enzymes in vascular smooth muscle. Cell Signal. 2016 28(8):956-66.

Little PJ, Hollenberg MD, Kamato D, Thomas W, Chen J, Wang T, Zheng W,Osman N. Integrating the GPCR transactivation-dependent and biased signalling paradigms in the context of PAR-1 signalling. Br J Pharmacol. (2015) doi: 10.1111/bph.13398

Kamato D, Rostam MA, Bernard R, Piva TJ, Mantri N, Guidone D, Zheng W, Osman N, Little PJ. The expansion of GPCR transactivation-dependent signalling to include serine/threonine kinase receptors represents a new cell signalling frontier. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2015 72(4):799-808.

Collaborators Prof Peter J Little, Head, School of Pharmacy, The

University of Queensland. Prof Wenhua Zheng, University of Macau. Prof George Gittes, Chief, Division of Pediatric Surgery,

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Grants and fellowships RMIT Vice- Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellowship

(2015-2018). NHMRC Project Grant (2012-14). National Heart Foundation Grant (2011, 2010). Diabetes Australia Research Trust (2009, 2008)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Dr Tamara Paravicini Pharmaceutical Sciences Tamara.paravicini@rmit.edu.au

Current research Our research investigates the biological mechanisms that lead to cardiovascular disease and damage, with a view to identifying future therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A unifying research theme is examining the role of magnesium transport and signalling in maintaining cardiovascular health, and in various disease states.

TRPM7 is a unique protein that is both a magnesium-permeable kinase and an active signalling kinase. It also plays a critical role in cellular growth and proliferation. Part of our current research focuses on elucidating the role of magnesium transport and TRPM7 signalling in disease, and determining whether this may be a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease.

Current projects

Can inhibition of TRPM7 prevent the cardiac damagecaused by ischaemia-reperfusion injury?

Does magnesium deficiency lead to vasculardysfunction, altered vascular remodelling and adversefoetal outcomes during pregnancy?

Does dietary magnesium intake affect thedevelopment of diabetes and diabetic complications?

Key References Walton SL, Singh RR, Tan T, Paravicini TM*, Moritz KM*

(2016). Late gestational hypoxia and a postnatal high salt programs endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness in adult mouse offspring. J Physiol, 594:1451-63.

Schlegel RN, Moritz KM, Paravicini TM (2016). Maternal hypomagnesemia alters renal function but does not program changes in the cardiovascular physiology of adult offspring. J Dev Orig Health Dis, 7:453-80.

Schlegel RN, Cuffe JS, Moritz KM, Paravicini TM (2015). Maternal hypomagnesaemia causes placental abnormalities and fetal and postnatal mortality. Placenta, 36:750-8.

Paravicini TM, Chubanov V, Gudermann T (2012). TRPM7: A unique channel involved in magnesium homeostasis. Int J Biochem & Cell Biol 44:1381-84.

Collaborators Professor Owen Woodman, School of Medical

Sciences, RMIT University. Professor Karen Moritz, School of Biomedical Sciences,

The University of Queensland Professor Wally Thomas, School of Biomedical

Sciences, The University of Queensland

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/tamara-paravicini

https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=VWCv_FgAAAAJ&hl=en

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research My research focuses on different aspects of skin biology. In particular I have an interest in cell signalling pathways and how UV light activates these and the effect it has on enzyme activation within the cell. Also I have interest in (a) how growth factors stimulate melanoma cells to overcome inhibition of BRAFV600E, (b) signalling pathways in diabetes, (c) the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on enhancing the effect of X-rays on cancer cells.

Terry Piva Associate Professor Cell Biology & Anatomy terry.piva@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Understanding how growth factors help melanoma cells

overcome the inhibition of BRAFV600E Investigating the role of furin in skin cancer cell metastasis Investigating UV-induced cell signalling pathways Investigating signalling pathways in diabetes Investigating the role glutamine plays in cancer cell and

lymphocyte metabolism Effect of plant extracts on cancer cell function Investigating haemostatic parameters in women with

polycystic ovarian syndrome

Key References Burchall, G., Piva, T.J., Linden, M., Gibson-Helme, M.E., Ranasheena, S. &

Teede, H. (2016) Comprehensive Assessment of the Haemostatic System in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Sem. Thromb. Hemost. 42, 55-62.

O’Keefe, S.J., Feltis, B.N., Piva, T.J., Turney, T.W & Wright, P.F.A. (2016) ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV-filters are equally well tolerated by human immune cells. Nanotoxicology 10, 1287-1296

Rostam, M.A., Kamato, D. Piva, T.J., Zheng, W., Little, P.J. & Osman, N. (2016) The role of specific Smad linker region phosphorylation in TGF-β mediated expression of glycosaminoglycan synthesizing enzymes in vascular smooth muscle. Cell. Signal. 28, 956-966.

Muthusamy, V. & Piva, T.J. (2013) UVB-stimulated TNFα release from human melanocyte and melanoma cells is mediated by p38 MAPK. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 14, 17029-17054.

Ravi, R. & Piva, T.J. (2013) The role of furin the development of skin cancer. in “Highlights in Skin cancer”, (Vereecken, P., Ed.) pp271-299. Intech Publishers, Rijeka (Croatia).

Muthusamy, V. & Piva, T.J. (2010) The role of cell signaling pathways play in TNFα release from UV-irradiated human skin cells. Archives of Dermatological Research 210, 5-17.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/p/piva-

associate-professor-terry/ • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=s5qnJ90AAAAJ&hl=en

Collaborators Dr Glen Boyle, Queensland Institute of Medical

Research Dr Narin Osman, School of Health & Biomedical

Sciences, RMIT Assoc Prof Moshi Geso, School of Health & Biomedical

Sciences, RMIT Prof Helena Teede, Jean Hailes Foundation, Monash

University Dr Tien Huynh, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT

University Assoc Prof Elena Priogova, School of Engineering, RMIT

University Assoc Prof Paul Wright, School of Health & Biomedical

Sciences, RMIT

Grants and fellowships Advanced Manufacturing CRC Strategic Project.

Turney, Wright, & Piva 2013-14. Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Piva 2011-12. NHMRC Wright, Lopata, Turney & Piva, 2011-13. Advanced Manufacturing CRC Grant. Wright, Turney,

Piva & Lopata, 2010-14.

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research The brain is an incredible organ capable of changing its function when faced with injury or damage. My lab is interested in changes in the connections between the brain and the spinal cord after damage, such as stroke or spinal cord injury (SCI). I am especially interested in how these connections can be changed by exercise to help recovery of movement. We use specialised techniques to record the neural activity directly from individual neurons in the brain and spinal cord after a stroke or SCI. We examine neuron anatomy and communication in the brain and spinal cord and explore how this becomes reorganised after an injury and how we can use exercise to change neural outcomes and functional outcomes (movement and cognition) after a stroke or SCI.

Dr Michelle Rank Cell Biology and Anatomy michelle.rank@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Using mouse models of stroke and spinal cord injury: Examine the progression of changes in communication between

neurons in the brain and spinal cord Discover how changes in neuron anatomy affect neural

network properties after stroke or SCI

Demonstrate the effect of aerobic and resistance exercise training on recovery of movement and cognitive function (ie. memory, problem solving)

Assess anatomical and neural circuit damage in pathways between the brain and spinal cord in models of fetal growth restriction leading to cerebral palsy.

Links https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michelle_Rank

FIG 1: Fluorescent labelling of spinal cord neurons after a stroke.

FIG 2: Changes in neural signalling properties in spinal cord networks 7 days and 28 days after a stroke in the motor cortex.

Key References Rank MM et al. (2015) Functional changes in deep dorsal horn interneurons

following spinal cord injury are enhanced with different durations of exercise training. J Physiol 593: 331-345.

Rank MM et al. (2015) Electrophysiological characterization of spontaneous recovery in deep dorsal horn interneurons after incomplete spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 271:468-78.

Gutierrez H, Dolcet X, Tolcos M, Davies A. (2004) HGF regulates the development of cortical pyramidal dendrites. Development. 131(15):3717-26.

Siette J1, Reichelt AC, Westbrook RF. (2014) A bout of voluntary running enhances context conditioned fear, its extinction, and its reconsolidation. Learn Mem. 21(2):73-81.

Collaborators Dr Mary Tolcos (Senior VC Fellow, RMIT University) Dr Amy Reichelt (RMIT University) A/Prof Samantha Richardson (RMIT University) Dr Andrew Bivard (HMRI, NSW) Prof Robin Callister (University of Newcastle, NSW) Prof Robert Callister (University of Newcastle, NSW)

Grants and fellowships National Stroke Foundation

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences CurrentresearchMy research focuses on memory, reward, motivation andbehavioural control. I am particularly interested in how“junk food” diets impact on behaviour, and howneurobiological processes dictate how we react and learnaboutcertainevents.Rodentmodelsareusedtostudytheimpactofdieton thebrain.Toexaminecognitivecontrol Iuseavarietyofbehaviouralassays,includingappetitiveandaversive conditioning, spontaneous exploration, emotionalreactivity, social interaction and touchscreen visualdiscriminations. This provides a range of tasks capable ofinterrogating separate cognitive domains. To complementthesebehaviouraltasks Iutilise immunohistochemistryandrtPCR to determine neurobiological changes that underpinalterationsinbehaviour.

Dr AmyReicheltPsychologyAmy.Reichelt@rmit.edu.au

Currentprojectsv The impact of high fat and high sugar diets on memory v Adolescence as a period of vulnerability to the developmen t of

diet induced cognitive dysfunctionv Impact of diet induced obesity on learning about food

associated cues and responsesv Aerobic exercise as a method of cognitiveenhancement

KeyReferences1. Baker KD and Reichelt AC. (2016) Impaired fear extinction retention and

increased anxiety-like behaviours induced by limited daily access to a high-fat/high-sugardietinmalerats:Implicationsfordiet-inducedprefrontalcortexdysregulation.NeurobiologyofLearningandMemory

2. Labouesse MA ,… Reichelt AC, Langhans W, Chaves P and Meyer U. (2016)Hypervulnerabilityof theadolescentprefrontal cortex tonutritional stressviareelindeficiency.MolecularPsychiatry

3. Reichelt AC, (In press) Adolescent maturational transitions in the prefrontalcortexanddopaminesignallingasariskfactorforthedevelopmentofobesityandhighfat/highsugardietinducedcognitivedeficits.FrontiersinBehavioralNeuroscience

4. Reichelt AC, Morris, MJ. and Westbrook, RF. (2016) Sucrose supplementeddiets impairspatialpatternseparationmemoryinrats.LearningandMemory,23(7),386-390.

5. ReicheltAC,KillcrossS,HamblyLD,MorrisMJ,WestbrookRF.(2015).Impactofadolescent sucrose access on cognitive control, recognition memory, andparvalbuminimmunoreactivity.Learning&Memory22:215-224.

6. Reichelt AC, Maniam J, Westbrook RF, Morris MJ. (2015). Dietary-inducedobesity disrupts trace fear conditioning and decreases hippocampal reelinexpression.Brain,Behavior,andImmunity43:68-75.

Collaboratorsv Dr Mary Tolcos (RMIT)v Dr Michelle Rank (RMIT)v A/Prof Sarah Spencer (RMIT) v Professor Fred Westbrook (UNSW) v Professor Margaret Morris (UNSW)

GrantsandfellowshipsAustralian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Award - Does obesity alter psychological associations to food related cues, contexts and responses? 2014-2017

Links• http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/amy-reichelt• https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?

user=8AZIwqkAAAAJ &hl=en&authuser=1

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research We are interested in the evolution of the structure and function of a protein “transthyretin”. In vertebrates, transthyretin distributes thyroid hormones around the body and brain, whereas in bacteria it is an enzyme involved in uric acid oxidation. We are elucidating the mechanisms and selection pressures for its changing function in different host organisms. In humans, for unknown reasons, transthyretin can form amyloid. We are using wallabies to uncover a mechanism of transthyretin amyloid formation. We have mice that have been genetically modified such that they do not make transthyretin. We are investigating the changes in neural stem cell cycling and in other thyroid hormone regulated processes in the brains of these mice during development.

Samantha Richardson Associate Professor samantha.richardson@rmit.edu.au Associate Dean, higher Degrees by Research

Current projects Evolution of transthyretin structure and function Regulation of neural stem cell cycle by thyroid hormones Mechanisms of transthyretin amyloid formation Roles of thyroid hormone distributor proteins during development Use of marsupial models in biology

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/r/richardson-associate-

professor-samantha • http://scholar.google.com.au/scholar?hl=en&q=samantha+richardson&btnG=&as_sdt=1%

2C5&as_sdtp=

Key References Alshehri B, D’Souza DG, Lee JY, Petratos S and Richardson SJ (2015) The diversity of

mechanisms influenced by transthyretin in neurobiology: development, disease and endocrine disruptors. J Neuroendocrinol 27:303-323. Doi: 10.1111/jne.12271. Figure 4 on front cover.

Richardson SJ (2015) Tweaking the structure to radically change the function: the evolution of transthyretin from 5-hydroxyisourate hydrolase to triiodothyronine distributor to thyroxine distributor. Front Endocrinol. 5:245 doi: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00245

Van Herck SJ, Delbaere J, Bourgeois NMA, McAllan BM, Richardson SJ and Darras VM (2015) Expression of thyroid hormone transporters and deiodinases at the brain barriers in the embryonic chicken: insights into the regulation of thyroid hormone availability during neurodevelopment. Gen Comp Endocrinol 214:30-39. Figure 5 on front cover

Monk JA, Sims NA, Dziegielewska KM, Weiss RE, Ramsay RG and Richardson SJ (2013) Delayed development of specific thyroid hormone regulated events in transthyretin null mice. Am J Physiol 304:E23-31

Fini JB, Le Mével S, Palmier K, Darras V, Punzon I, Richardson SJ, Clerget-Froidevaux M-S and Demeneix BA (2012) Thyroid hormone signaling in the Xenopus laevis embryo is functional and susceptible to endocrine disruption. Endocrinology 153:5068-5081

Collaborators Barbara Demeneix, Museum National

d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris Steven Petratos, Monash University Katarzyna Dziegielewska and Norman

Saunders, University of Melbourne Kiyoshi Yamauchi, Shizuoka University,

Japan Veerle Darras, KU Leuven, Belgium Janine Danks, RMIT University Mary Tolcos, RMIT University

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Associate Professor Spencer's research focuses on metabolism, stress, inflammation and satiety signalling, including early life programming of the obese brain. The early life environment is fundamentally important in dictating the type of adult we become. In our laboratory we investigate how the early life environment influences our physiology to change the way our bodies process food, stress, and challenges to the immune system, and whether these changes are permanent or reversible.

Sarah Spencer Associate Professor Sarah.Spencer@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Perinatal programming of adult behavioural and

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to stress

The impact of obesity on behavioural and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to stress

The impact of obesity on immune function Perinatal programming of adult immune function Perinatal programming of hypothalamic systems

regulating metabolism The role of ghrelin in stress The role of ghrelin in female reproductive

function. The impact of stress on reproductive function The role of microglia in cognition The role of microglia in obesity-induced

cognitive dysfunction The effects of obesity on healthy ageing The role of microglia in healthy ageing The neuroprotective effects of ghrelin in

stroke Obesity and sleep fragmentation – effects on

depressive behaviours Cognitive dysfunction in COPD

Key References 2016 De Luca SN, Sominsky L, Spencer SJ. Delayed spatial win

shift on the radial arm maze. Bio-Protocols. Accepted Nov 2016.

Sominsky L, Ziko I, Nguyen TX, Andrews ZB, Spencer SJ. Early life disruption to the ghrelin system with over-eating is resolved in adulthood. Neuropharmacology. 23;113(Pt !):21-30 (2016).

Stark R, Santos VV, Geenen B, Cabral A, Dinan T, Bayliss JA, Lockie SH, Reichenbach A, Lemus MB, Perello M, Spencer SJ, Kozicz T, Andrews ZB. Des-acyl ghrelin and ghrelin O-acyltransferase regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and anxiety in response to acute restraint stress in male mice. Endocrinology. 157(10):3946-57 (2016).

Soch A, Bradburn S, Sominsky L, De Luca SN, Murgatroyd C, Spencer SJ. Effects of exercise on adolescent and adult hypothalamic and hippocampal neuroinflammation. Hippocampus. 26(11):1435-46 (2016).

De Luca SN, Ziko I, Sominsky L, Nguyen CD, Dinan T, Miller AA, Jenkins TA, Spencer SJ. Early life overfeeding impairs spatial memory performance by reducing microglial sensitivity to learning. J. Neuroinflammation. 13:112 (2016).

Sominsky L, Ziko I, Soch A, Smith JT, Spencer SJ. Neonatal overfeeding induces early decline of the ovarian reserve: implications for the role of leptin. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 431:24-35 (2016).

Ku JM, Taher M, Chin KY, Barsby T, Austin V, Wong CHY, Andrews ZB, Spencer SJ and Miller AA. Protective actions of des-acylated ghrelin on brain injury and blood-brain barrier disruption after stroke in mice. Clinical Science. 1;130(17):1545-58 (2016).

Cai G, Ziko I, Barwood JM, Soch A, Sominsky L, Molero J, Spencer SJ. Overfeeding during a critical postnatal period exacerbates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to immune challenge: a role for adrenal melanocortin 2 receptors. Scientific Reports. 12;6:21097 (2016).

2015 Lockie SH, Dinan T, Lawrence A, Spencer SJ, Andrews

ZB. Diet-induced obesity causes ghrelin resistance in reward processing tasks. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 62:114-20 (2015).

Cai G, Dinan T, Barwood JM, De Luca SN, Soch A, Ziko I, Chan SMH, Zheng XY, Li S, Molero J, Spencer SJ. Neonatal overfeeding attenuates acute central pro-inflammatory effects of short-term high fat diet. Frontiers in Neuroscience. Special Topic: Neuroinflammation and Behaviour. 8(446):1-13 (2015).

Ku J, Andrews ZB, Barsby T, Reichenbach A, Lemus M, Drummond GR, Sleeman MW, Spencer SJ, Sobey CG, Miller AA. Ghrelin-related peptides exert protective effects in the cerebral circulation of male mice through a non-classical ghrelin receptor(s). Endocrinology. 1(1):280-290 (2015).

Stokes L, Spencer SJ, Jenkins TA. Understanding the role of P2X7 in affective disorders – are glial cells the major players? Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. Special Topic: Minding Glial Cells in the Novel Understandings of Mental Illness. Invited review. 8(9):258 (2015).

Hale MW#, Spencer SJ#, Conti B, Jasoni CL, Kent S, Radler ME, Reyes RM, Sominsky L. Diet, behavior and immunity across the lifespan. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. Invited review. (58)46-62 (2015). #Co-authors contributed equally to this work.

Spencer SJ, Emmerzaal T, Kozicz T, Andrews ZB. Ghrelin’s role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to stress. Biological Psychiatry. Invited review. 78(1):19-27 (2015).

Collaborators RMIT: Steve Bozinovski (RMIT – neuroimmune activation) Trisha Jenkins (RMIT – cognitive function) Alyson Miller (RMIT – stroke) Luba Sominsky (RMIT – fertility) Ross Vlahos (RMIT – cognitive comorbidities of COPD) National: Zane Andrews (Monash University – ghrelin, stress) Jeremy Smith (University of Western Australia - reproduction) International: Ruth Barrientos (University of Colorado Boulder – ageing) Steven Bradburn (Manchester Metropolitan University – epigenetics,

human inflammation) Tamás Kozicz (Radboud University, The Netherlands – ghrelin, stress) Christopher Murgatroyd (Manchester Metropolitan University –

epigenetics, human inflammation) Leanne Stokes (University of East Anglia – in vitro microglial isolation)

Grants and fellowships NHMRC Career Development Fellowship II (2017-2020) NHMRC project grant – Andrews, Brown, Dixon, Horvath, Mazzone, Spencer, and

Zigman (2017-2021) Brain Foundation Research Gift – Spencer, Murgatroyd (2017) Enabling Capabilities Activity Support Scheme – Spencer, Gibson, Reineck,

Sominsky, Hutchinson (2016) Enabling Capabilities Activity Support Scheme – Pelliccia, Spencer, Crosbie,

Schmidt, Thomas, Peake (2016) Club Melbourne Inaugural Fellowship (2016)

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/ • http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_

OTHERS

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research To work towards an evidence-based immunotherapy

cancer clinical trial protocol using a combination of tumour-specific monoclonal CD8+ T cells high potency tumour-primed dendritic cells

To develop novel diagnostic laboratory tests and platforms for clinical detection of pre-cancerous cases with higher rate of cancer development

To explore the use of herbal medicines and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Qigong exercise in anti-cancer DC/NK-immunomodulatory therapy as well as targeting Cancer Stem Cells in various type of cancers

Development of Multi-dimensional Chemometric big-data analytic platforms to study complex Chemical-Bioactivity Relationship as drug discovery tools

Current projects Cancer Stem Cells & Immunomodulatory Drug

Discovery Qigong (Exercise) and Immunity Integrative Medicine Cancer Clinical trials Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) and Natural

Products for Cancer Management Chemometrics and Big Data Immunoinformatics

Key References 1. Sze et al, 2000 J Exp Med 192: 813-821.

2. Sze et al, Blood 98: 2817-2827.

3. Loh et al, 2008 Leukemia and Lymphoma 49(9): 1813-1816.

4. Sze & Chan, 2009 Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program: 313-319.

5. Tan et al, 2010 An International Journal 63(7):1074-1084.

6. Li et al, 2010 Blood 115: 3580-3588.

7. Skehon et al, 2016 PLOS ONE. 11 (1), e0146881.

8. Shu et al,2016 Immunology 148(4):363-76.

Dr. Daniel Man-yuen SZE Laboratory Medicine daniel.sze@rmit.edu.au

Grants and fellowships Multiple Myeloma Research Fellowship USA – US$40,000 (2002 –

2003) International Myeloma Foundation, USA. Senior Research Award

- US$80,000 (2005 – 2006) Cancer Institute NSW Career Development Fellowship, Australia –

AUS$197,600 (2005 – 2008) Cancer Council Research Grant, Australia – AUS$369,500 (2007-

2010) Australia-China Special Fund - Australia’s Department for

Education, Science and Training with China Kunming Science & Technology Research Fund – Aus$150,000 (2007 – 2009)

National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Australia – Aus429,000 (2008 – 2011)

China National Science Foundation - Aus$110,000. (2014-2016)

Links http://www1.rmit.edu.au/staff/daniel-sze https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=MKpLC40AAAAJ&hl=en

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research My group studies the neurodevelopmental consequences of early life events such as fetal growth restriction, fetal hypoxia/ischemia and fetal inflammation using small and large animal models. We specifically focus on understanding the impact of these early life events on critical aspects of brain development (neurogenesis, gliogenesis, myelination, axonal growth, connectivity) and how they lead to brain injury. By understanding the mechanisms involved in altered brain development and brain injury we aim to generate more targeted approaches to neuroprotection and improve long-term neurological outcomes for affected babies.

Dr Mary Tolcos Psychology mary.tolcos@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Fetal growth restriction as a risk factor for cerebral palsy:

investigating the brain-spinal cord connection. Early origins of multiple sclerosis: Impact of prenatal

hypoxia on developmental myelination and the capacity for myelin repair in adulthood.

High pre-pregnancy body weight as a risk factor for cerebral palsy: a maternal or paternal effect?

Effects of fetal growth restriction on cortical and cerebellar development.

Long-term effects of high dose caffeine treatment on the developing brain.

Exposure of the fetal brain to high dose caffeine: impact on synaptogenesis and cortical activity.

Using a novel thyroid hormone analogue for the treatment of brain injury in fetal growth restriction.

Role of microglia in developmental myelination.

Key References Tolcos M et al (2011) Intrauterine growth restriction affects the maturation

of myelin. Experimental Neurol, 232 (1): 53-65. Tolcos M et al (2015) Intrauterine growth restriction: effects on neural

precursor cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the fetal subventricular zone. Dev Neurosci, 37 (4-5): 453-63.

Atik et al (2014) Impact of daily high-dose caffeine exposure on developing white matter of the immature ovine brain. Pediatric Research, 76 (1): 54-63.

Links • https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=utvaR0gAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Collaborators Prof Stephen Robinson (RMIT) A/Prof Sarah Spencer (RMIT) A/Prof Samantha Richardson (RMIT) Dr Amy Reichelt (RMIT) Dr Michelle Rank (RMIT) A/Prof David Walker (Hudson Institute of Medical

Research) A/Prof Flora Wong (Monash Children’s Hospital) Prof Richard Harding (Monash) Dr Robert De Matteo (Monash)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research Associate Professor Ross Vlahos is Head of the Respiratory Research Group which aims to identify novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its comorbidities including skeletal muscle wasting, ischemic heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome, neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction. COPD is a major global health problem and is currently the 3rd largest cause of death in the world. Cigarette smoking is the major cause of COPD and accounts for more than 95% of cases in industrialized countries, but other environmental pollutants are important causes in developing countries. Importantly, much of the disease burden and health care utilisation in COPD is associated with the management of its comorbidities and infectious viral and bacterial acute exacerbations (AECOPD). By gaining an understanding of the the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms that drive COPD, its comorbidities and AECOPD, we aim to develop effective treatments to prevent or improve quality of life for patients with this devastating disease.

Ross Vlahos Associate Professor Pharmaceutical Sciences ross.vlahos@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Targeting oxidant-dependent pathways to improve stroke

outcomes in COPD Therapeutic strategies to prevent skeletal muscle wasting in

COPD Novel therapies to improve cardiac function in patients with

COPD Neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction in COPD Targeting endosomal NOX2 oxidase in viral disease Metabolic syndrome and COPD

Key references Emerging therapies for the treatment of skeletal muscle wasting in COPD.

Passey et al Pharmacol Ther. 2016 Oct;166:56-70. COPD and stroke: are systemic inflammation and oxidative stress the missing

links? Austin et al Clin Sci (Lond). 2016 Jul 1;130(13):1039-50. Targeting oxidant-dependent mechanisms for the treatment of COPD and its

comorbidities. Bernardo et al Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Nov;155:60-79. Alteration of Airway Reactivity and Reduction of Ryanodine Receptor

Expression by Cigarette Smoke in Mice. Donovan et al Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2015 Oct;53(4):471-8.

Suppressing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for influenza A virus therapy. Vlahos et al TIPS. 2012 Jan;33(1):3-8.

Inhibition of Nox2 oxidase activity ameliorates influenza A virus-induced lung inflammation. Vlahos et al PLoS Pathog. 2011 Feb 3;7(2):e1001271.

Neutralizing GM-CSF inhibits cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation. Vlahos et al Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Jul 1;182(1):34-40.

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/ross-vlahos

https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=-FOEY6AAAAAJ&hl=en

Collaborators A/Prof Steven Bozinovski, RMIT University Dr Stavros Selemidis, Monash University Dr Alyson Miller, Institute of Cardiovascular and

Medical Sciences, Glasgow British Heart Foundation Excellence Centre

A/Prof Peter Crack, The University of Melbourne Prof Louis Irving & Dr Daniel Steinfort, Department of

Respiratory Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital Dr Justin Hamilton, Australian Centre for Blood

Diseases, Monash University A/Prof Sarah Spencer, RMIT University Prof Jiming Ye, RMIT University

Grants and fellowships 7 NHMRC Australia Project Grants since 2007 (4 as

Chief Investigator A) NHMRC Australia Development Grant (2014) Numerous commercial contracts with major national

and international pharmaceutical companies

Numerous competitive project grants from foundations, hospitals and Universities

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Paul Wright is Australia’s foremost expert in nanosafety and nanotoxicology. He led RMIT’s large contribution in the Australian Consortium for OECD Working Party on Enginereed Nanomaterials (WPMN) nanosafety testing program. He is nanosafety advisor to the Australian Nanotechnology Network (ANN), and has directly advised several Australian and state government authorities and committees on nanosafety issues. He works with industry partners to implement a “safety-by-design” approach to nanoproduct development.

Paul Wright Associate Professor Pharmaceutical Sciences paul.wright@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Nanosafety – Founding Co-ordinator of Asia Nano Safe and

Nanosafe Australia research networks. Nanotoxicology of engineered nanomaterials. Translational nanoresearch – enabling effective

technology-transfer to industry partners. Immunotoxicology from workplace and environmental

exposure to chemicals and particles. In vitro toxicity testing using human and animal primary

cells and immortalised cell lines. Natural products research – as Principal Toxicologist of

RMIT’s Natural Products Research Group.

Key References O’Keefe SJ, et al. (2016) ZnO nanoparticles and organic chemical UV filters

are equally well tolerated by human immune cells. Nanotoxicology, 10(9):1287-1296.

Wright PFA (2016) Potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology: perceptions of risk in sunscreens. Medical Journal of Australia, 204(10): 369-370.

Luo M, et al. (2014) Reducing ZnO nanoparticle cytotoxicity by surface modification. Nanoscale, 6(11):5791-98.

James SA, Feltis BN, et al. (2013) Quantification of ZnO nanoparticle uptake, distribution and dissolution within individual human macrophages. ACS Nano, 7:10621-35.

Feltis BN, et al. (2012) Independent cytotoxic and inflammatory responses to ZnO nanoparticles in human monocytes and macrophages. Nanotoxicology, 6:762-70.

Links • http://www1.rmit.edu.au/staff/paul-wright • https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=bRtYdTAAAAAJ • http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/academic-schools/health-and-

biomedical-sciences/research/research-areas/medical-sciences/nanosafe-australia

Collaborators Prof. Terry W. Turney, Monash University. Dr Bryce Feltis, RMIT & Monash University. Assoc. Prof. Theo Macrides, Natural Products Research

Group, RMIT. Prof. Cuie Wen, Engineering Biomaterials, RMIT.

Grants and fellowships Joint industry and Australian and Victorian state

government grants in nanosafety/nanotoxicology research and natural product development.

Fellow (since 2006), International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).

Chair of Asia Nano Forum (ANF) Working Group on Nanosafety and Risk Management.

Elected Director (2001–4) on Executive Committee of International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX).

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research Dr Yang conducts systematic reviews and randomised clinical trials to investigate the clinical effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture for chronic conditions and ageing population such as respiratory and allergic diseases. Particularly, she examines the clinical applications and mechanisms of actions of ancient Chinese medicinal formulae by reviewing classic literature and employing the network pharmacology approach.

Dr Angela Yang Chinese Medicine angela.yang@rmit.edu.au

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/angela-yang

Current projects Chinese herbal medicine for allergic rhinitis Chinese herbal medicine for asthma Chinese herbal medicine for obesity Chinese herbal medicine for frailty Clinical applications and mechanism of actions of classical

Chinese herbal formulas: literature reviews and computational analyses (eg. Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, Ban Xia Hou Po Tang and Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan)

Self-administered acupressure for allergic rhinitis: literature reviews and randomised controlled trials

Key References Li, K., Yang, A. W. H., et al. (2015). Traditional Chinese manual acupuncture

for management of obesity: A systematic review. World Journal of Meta-Analysis, 3(5), 206-214.

Zhang, C. S., Yang, A. W. H., et al. (2013). Sham control methods used in ear-acupuncture/ear-acupressure randomized controlled trials: A systematic review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(3), 147-161.

Gu, S., Yang, A. W. H., et al. (2013). Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD008642. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008642.pub2.

Xue, C., Zhang, C. S., Yang, A. W. H., et al. (2011). Semi-self-administered ear acupressure for persistent allergic rhinitis: A randomised sham-controlled trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 106(2), 168-170.

Yang, A. W. H., et al. (2009). Assessing quality of case series studies: Development and validation of an instrument by Herbal Medicine CAM Researchers. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(5), 513-522.

Collaborators School of Science, RMIT University School of Media and Communication, RMIT University Deakin University, Epworth Hospital Beijing Hospital, Minister of Health, China Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China

Grants and fellowships Scheme for Teaching & Learning Research (STeLR)

grants, RMIT University (project leader) Carer grant for attending EMCR Forum in Sydney –

Science Pathways 2016: Future Leaders by Early- and Mid-Career Research Forum, Australian Academy of Science

Global Learning by Design grants, RMIT University (project leader)

ECR International Travel Award, RMIT University

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research Our current research addresses two fundamental questions in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and fatty liver disease. These two closely related metabolic diseases have become major health problems worldwide largely due to the modernisation of our lifestyle. First, we investigate the pathways and their interactions underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases due to changes in dietary ingredients. The second goal of our research is to translate the new concepts from the above research for the drug discovery for diabetes, fatty liver disease and related complications. Prof Jiming Ye is also visiting professor of the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Sun Yat-sen University.

Professor Jiming Ye Pharmaceutical Sciences Jiming.ye@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Effects of dietary fat, fructose and cholesterol on hepatic

insulin resistance and T2D Effects of dietary fat, fructose and cholesterol on non-

alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Role of ER stress and autophagy in de novo lipogenesis in

relation of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance Effects of dietary ingredients on mitochondrial function

and dynamics Mechanism-guided drug discovery and repurposing

Key References 1. Zeng XY, Zhou X, Xu J, Chan SMH, Xue CL, Molero JC & Ye JM. Screening for

the efficacy on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells is an effective tool for the identification of new anti-diabetic compounds. Biochem Pharmacol 84: 830–837, 2012

2. Chan SMH, Sun RQ, Zeng XY, Choong ZH, Wang H, Watt MJ & Ye JM. Activation of PPARα ameliorates hepatic insulin resistance and steatosis in high fructose-fed mice despite increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Diabetes 62:2095–2105, 2013.

3. Wang H, Sun RQ, Zeng XY, Zhou X, Li SP, Jo E, Molero JC & Ye JM. Restoration of autophagy alleviates hepatic ER stress and impaired insulin signalling transduction in high fructose-fed male mice. Endocrinology 156:169-181, 2015

4. Zeng YX, Wang H, Bai F, Zhou X, Li SP, Ren LP, Sun RQ, Xue CLL, Jiang HL, Hu LH & Ye JM. Identification of matrine as a promising novel drug for hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance with HSP72 as a target: a comparison with metformin. Bri J Pharmacol 172:4303-4318,2015

5. Turner N, Zeng XY, Osborne B, Rogers S & Ye JM. Repurposing drugs to target the diabetes epidemic. Trends Pharmacol Sci 37:379-89,2016.

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/

http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=_

OTHERS

Collaborators A/Prof Terence Herbert (RMIT University) Prof David James, University of Sydney Prof Aimin Xu, Hong Kong University A/Prof Nigel Turner, University of New South Wales Prof Yang Ye, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Prof Jun Xu, Sun Yat-sen University

Grants and fellowships NHMC Program Grant (Australia)

NHMRC Project grants (Australia)

ARC grant (Australia)

International Linkage Program Grants (Australia)

Diabetes Australian Program Grant

Senior Expert Grant (China)

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research My primary area of research is pharmaceutics, the sceince of dosage form design, with a particular interest in hydrogel formulations and release kinetics related to the physicochemical properties (especially rheology) of the formulation. I have a background in in vitro bioadhesion modelling and release studies currently applied to ocular protein delivery and novel formulations to increase the pharangeal residence of locally acting drugs. In parallel, novel strategies for education are being expanded into formal research projects, with a particular interest in mechanisms of feedback and approaches to flexible delivery.

Simon Young Associate Professor DISCIPLINE of PHARMACY simon.young@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Retinal delivery of a therapeutic peptide (somatostatin)

from gel structures and nanoparticulate systems Bioadhesive hydrogels for treatment of the pharynx. Laboratory-workshop centred curriculum design: a new

paradigm.

Key References Smart, J. D., Dunkley, S., Tsibouklis, J., & Young, S. (2015). An

evaluation of the adhesion of sol- id oral dosage form coatings to the oesophagus. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 496(2), 299-303

Rai, U., Thrimawithana, T. R., Valery, C., & Young, S. A. (2015). Therapeutic uses of somatostatin and its analogues: Current view and potential applications. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 152, 98-110.

Young SA, Thrimawithana TR, Antia U, Fredatovich JD, Na Y, Neale PT, et al. (2013) Pharmaceut- ical quality of "party pills" raises additional safety concerns in the use of illicit recreational drugs. N Z Med J;126(1376):61-70.

Serisier, D. J., Carroll, M. P., Shute, J. K., & Young, S. A. (2009).

Macrorheology of cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease & normal sputum. Respiratory Research, 10(63).

Links

http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/y/young-associate-professor-simon https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Simon_Young5

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'''''''' ' ' '

' '

+? ( +? * +? / +? 0+? 3+? 2+? 4+? . +? 1+? ( ++?

10. The staff put a lot of time into commenting on my work.

Figure 1:!Pooled course experience surey (CES)

data for RMIT Uniersity, Semester 1,

2011 showing oerall student satisfaction

of 52"% for feedback received (n"= 22548).

The difference between expectation and

reasonable delivery is particularly challenging

where the student cohort is large or where

the cohort is especially discerning, as is the

case for the professions including the

BPharm degree.

Whilst a number of semi-automated systems

have been advanced in an attempt to

mitigate this diffic

u

lty, these hae generally

been of limited scope and therefore of

limited impact.

A further profound diffic

u

lty is encountered

when reviewing the reproducibility of marking

of student work. Typically, marks awarded

by different assessors may vary by up to

20"% (two grade points) and by the same

assessor by up to ±5"%. Marking is

evidenced to be highly subjective and

profoundly influ

e

nced by context; the

conerse of reasonable expectation (2,3).

iFeedback is a new generic tool conceied

and developed to rapidly grade works and to

provide detailed general and individual

feedback by email. The program is based

upon the concept that the assessment of a

work is comprised of (any number of)

weighted components that are graded by

the reviewer resulting in an overall mark and

grade. Concurrently, the reiewer has the

opportunity to add or exclude personal

feedback. iFeedback proides security

measures to mitigate risks of the

“accidental” release of incomplete or

withheld gradings; which are an effici ency

saving to the assessor with a stepwise

highlighting of areas requiring attention.

iFeedback workflo

w

The design of the iFeedback workflo

w

is

designed to follow best practice in

assessment. Authenticity of the user is fir

s

t

confir

m

ed (fully automated) the personalised

product is locked to the indiidual.

Figure 2:#iFeedback registration is fast and securely

integrated with Uniersity systems.

Students are then loaded (drawn from

learning management system) and the

elements of assessment and marking rubric

are defin

e

d. The process takes just minutes.

Figure 3:#Defini ng the assessment.

The work of indiiduals is then assessed with

options to provide individual and global

feedback, withhold grading, impose

penalties and to review previously released

gradings (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Completing an assessment showing

feedback preiew.

Early resultsUsing test elements of iFeedback, in the fir

s

t

iteration of deliery, a BPharm specific

course in semester 1, 2011 achieed >30"%

increased satisfaction oer Uniersity-wide

scores.

In semester 2, 2011, a ! -test version of

iFeedback was released; and the following

testimonial received: “iFeedback was an

intuitive, secure tool for recording, reporting

and providing rapid quantitative and

qualitative feedback to students against a

set rubric with!different components.

Student were provided with feedback from

the rubric on!how they performed against

each criterion, with the option of additional

individual or group comments. Students

were able to see where they were awarded

marks, and where they failed to achieve the

highest mark within the assignment.”

References# 1. # Denson N, Loeday T, Dalton H. Student

evaluation of courses: What predicts

satisfaction? HIG H EDUC RES DEV

2010;29(4):339-56.

# 2. #Bloxham S. Marking and moderation in the UK:

False assumptions and wasted resources.

ASSESS EVAL HIG H EDU 2009;34(2):209-20.

# 3. #Bettany-Saltiko J, Kilinc S, Stow K. Bones,

boys, bombs and booze: An exploratory study

of the reliability of marking dissertations across

disciplines. ASSESS EVAL HIG H EDU

2009;34(6):621-39.

Pharmacy @ RMITthink scientifically, act professionally

Using iFeedback increases measures of pharmacy student satisfactionSimon A. Young* and Katherine Baerstock

Discipline of Pharmacy, RMIT Uniersity PO Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.

# *# Corresponding author.

# # Associate Professor Simon Young

! ! " simon.young@rmit.edu.au

! # " +61 3 9925 7309

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Current research My research investigates the pathological roles of particular genes in the development of systemic inflammation, obesity-related insulin resistance and diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from molecular, cellular levels to animal models and human; and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can intervene in these diseases. Funded by the Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART) 2016 and China-Australia International Research Centre.

Dr Mary Zhang DISCIPLINE: Chinese Medicine Mary.zhang@rmit.edu.au

Current projects Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-

Derived New Therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Diabetes

The role of nNOSβ in insulin sensitivity after contraction/exercise

Key References • Levinger I, Lin X, Zhang X, et al. (2016) The effects of muscle contraction and

recombinant osteocalcin on insulin sensitivity ex vivo. Osteoporos Int. 27(2):653-63 • Gurzov ES, Tran M, Fernandez-Rojo MA, Merry TL, Zhang X, Xu Y, Fukushima

A,Waters MJ, Watt M, Andrikopoulos S, Neel BG,Tiganis T (2014) Hepatic oxidative stress promotes insulin-STAT-5 signaling and obesity by inactivating PTPN2. Cell Metabolism 1;20 (1):85-102

• Loh K, Fukushima A, Zhang X, Galic S, Briggs D, Enriori PJ, Simonds S, Wiede F, Reichenbach A, Hauser C, Sims NA, Bence KK, Zhang S, Zhang ZY, Kahn BB, Neel BG, Andrews ZB, Cowley MA, and Tiganis T. (2011) Elevated hypothalamic TCPTP in obesity contributes to cellular leptin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 14 (5): p684-699.

• Zhang X, Xu A, Chung SK, Justin HB Cresser, Gary Sweeney, Rachel Wong, A Lin, Lam KS (2011). Selective Inactivation of c-Jun NH2 Terminal Kinase in Adipose Tissue Protects Against Diet-induced-obesity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Both Liver and Skeletal Muscle in Mice. Diabetes , 60 (2): p486-495 (IF: 8.9)

• Zhang X, Lam KS, Ye H, Chung SK, Zhou M, Wang Y, Xu A. (2010) Adipose tissue-specific inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1{alpha} induces obesity and glucose intolerance by impeding energy expenditure in mice. J Biol Chem. 285(43):p32869-77.

• Zhang X, Yeung DC, Karpisek M, Stejskal D, Zhou ZG, Liu F, Wong RL, Chow WS, Tso AW, Lam KS and Xu A (2008). Serum FGF21 levels are increased in obesity and are independently associated with the metabolic syndrome in humans. Diabetes, 57 (5): p1246-53.

Links • http://www.rmit.edu.au/staff/ • http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=6_kJgSEAAAAJ&hl=en • OTHERS

Collaborators Professor Paul Huang, Mass General Hospital (MGH) in

Harvard Medical School, USA Professor Glenn McConell, Victoria University Professor Tony Tiganis, Monash University A/Prof Sof Andrikopoulos, The University of Melbourne

Grants and fellowships Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART) grant in

2016. Central Research Grant Scheme (CRGS) in 2015 The Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science

(AIMSS) grant in 2014 Biomedical & Lifestyle Diseases (BioLED) in Australia in

2013

School of Health and Biomedical Sciences Current research • Do you feel pain the same way as your siblings? Maybe not!

Similarly, we respond to pain therapies differently. How do you know this is the right therapy for you? My team has been developed methods to examine the key factors that contribute to varied responses to pain and pain therapies. We use those methods to study the optimal acupuncture treatment protocols for personalised pain management.

• Translating evidence into practice is a science of its own. My team is developing ways to how best implement acupuncture and integrate it into the mainstream health system to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting and post-operative pain. This will be the world first acupuncture implementation project.

Dr Zhen Zheng Chinese Medicine Zhen.zheng@rmit.edu.au

Links http://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/z/zheng-dr-zhen

Current projects Pain adaptability and its relevance to pain therapies: We

identified two groups of individuals; those who experience pain reduction when given strong pain stimulation (pain adaptive); and those whose pain is maintained high (pain non-adaptive). We found the two groups responded to acupuncture differently (Diagram on the left). We are furthering research into this area.

Implementing acupressure for peri-operative care: This is a collaborative project with the Northern Hospital. We develop strategies and a model to integrate acupressure to into the routine peri-operative care.

Patient empowerment in choosing acupressure for post-operative nausea and vomiting: This is embedded in the implementation project.

A national survey of doctors’ and nurses’ attitudes to and perception of acupuncture for peri-operative care

Key References Wong Lit Wan D, Wang Y, Xue CC, Wang LP, Liang FR, Zheng Z. (2015) Local

and distant acupuncture points stimulation for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review on the comparative effects. Eur J Pain 19(9):1232-47.

Wang, Y., Xue, C. C., Helme, R., Da Costa, C., & Zheng, Z. (2015). Acupuncture for frequent migraine: a randomized, patient/assessor blinded, controlled trial with one-year follow-up. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015, 920353. doi: 10.1155/2015/920353

Zheng Z, et al (2014) Adaptability to pain is associated with potency of local pain inhibition, but not conditioned pain modulation: A healthy human study. Pain 155(5):968-76

Deare, J. C., Zheng, Z., et al (2013) Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; (5):CD007070

Zheng Z, et al (2013) Chaos to Hope: A Narrative of Healing. Pain Med 14(12):1826-38.

Collaborators

Northern Hospital National Ageing Research Institute, University of

Melbourne, Victoria Caulfield Hospital Royal Melbourne Hospital Center for Sensory- Motor Interaction, Aalborg

University, Denmark Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese

Medicine, Nanjing, China

Grants and fellowships NHMRC TRIP Fellow (Translating Research into Practice)