Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 About us

At the Menzies Research Institute In 2000, the Tasmanian Government Our Research our aspiration is to contribute named Menzies a “Tasmanian Menzies’ researchers are currently significantly to improving human Icon” in recognition of our scientific working on over 100 projects that health and wellbeing. achievements, status and place in focus on preventing or curing a range the Tasmanian community. Menzies is renowned locally, nationally of diseases, including heart disease, and internationally for its research We underwent significant governance cancer, dementia, multiple sclerosis, excellence that utilises the competitive and structural changes in 2004, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, arthritis, advantages Tasmania has to offer. including a name change to the osteoporosis and mental health. Menzies Research Institute and the We are finding answers to local The research program at Menzies appointment of an independent Board. health problems that have global is organised around themes of significance. A significant ongoing growth research excellence: strategy was implemented in • Biostatistics; Tasmania is an ideal environment 2006 which saw Menzies undergo with many competitive advantages • Cancer; a dynamic transformation. We for medical research to thrive, • Cardiovascular Disease; became Tasmania’s premier medical including our small island research facility. Menzies’ research • Diabetes and Metabolism; geography, stable population, programs were expanded to focus • Genetics; extensive genealogical records on both clinical and basic science and a community that participates • Immunology; to ensure that the depth and quality willingly as study participants. • International Health; of our research was enhanced and strengthened. • Musculoskeletal; Our History • Neuroscience; The Menzies Centre for Population Today • Population Health Health Research was founded in We have continued to attract new and Epidemiology; 1988 by the Sir Robert Menzies high-quality researchers to Tasmania Memorial Foundation, with support • Primary Health Care; and with a diverse range of skills which from the Tasmanian Government and • Respiratory. has enabled us to establish new links the University of Tasmania (UTAS), within the national and international to focus on population research into Our research discoveries include: research community. diseases common in Tasmania and • Highlighting the importance of the rest of the world. Complementing this ongoing vitamin D in the development of strategy for growth is a $58 million bones in children and adults; Menzies was designated a World investment towards Stage One of a Health Organization (WHO) • Evidence of the link between new Menzies building, with state of Collaborating Centre in 1990, early life sun-exposure and the art laboratories, to be developed for research and training of non- susceptibility to multiple sclerosis; on a shared site with the School of communicable diseases in the • Discovering the link between Medicine, UTAS. The new building is western Pacific region, which babies’ sleeping position and due for completion in late 2009. includes south-east Asia. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); We quickly gained a reputation for our Today, Menzies has • Discovering genes that influence ground-breaking work into the link developed excellent the development of disease; and between babies’ sleeping position and relationships with the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). • Showing the link between infant Tasmanian community, bedding and childhood asthma. From this work, our research the Tasmanian and expanded to encompass Our Future Australian governments, other diseases of importance Our plan for the future is to expand to the Tasmanian population. local community groups, our research to cover more disease Epidemiological research programs external funding bodies and areas; to attract the best senior developed in the areas of multiple philanthropic organisations. researchers, postdoctoral research sclerosis, childhood asthma, fellows and research students to genetic epidemiology, cancer, We have also built strong Tasmania; and to increase our musculoskeletal disorders and collaborative links with other medical collaborative links throughout cardiovascular disease. researchers throughout the world. Australia and internationally. Contents

Chairman’s Report 2

Director’s Report 4

Management 6

Research 7

Grants 42

Publications 44

Education and Training 49

Administration Team 53

Volunteers 56

Donations 57

Financial Statements 61

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Contents 1 Chairman’s Report: Dr Dan Norton

The Menzies Research Institute has optimistic that we will continue to undergone considerable change and grow and build high quality medical development during the past twelve research at Menzies. months, resulting in significant growth and progress towards achieving our Underpinning our strategy is a series aspirations and core goals. of activities that the Board and Senior Management Team continue This significant growth and to monitor to ensure we stay on track progress included: and achieve our goals. Dr Dan Norton • Total income grew by 74 per cent The point we have now reached has from $6.9 million in 2006 to been the result of great co-operative to lead the organisation through this $12.1 million in 2007; effort involving a number of key important time of growth and the • Research income grew by 58 Menzies’ stakeholders including, development of critical mass, which per cent from $5.1 million in 2006 the University of Tasmania, the Royal has resulted in one central medical to $8.1 million in 2007; Hobart Hospital, the Department research institute for Tasmania. • Competitive grant income grew of Health and Human Services and by 73 per cent from $3.1 million in numerous organisations directly Our work is not possible without the 2006 to $5.4 million in 2007; supporting our research, such as The continuous support and generosity of the whole community. Menzies • Menzies researchers were awarded Cancer Council Tasmania, the Royal has been very fortunate in receiving 19 grants ($14 million) from the Hobart Hospital Research Foundation, support from hundreds of individuals, National Health and Medical the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the community groups, businesses, Research Council (NHMRC) and National Heart Foundation. philanthropic and other funding Australian Research Council for bodies, in providing valuable funds to funding to commence in 2008. Congratulations to all the enable us to carry out vital research. This was a success rate of 36 highly skilled researchers Our volunteers deserve a special per cent for NHMRC project and their staff for their mention for the time and effort they grants, well above the national outstanding efforts this give to Menzies. average of 28 per cent; year. There have been • Menzies attracted the first several significant grant On behalf of all our staff at Menzies, NHMRC Program Grant to be and research successes I would like to thank you all for your awarded in Tasmania; in 2007. tremendous support. Your support • The number of research does not go unnoticed and every publications increased by 149 I would like to take this opportunity contribution you make has a vital per cent from 55 in 2006 to 137 to personally thank my fellow impact to our organisation and our in 2007; Board directors for their guidance research endeavours. It is also an and expertise; they have been expression of your confidence in our • Staff numbers increased by 43 instrumental in the success of our efficiency to pursue our vision and per cent from 112 in 2006 to 160 research endeavours. we thank you. in 2007; and • The number of PhD and masters I must also make special mention We have come a long way in recent students increased by 247 per cent of the Management Team for the years. I look forward to further from 15 in 2006 to 52 in 2007. outstanding results they achieved successes in 2008, as we travel along this year. this pathway of research discovery. With our excellent researchers, and the strategies and governance Professor Simon Foote, Director of Dr Dan Norton arrangements in place, we are Menzies has been tireless in his efforts Chairman

2 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Chairman’s Report The Board The Board is the governing body of the Menzies Research Institute.

Board Directors: Dr Dan Norton (Chairman)

Dr David Boadle

Professor Simon Foote

Sir Guy Green AC KBE

Mr Damon Thomas

Professor Jonathan West

Professor Judith Whitworth AC

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Chairman’s Report 3 Director’s Report: Professor Simon Foote

A year of rapid change Research Council (NHMRC) and and growth Australian Research Council for The last twelve months has been a funding to commence in 2008, dramatic and exciting time for the including one program grant. This Menzies Research Institute. Our was a success rate of 38 per cent for NHMRC project grants, well above vision of significant growth and the national average of 28 per cent. expansion is becoming a reality. The program grant was considered The new strategy enabled us to build Professor Simon Foote significant, as it was the first program the critical mass required to compete grant awarded to Tasmania, and at a national and international category). The prizes are awarded valued at over $8 million. This is level and resulted in a central and on the basis of excellent research a multidisciplinary grant between significant institute in Tasmania, achievement over the previous genetics, bioinformatics, ethics focusing on medical research. 12 months, indicated by journal and law, and clinicians; yet again articles published or accepted It significantly increased our number demonstrating the potential for publication; grants awarded; of researchers and programs and outcomes for Menzies. conference presentations; and fostered a new level of collaboration Menzies’ researchers were honours and awards. between research groups. also competitive in NHMRC’s The recipients of the 2007 awards fellowship programs, with six of Through these initiatives were Dr Roger Chung for the our researchers being awarded for growth, Menzies has postdoctoral fellow prize and fellowships commencing in 2008. Stella Foley for the postgraduate grown to be competitive On a total dollars-to-be-received student prize. with some of Australia’s basis, Menzies ranked fifth of the best medical research 36 independent medical research institutes. institutes in Australia; and only seven A Bright Future universities obtained more funding Menzies has a clear vision for the The new direction of Menzies offered than Menzies. future. Further growth and expansion an attractive environment for the of our infrastructure and services will recruitment of world-class medical Many of our projects are significant enable us to continue to significantly researchers to Tasmania. Financial national studies, carried out in contribute to improving human health support from the University of collaboration with interstate and and well being. Tasmania allowed us to recruit several international researchers. While the internationally renowned researchers majority of our research is Australian- Menzies’ recent growth who will commence in 2008. based, our international efforts focus will continue into 2008 on the western Pacific and south- and beyond. With these changes, Menzies further east Asian regions. In Vietnam, we increased in size during 2007 to 229 are leading a significant study that Complimenting the expansion of staff and students; and we aim to aims to introduce a sustainable non- the Menzies Research Institute increase to the optimum size of 500 communicable disease surveillance will be the new $58 million people around 2013. system for all of Vietnam. building, with state of the art laboratories on a shared site with This year our researchers were In 2007, Menzies introduced the Tasmanian School of Medicine. awarded 19 grants ($14 million) from postdoctoral fellow and postgraduate The new building is scheduled to be the National Health and Medical student prizes (one for each completed by late 2009.

4 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Director’s Report Acknowledgments We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of the Tasmanian community, who are the backbone of our organisation. On behalf of Menzies, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to our supporters, including study participants, volunteers and those who provide financial support. Every contribution made to Menzies has a vital impact on our organisation and thus human health and well-being.

I would like to also thank all our staff for their hardwork, dedication, innovation and intellectual rigour. Our people are our strength and we are proud of their achievements.

The Menzies Board has continued to provide excellent strategic direction, and I would like to sincerely thank them for their continued support and guidance, in what has been yet another significant year.

Finally, I would like to thank the University of Tasmania, the Menzies Foundation, the Tasmanian Government and the many philanthropic organisations for their significant financial support.

We are looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that next year will bring, as we continue to grow and build upon our research endeavours.

Professor Simon Foote Director

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Director’s Report 5 Management

The Menzies’ Board is responsible • Associate Professor Alison Venn for the overall corporate governance (Deputy Director) of the Menzies Research Institute. • Professor Graeme Jones It is accountable for the vision, (Senior Member) strategy and general oversight of • Professor Haydn Walters overall performance at Menzies. The (Senior Member) Director is empowered to manage the operations of Menzies in conformity • Associate Professor Meng Inn with agreed plans, policies and Chuah (Senior Member) procedures, and is accountable to the • Professor James Vickers Board for operational performance. (Deputy Director) General Manager, Mark Bennett The role of the Senior Management • Dr Roger Chung (Member) technology, human, financial and Team is to advise the Director on • Mark Bennett (General Manager) physical resource management. issues arising during the course of the Development activities promote operation of Menzies. Menzies’ research themes are consistent with our objectives and Menzies’ research and facilitate Current members of the build on Menzies’ foundation in the development of beneficial Management Team are: population health research. relationships with government, industry and the community. • Professor Simon Foote (Director) Supporting the research programs Honorary researchers, scientific • Professor Michael Clark is the Administration Team, including advisers and volunteers also (Senior Member) research management, information provide invaluable support.

Organisational Structure

Board

Director (CEO)

Senior Deputy Deputy General Management Director Director Manager Team

Administration Team Animal Services Information Technology Research Management Development Finance Human Resources Secretarial/Reception General Administrative Research Duties

Research Themes

6 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Management Research

Senior Members Members Honorary Members

Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard Dr Roger Chung Professor Michael Ashby

Associate Professor Meng Inn Chuah Dr Tracey Dickson Dr Melanie Bahlo

Professor Michael Clark Dr Changhai Ding Associate Professor Peter Dargaville

Professor Simon Foote Dr Adele Holloway Dr Shyamali Dharmage

Professor Graeme Jones Associate Professor David Johns Dr Matthew Jose

Professor Mark Nelson Dr Michelle Keske Professor Ray Lowenthal

Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby Dr Stephen Richards Dr Katherine Marsden

Associate Professor Stephen Rattigan Dr Kristy Sanderson Dr David Reid

Associate Professor Bruce Taylor Dr Ingrid van der Mei Professor Andrew Robinson

Associate Professor Alison Venn Dr Tania Winzenberg Professor David Small

Professor James Vickers Associate Professor Greg Woods Professor Terry Speed

Professor Haydn Walters Dr Jane Zochling Professor Jeff Summers

Associate Professor Adrian West Associate Professor Paul Turner

Dr Chris Ward

Dr Michael Wiese

Associate Professor Richard Wood-Baker

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 7 Research

Biostatistics and International Health Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard 9 Cancer and Immunology Dr Adele Holloway 13 Cancer and Immunology Associate Professor Greg Woods 14 Diabetes Professor Michael Clark, Associate Professor Stephen Rattigan, 16 Dr Stephen Richards and Dr Michelle Keske Genetics and International Health Professor Simon Foote 18 Neuroscience and Multiple Sclerosis Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Associate Professor 21 Bruce Taylor and Dr Ingrid van der Mei Neuroscience Associate Professor Meng Inn Chuah, Associate Professor 24 Adrian West and Dr Roger Chung Neuroscience Professor James Vickers and Dr Tracey Dickson 26 Musculoskeletal Professor Graeme Jones and Dr Changhai Ding 28 Musculoskeletal Dr Jane Zochling 30 Musculoskeletal and Primary Health Care Dr Tania Winzenberg 31 Population Health, Cancer, and Cardiovascular Disease Associate Professor Alison Venn 32 Population Health Dr Kristy Sanderson 34 Primary Health Care Professor Mark Nelson 36 Respiratory Professor Haydn Walters 38 Respiratory Associate Professor David Johns 39

8 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Biostatistics and International Health

RESEARCH – Mark Bennett, Project Management Bob Uren, Volunteer Senior Member: Catrina Boon, Survey Consultant Marylyn Uren, Volunteer Associate Professor Dr Do Khang Chien, Project Officer – Dr Velandai Srikanth, Leigh Blizzard Clinical Services (Hanoi) Chief Investigator THEME AREA: Le Thanh Hai, Project Assistant (Hanoi) A/Prof Alison Venn, Senior Member Biostatistics and Costan Magnussen, Survey Consultant The TASCOG Study: International Health Petr Otahal, Statistical Consultant Georgie Boon, RESEARCH TEAM: Dr Seana Paul, Stroke Surveillance Administration Assistant Dr Jahar Bhowmik, Biostatistician Dr Phung Ngoc Hai, Project Manager Kate Butorac, Project Coordinator/ Petr Otahal, Statistical Officer Dr Tran Hoang Mai, Retinal Photography Honorary Associate Dr Devindri Perera, Biostatistician/ Michele Callisaya, Masters Genetic Statistician Dr Tran Quoc Bao, Project Officer – Candidate/Gait Assessments Surveillance System (Hanoi) Dr Stephen Quinn, Biostatistician Stella Foley, Falls Risk/ Dr Jim Stankovich, Biostatistician/ Dr Tran Thanh Huong, Gait Assessments Project Officer (Hanoi) Genetic Statistician Keryl Houlgrave, Dr Russell Thomson, Biostatistician/ Dr Tran Thanh Thu, Participant Communications Genetic Statistician Project Assistant (Hanoi) Gloria Lawson, Research Officer Dr Velandai Srikanth, Cigarette Type and Stroke Surveillance Pam McDonald, Lung Function Study: Administrative Assistant A/Prof Alison Venn, Michael Austin, Lung Scan Technician Costan Magnussen, Research Officer Cancer Registration A/Prof David Johns, Member Kara Martin, PhD Candidate Principal Collaborator: Clare Munro, Study Coordinator Clare Munro, Study Coordinator Dr Velandai Srikanth, Damon Richardson, Charlotte McKercher, Psychologist Laboratory Technician Honorary Member Sally Merritt, Ultrasound Radiographer Prof Haydn Walters, Senior Member The CDOT Study: Emma Rouse, Psychologist A/Prof Richard Wood-Baker, Wendy Davidson, Volunteer – Shalee Richardson, Study Coordinator Honorary Member Clinics and Administration Jan Stacey, Psychologist Cystic Fibrosis Mortality Glenna Harvey, Project Coordinator/ in Australia: Retinal Photography Marie Steele, Volunteer Ceri Flowers, Project Officer Keryl Houlgrave, Participant Liaison Marylyn Uren, Volunteer Dr David Reid, Honorary Member Pam McDonald, Dr Velandai Srikanth, Chief Investigator Administrative Assistant Dace Shugg, Honorary Project Adviser Gloria Lawson, Research Officer EXTERNAL Jockey Falls and Charlotte McKercher, COLLABORATORS: Performance Attributes: Research Officer Kees Albers, Radboud University, Nijmegen A/Prof Leigh Blizzard, Costan Magnussen, Research Officer Chief Investigator Dr Melanie Bahlo, Sally Merritt, Ultrasonographer Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Peta Hitchens, PhD Candidate Jan Stacey, Psychologist A/Prof Paul Baird, Vietnam and WHO Projects: Dr Sue Pearson, Research Fellow University of Melbourne Tim Albion, IT Consultant Zoe Perry, Psychologist Dr Henrik Bengtsson, Dr Au Bich Thuy, PhD Candidate Marie Steele, Volunteer University of California, Berkeley

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 9 Biostatistics for the population attributable Prof Sam Berkovic, fraction, calculated from relative University of Melbourne The biostatistics team aims to provide high quality support to risk estimation models. The team Dr Christine Chen, was successful in winning a project University of Melbourne researchers at the Menzies Research Institute by providing: grant from the National Health and Dr Lesley Day, Monash University Medical Research Council that Accident Research Centre • Advice on study design, sample provides funding for future work Prof David Hosmer, size, and statistical methods; during 2008–10 to develop methods University of Massachusetts • Training in the use of statistical of assessing the goodness-of-fit of A/Prof Patcharee Lertrit, methodology; relative risk estimation models. Mahidol University • Advice and assistance with Dr Justin Rubio, Howard Florey data management; Genetic Statistics Institute, University of Melbourne Statistical analysis is an important • Advice and assistance with Jeremy Silver, component of projects to identify and data analysis; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute characterise susceptibility genes for a Dr Timothy Thornton, • Assistance with analysis and number of diseases. Those projects University of California, Berkeley interpretation of data; and include studies at the Menzies Prof David Reutens, • Contributions to report writing Research Institute of haematological Monash University and the preparation of cancer, prostate cancer, renal disease, multiple sclerosis and Dr Thanh Phan, Monash University manuscripts for publication. epilepsy. They also include studies at Dr Amanda Wood, The team was disappointed to lose other institutions of myopia, Leber’s Monash University Dr Jahar Bhowmik, who returned Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and A/Prof Amanda Thrift, to Melbourne for pressing family Action Myoclonus Renal Failure. Baker Heart Research Institute reasons, but was delighted to The genetic statisticians are also Dr Josephine Forbes, welcome local statistician Mr Petr collaborating in a very large national Baker Heart Research Institute Otahal to its ranks. Petr will be study to search for multiple sclerosis A/Prof Gerald Muench, responsible for providing statistical susceptibility genes. University of Western Sydney assistance to the Tasmanian A notable methodological A/Prof Stephen Robinson, Cancer Registry and to Menzies Monash University Research Institute researchers, development was the publication of principally members of the Childhood a new method to analyse genotype Dr Robyn Tapp, Monash University Determinants of Adult Disease data collected from very large A/Prof Sudha Seshadri, (CDAH) study team. families, and work continued on a Boston University second such method. Prof Matthew Brown, A further published contribution University of Queensland in statistical methodology for Members of the team also organised relative risk estimation was made and presented at a course in genetic FUNDING BODIES: during 2007. The relative risk is a statistics held in Bangkok, Thailand. The Atlantic Philanthropies Inc measure of the effect of exposure Australia-Thailand Institute to a disease-causing agent. It is Cigarette Type and Lung Function Study Australian Cystic Fibrosis used to compare the proportion Research Trust of exposed subjects who get the The premise for monitoring and disease with the proportion of Betfair Australia regulating tar yields as part of non-exposed subjects who get the Australia’s comprehensive tobacco Department of Foreign Affairs disease. Our contribution was to control strategy was that cigarettes and Trade propose and demonstrate a new with lower tar delivery would be National Health and Medical method of estimating relative risk less hazardous. The study seeks Research Council: when the outcome has more than to determine whether there are The Australian Medical two attributes, such as infection differences in lung function between Bioinformatics Resource status (never infected, previously people who smoke low-yield Tasmanian Thoroughbred but not currently infected, currently cigarettes, and those who smoke Racing Council infected). Work is underway on a cigarettes that have higher yields. TOTE Tasmania Pty Ltd novel method of determining ninety- To shed light on the causal pathways five per cent confidence intervals involved, the lungs of participants are

10 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research scanned to determine whether the pattern of deposition of smoke-like particles differs between smokers of lower-yield and higher-yield cigarettes.

Progress has been slower than anticipated due to the limitations on access to the scanning equipment, which is in full use for medical diagnostic purposes, but testing has now been completed and analyses have commenced on the data that was collected.

Cystic Fibrosis Mortality in Australia This project is examining trends in mortality from cystic fibrosis in Australia using data supplied by the Australian Institute of Health and Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard and Dr Stephen Quinn work together in the area of biostatistics Welfare and lung transplant units of hospitals in Melbourne and Sydney. Of research interest, is whether The data will be used to study the of non-communicable disease modern treatments have increased potentially modifiable factors that are (NCD) in Vietnam. The focus of survival from birth, and whether associated with falls and injuries. initial action is on heart disease the outcomes differ for males and and stroke, diabetes mellitus and females. Activities during 2007 were Vietnam and WHO Projects cancer. Primarily what is sought confined to the time-consuming tasks is a nationally coordinated system Survey of Risk Factors for of seeking ethics approvals and to for assembling information on the Cardiovascular Diseases and obtaining and cleaning the data. incidence/prevalence of those Diabetes in Can Tho chronic diseases and their modifiable Jockey Falls and Analysis continued of the results risk factors, enabling these to be Performance Attributes of this survey, that was conducted tracked over time in response to in collaboration with the Can Tho national strategies to prevent and During 2007, in the first phase University of Medicine and Pharmacy. manage NCD. The project has two of this project, a comprehensive Interim results were presented further arms of healthy lifestyle database of race day falls by jockeys at a meeting with Dr Nguyen Do intervention and monitoring clinical in Australia has been compiled. It Nguyen and members of his staff outcomes of NCD management. covers race meetings conducted by at the School of Public Health of Principal Racing Authorities (PRA) To initiate the project, Dr Phung the University of Ho Chi Minh City from each state and territory of Ngoc Hai (Project Manager) was in November. Informal comparisons Australia during the period from 1 relocated to Hanoi for a year until were made with the results of a August 2002 to 31 July 2006. The June 2007. During that time an office survey of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) reports of stipendiary stewards for the project was established in conducted by Dr Nguyen using the from those meetings were collated, the Department of Therapy in Hanoi same methodology. A decision was information on falls was extracted and Dr Tran Thanh Huong, a local made at that meeting to pool the data from them, and this information Hanoian, was appointed to manage from the Can Tho and HCMC surveys was linked to race field information it. Project officers for the surveillance to enable formal analyses of urban- supplied by Racing Information and clinical services arms of the rural differences. Services Australia (RISA) with 1:1 project have been recruited, together matching on race date, race course, with two administrative assistants. race number, jockey name and horse Integrated surveillance system Further appointments will be made name. The database contains data for non-communicable diseases in 2008. A strategic plan has on 3,360 jockey falls resulting in 861 in Vietnam been developed, sentinel sites for injuries from 748,367 rides in 75,434 The aim of this project is to develop surveillance of NCD and risk factors races and 10,373 race meetings. a sustainable system for surveillance have been selected, and a team of

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 11 commencing in January 2008, the first participants will attend study clinics.

The Tasmanian Study of Cognition and Gait (TASCOG) Study This is a study of cerebrovascular mechanisms underlying gait, balance and cognition in a population-based sample of Tasmanian people aged at least 60 years. The primary aim is to measure brain structural changes identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to examine in detail the effect of their volume and location on key aspects of brain function (gait, balance and cognition). A further aim of the study is to discover factors that can be modified or treated in order to prevent dementia and falls, and thus contribute in a significant way to improving the health of consultants from Menzies travelled to The Cognition and Type 2 older Australians. Hanoi and HCMC in November 2007 Diabetes in Older Tasmanians to commence training. (CDOT) Study Recruitment of the 400 study participants is now complete. Diabetes mellitus is considered by MRI scans have been segmented WHO Fellowship Training Program some to be a form of accelerated for cerebral white matter hyper In August 2007, Menzies provided ageing affecting several organ intensities (WMH) in 390 people. a four-week program of training in systems including the brain. There Our analyses indicate that WMH and population survey methodology, is good evidence supporting its atrophy are correlated with several and in health promotion through association with an increased risk of gait and balance variables, and tobacco control and physical cognitive impairment and dementia. these data have been presented activity interventions, to World However, the mechanisms of at the International Meeting of the Health Organisation Fellows from cognitive decline in diabetes remain Vascular Cognitive and Behavioural Iraq, Malaysia, Mongolia and the poorly understood and present an Society and at several national Philippines. The senior project important area for investigation. scientific meetings. A manuscript officer from the NCD office in Hanoi, reporting the findings is under and two key collaborators from The primary aim is to study review. We have also published the Ministry of Health in Vietnam, mechanisms of cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus, two manuscripts, one showing attended the population survey that gender modifies the effect of component of the program. postulating an important role for cerebrovascular disease, ageing on gait in older people, and neurodegeneration and advanced the other being a statistical paper WHO Short-term Consultancy, glycation end products (AGEs). explaining procedures that can be Brunei Darussalum used to deal with outlier data in our In September 2007, A/Prof Leigh This project commenced in 2007. sample. Several other analyses are in Blizzard undertook a short-term Field staff members were recruited, progress, with two PhD students and consultancy to the Government ethics approval was obtained, study a research master’s student involved of Brunei Darussalum on behalf protocols were fully developed with those investigations. The team of the World Health Organisation. and field-tested, and a standard was successful in winning a project The purpose of the consultancy recruitment strategy was devised grant from the National Health and was to develop a plan for national with the assistance of the National Medical Research Council in the 2007 surveillance of risk factors for Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS). round of funding to follow-up this non-communicable disease in Recruitment of the expected 300 cohort of participants over the next that country. participants commenced and, four years.

12 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Cancer and Immunology

RESEARCH – Member: Dr Adele Holloway

THEME AREA: Cancer and Immunology

RESEARCH TEAM: Phillippa Oakford, PhD Student Owen Sprod, PhD Student William Upcher, Honours Student

EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS: Prof Frances Shannon, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University Dr Sudha Rao, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University

FUNDING BODIES: Dr Adele Holloway leads a team in the area of cancer and immunology David Collins Leukaemia Foundation ETO binds to the GM-CSF gene encoding cytokine genes controls Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation it changes the environment of the their ability to be switched on in gene so that it is silenced. However, response to immune signals. we have found that treating the RUNX1/ETO containing cells with The DNA environment of a gene Deregulation of Gene pharmacological agents called can be changed by the presence of Expression by RUNX1 Fusion histone deacetylase inhibitors can different epigenetic marks or ‘tags’. Proteins in Leukaemia reverse these changes, allowing We have identified a number of The RUNX1 (or Acute Myeloid the GM-CSF gene to be switched epigenetic ‘tags’ that mark the GM- Leukaemia 1) protein is altered in a back on. CSF cytokine gene in a particular significant proportion of leukaemias. way only in cells in which it can be This project aims to investigate how an Switching Genes on in Immune switched on. We have found that altered RUNX1 protein, called RUNX1/ Cells: How does Basal GM-CSF becomes overproduced ETO, functions within cells in order to Chromatin Structure Predict if we increase the amount of these understand how it contributes to the Cytokine Gene Responses? ‘tags’ associated with the gene. development of leukaemia. Cells within the immune system Furthermore, by adding these tags RUNX1 regulates the expression are activated to fight infection by to the gene in other cell types we are of a factor called GM-CSF, which producing a host of signalling able to switch the gene on in cells is important for normal blood cell molecules called cytokines. Immune where it is not normally produced. growth. GM-CSF is expressed in diseases arise when these genes We are now in a position to normal myeloid cells, but not in cells are not switched on at the correct determine whether the inappropriate containing the leukaemia-associated time and place. This project aims expression of GM-CSF in immune RUNX1/ETO protein. We have found to determine how particular marks diseases is associated with changes that this is because when RUNX1/ or ‘tags’ associated with the DNA in these ‘tags’.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 13 Cancer and Immunology

and function of the skin immune RESEARCH – Member: LOCAL COLLABORATORS: system as well as increasing the Associate Professor Greg Woods Prof H Konrad Muller, Head – susceptibility to sunlight induced School of Medicine, UTAS skin cancer. THEME AREA: Dr Silvana Bettiol, Cancer and Immunology Lecturer in Mircrobiology, The outcomes to date indicate School of Medicine, UTAS that males and females respond to RESEARCH TEAM: different extents to vitamin D. When Ms Vicki Carroll, Technical Officer EXTERNAL analysing the function of the skin Mrs Jill Chuckowree, COLLABORATOR: immune system it was found that Technical Officer Prof Mary Norval, University vitamin D controls the regulation Mr Mark Cozens, Technical Officer of Edinburgh of the skin immune system more Mrs Narelle Phillips, FUNDING BODIES: effectively in males than in females. Technical Officer Vitamin D protected against sunlight National Health and Medical induced DNA damage, and this Miss Shannon Ray, Research Council Technical Officer was more effective in females than The Cancer Council Tasmania Mr Nicholas Casey, PhD Student in males. The role of vitamin D may The David Collins Leukaemia explain why females are more prone Mr Alexandre Kreiss, PhD Student Foundation to autoimmune disease but less Dr Roslyn Malley; PhD Student Paul Mackay Bolton Scholarship prone to skin cancer than their Miss Heather McGee, PhD Student for Cancer Research male counterparts. Mrs Deborah Scott, PhD Student Eric Guiler Foundation Analysis of a Lentivirus- Delivered shRNA to Prevent Long Term Effects of UV-B As excess sunlight can contribute Leukaemic Cell Growth Irradiation on the Developing to the development of skin cancer Skin Immune System we assessed how the skin immune Carefully designed short-hairpin system and skin cancer development RNAs (shRNAs) have the potential Exposure to sunlight, which includes was influenced by vitamin D. To to inactivate specific cancer causing ultraviolet radiation, during early do this we analysed the effects of genes. This project is aimed at childhood has been linked to the vitamin D deficiency throughout life producing shRNAs to target a range development of skin cancer later to determine if vitamin D deficiency of leukaemic genes, which will in life. We believe that ultraviolet in mice impairs the development cause the leukaemic cells to either radiation alters development of the immune system, leading to immunosuppression in adult life. This project aims to analyse the immediate and long term effects of ultraviolet radiation on the immune system of neonatal mice, with the aim of scientifically demonstrating a link between neonatal exposure to ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer development.

The Skin Immune System in Cutaneous Carcinogenesis Vitamin D is produced in the skin in response to exposure to sunlight.

14 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Associate Professor Greg Woods and his team work in the area of cancer and immunology differentiate, or to die. Either way the to evaluate this we analysed the showed high reactions, supporting cells will no longer be cancer cells. immune response of the Tasmanian the evidence for increased genetic devil against DFTD. diversity in the western population. A number of lentiviral vectors to deliver the shRNAs have been tested We determined that the Tasmanian Evaluation of Natural and some of these have induced a Devil has a competent immune Products on the Immune significant knock-down of the target response and that the transmission Response and Other Related gene and may prove to be useful in between devils is most likely due Health Parameters targeted leukaemic cells. to a lack of genetic diversity. West Nature has provided many natural coast devils have a much greater products that have the potential The Immune Responses of the diversity than the diseased east to promote our health. In this Tasmanian Devil and the Devil coast and we immunised two project we are evaluating products Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) Tasmanian Devils with irradiated from the marine environment with DFTD tumour cells. One of The Tasmanian devil is currently an emphasis on boosting our these devils responded to the under threat from a devastating immune system. disease known as Devil Facial immunisation and when challenged Tumour Disease (DFTD). A with live tumour cells, resisted Volunteers had their diet remarkable feature of this disease is the disease. Hence it might be supplemented with a “natural that it is directly transferred between possible to protect some devils seafood” capsule. Analysis of the devils. There has been no evidence by vaccinating. Mixed lymphocyte data indicated that our natural for resistance against DFTD in the reactions among eastern and supplement only had a minor effect wild population and the species has western devils were performed, on the immune system, but did been upgraded to endangered under and some experiments (especially appear to have a beneficial effect the threatened species list. In order between West vs East devils) on cold sores.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 15 Diabetes

RESEARCH – Philippe St Pierre, PhD Student Dr Bente Kiens, August Krogh Senior Members: Carol Bussey, PhD Student/ Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark Professor Michael Clark and Research Officer Prof Gene Barrett, University of Associate Professor Steve Rattigan Geoffrey Appleby, Research Assistant Virginia, USA Members: Dr Stephen Richards Dino Premilovac, PhD Student Dr Etto Eringa, Vrije Universiteit and Dr Michelle Keske University Medical Center, Andrew Herbert, Honours Student Amsterdam, The Netherlands Emma Eaton, Honours Student/ THEME AREA: Prof Coen Stehouwer, Research Assistant Diabetes University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands RESEARCH TEAM: EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS: Dr John Newman, FUNDING BODIES: Dr Glenn McConell, Department Junior Research Fellow National Institutes of Health, USA of Physiology, University of Dr Renee Dwyer, Honorary Associate Melbourne, Australia National Health and Medical Research Council Eloise Bradley, Research Assistant/ Prof Mark Febbraio, Baker Medical Masters Student Institute, Australia National Heart Foundation Kathleen Downey, PhD Student Prof Erik Richter, August Krogh Amanda Genders, PhD Student Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark

Nutrient and Hormone Delivery to Muscle: Interactions Between Insulin and Exercise The overall goal of the proposed studies is to define the mechanisms responsible for contraction and insulin-induced capillary recruitment in muscle.

The hypothesis is that similar mechanisms operate, with both insulin and muscle contractions acting via Nitric Oxide-dependent mechanisms. Because of capillary reserve, and different initial steps of the signalling systems stimulated by insulin and exercise, contraction will further stimulate capillary recruitment to insulin at both sub- maximal and perhaps at maximal insulin pathway stimulation.

Our research established that delivery of insulin was critical for its metabolic action in muscle. We also showed that the character of Dr Michelle Keske, Associate Professor Steve Rattigan and Dr Stephen Richards conduct the microvascular changes in blood research in the area of diabetes and metabolism flow is essentially similar between

16 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research insulin and contraction. We made a number of observations concerning the involvement of endothelin-1 in redirecting flow in muscle under normal insulin action and inhibiting insulin action and contraction at pathologically high concentrations.

In addition, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound measurement of muscle capillary recruitment in vivo, we showed that AICAR (an activator of AMPK and proposed signalling kinase in exercise) stimulates capillary recruitment and may thus simulate exercise (muscle contraction) in this respect.

Central and Peripheral Actions of Insulin for the Control of Muscle Capillary Recruitment Professor Michael Clark and Dr Michelle Keske discuss their research findings The overall goal of the proposed studies is to explore the hypothesis that insulin controls microvascular administered; and (iii) Locally applied Treatment of HAEC with insulin perfusion of muscle by a central NOS inhibitor in the epigastric increased phosphorylation (Tyr612) neural mechanism ending at terminal artery of the test leg blocked of IRS1, the association of the p85 arterioles on the vasculature and systemic insulin-mediated capillary subunit of PI3-kinase with IRS1, endeavour to identify the details recruitment. Together these findings the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473) of this control. In-house novel are suggesting both a central and and eNOS (Ser1177) and nitric techniques will be used for examining peripheral NO-dependent component oxide (NO) release compared with both the role of central control of systemically administered insulin- vehicle. Contrary to our hypothesis, mechanisms involving the brain mediated capillary recruitment. as well as peripheral mechanisms however, co-treatment with IL-6 by local infusion of various agents blunted these responses and also Novel Therapeutic likely to enhance or block insulin’s reduced phosphorylation of AMPK Interventions to Increase microvascular action. (Thr172) compared with vehicle. Blood Flow to Skeletal Muscle Consistent with the effects observed We have demonstrated that: (i) The general aim of this project was in endothelial cells, infusion of Centrally administered insulin failed to examine whether the cytokine IL-6 IL-6 blunted the insulin mediated to show any increase in muscle could be used to enhance nutritive increase in capillary recruitment. capillary recruitment, glucose blood flow in skeletal muscle and In contrast with these effects, IL-6 uptake, limb blood flow or capillary to examine the signalling pathways increased Akt phosphorylation recruitment, until the amount underpinning these effects. administered began to spill-over (Ser473) in hind limb skeletal into the systemic blood and raise To examine the signalling pathways, muscle and enhanced whole body plasma insulin concentrations; (ii) we studied the effect of IL-6 on glucose disappearance and hind Central administration (i.e. ICV) AMPK, insulin signalling and limb glucose uptake during the of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) nitric oxide release in human euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. inhibitor, L-NMMA, had no effect on aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). blood pressure or heart rate, but To determine the physiological These results demonstrate that blocked systemic insulin-mediated significance of the endothelial IL-6 plays opposing roles on insulin capillary recruitment and femoral signalling events, control and stimulated blood flow and glucose blood flow. D-NMMA, the inactive euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps metabolism and highlights the form of NOS inhibitor, had no effect were performed in anesthetized rats complex role of this cytokine in the when an identical dose was centrally with and without the infusion of IL-6. aetiology of whole body metabolism.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 17 Genetics and International Health

RESEARCH – Dr Briony Patterson, Research Fellow Dr James McKay, Research Fellow, International Agency for Research Senior Member: Dr Stephen Quinn, Research Fellow on Cancer, France Professor Simon Foote Dr Liesel FitzGerald, PhD Student A/Prof David Challis, Pathologist, THEME AREA: Ms Ceri Flowers, Royal Hobart Hospital Research Project Officer Genetics and International Health Mrs Anne Piacyzk FUNDING BODIES: RESEARCH TEAM: Ms Annette Banks, Genealogist Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA Dr Lucy Harlow, Murigen Therapeutics Mrs Joan Clough, Junior Research Fellow Administrative Assistant National Collaborative Research Dr Brendan McMorran, Infrastructure Strategy, Department Senior Scientist EXTERNAL of Education, Science and Training Meriam Shabbar, Honours Student COLLABORATORS: National Health and Medical Clare Smith, Honours Student Dr Melanie Bahlo, Walter and Eliza Research Council Hall Institute Dr Jim Stankovich, Biostatistician Australian Cancer Dr Gordon Smyth, Walter and Eliza Research Foundation Dr Jo Dickinson, Research Fellow Hall Institute Perpetual Trustees Professor Ray Lowenthal, Prof Terry Speed, Walter and Eliza The Cancer Council Tasmania Clinical Oncologist Hall Institute David Collins Leukaemia Foundation Dr Katherine Marsden, A/Prof, Terry O’Brien, Pathologist – Haematology Royal Melbourne Hospital, Max Bruce Trust, administered by Dr Russell Thomson, University of Melbourne Peter Worrall Lawyers Research Fellow Jason Smith, School of Chemistry, Mazda Foundation Dr Devindri Perrera, Research Fellow UTAS Royal Hobart Hospital Ms Andrea Polanowski, Dr Melanie Bahlo, Senior Research Research Foundation Research Assistant Fellow, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute ANZ Charitable Trusts Dr Liz Tegg, PhD Student and Mrs Jean Panton State Trustees Pathologist-Haematology/Genetics

The Role of Platelets in the antipyretic agent of choice in the Identifying Host Targets Malaria Infections third world where malaria is rife. for Novel Anti-Malarial Platelets play an important role Therapy Using an ENU in the early stages of malarial Finding Suppressor Mutations Suppressor Screen infection. We have demonstrated for Epilepsy The problem with current anti- that they can directly kill a malarial A large-scale screen in mice has malarial therapy is that it targets parasite inside the red cell. This almost come to an end. This screen the parasite and the parasite then happens in an infection in mice, has been using the drug, kainic develops resistance, by changing but we have also demonstrated acid, to induce epilepsy in mice either the target or its metabolism. that it is also true for cultured and to screen many progeny of We believe that if we were to target human malaria. Inhibitors of platelet ENU-treated animals to identify host molecules that are required activation can prevent platelets animals that do not fit. This screen by the parasite, then we could from killing malarial parasites. This has been perfected and around circumvent the problem of is a particularly important finding 30 animals have been progeny resistance as the parasite would not as aspirin, an inhibitor of platelet tested. Unfortunately, very few of be able to easily evade the action activation, also prevents platelets these produced progeny with an of the drug. We are screening the from killing parasites. Aspirin is still altered phenotype. progeny of mice treated with ENU

18 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research to identify mice that are resistant molecules to target some of these mortality. There remains an urgent to infection by malarial parasites. proteins. We can inhibit the growth need to understand the underlying Mutations in genes rendering mice of the malarial parasite by the use causes of these haematological resistant may also prove to be of enzymatic inhibitors of some of cancers. Elucidation of the therapeutic targets. This screen will these proteins, indicating that a host- genes predisposing individuals take several years but the first mice directed therapeutic strategy may to developing these cancers will have been screened. prove successful. assist in understanding the process of development of disease and Identifying Host Targets The Tasmanian Familial reveal new strategies for treatment. for Novel Anti-Malarial Haematological Malignancies Knowledge of susceptibility genes Therapy Using a Research Study will also help us understand how environmental risk factors may Bioinformatics Approach Leukaemia, lymphoma and interact with these identified genes We have taken a different approach myeloma are cancers of blood cells to influence risk of disease and to identify host targets for anti- (haematological malignancies). disease course. malarial drugs. We have found These affect both children and several genes that produce proteins adults, with over 6,400 cases The study of families with multiple in red cells, but do not do so in diagnosed each year in Australia. cases of disease offers a powerful the malarial parasite, despite all Therapies and survival rates have approach to finding the genes that predictions to the contrary. We know improved, however treatments such contribute to development of the that the parasite imports some of as chemotherapy and bone marrow disease. More than 200 families with these proteins from the red cell. transplantation are associated multiple cases of haematological We are beginning to develop new with considerable morbidity and malignancies have been identified.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 19 Professor Simon Foote works in genetics

Six very large families have been to genetic susceptibility to blood The study of families with multiple prioritised for recruitment. Over 200 cancers in this family. cases of prostate cancer is a individuals have participated to date. powerful approach used to identify Of particular interest is one large The Tasmanian Familial Prostate the genes that cause disease. family, with DNA samples collected Cancer Genetics Study Our team has developed a rare dataset comprising a number of such from affected and unaffected Every year around 18,000 Australian families. An in depth examination individuals, in this priority family men are diagnosed with prostate of the genetic profiles of individuals for genetic analysis. Using the cancer, and more than 2,800 die, with and without prostate cancer has Affymetrix HMA250K SNPchip making prostate cancer the second platform available at the Australian been conducted. This analysis has largest cause of male cancer related Genome Research Facility, genetic identified a gene on chromosome 5p, death. There remains a great need profiles for these individuals have significantly associated with prostate to improve our understanding of been generated. cancer risk. Further work designed the contributing factors determining to gain a better understanding of onset and progression of prostate Our biostatistical team, Dr Jim how this gene may influence the cancer through the elucidation Stankovich, Dr Russell Thomson and development of prostate cancer, is of the underlying genes causing Dr Devindri Perrera, have performed also currently being undertaken. the highly complex genetic analysis disease. Our study aims to identify required, revealing two genetic those genes which predispose Ms Liesel FitzGerald was awarded regions of interest. Subsequent work individuals to developing prostate her PhD in 2007 and has accepted in the laboratory has identified and cancer, and also those genes a post-doctoral position at the confirmed a single genetic region contributing to progression of prestigious Fred Hutchinson Cancer likely to harbour a gene contributing this disease. Research Centre, USA.

20 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Neuroscience and Multiple Sclerosis

ANZGENE RESEARCH – Professor Terry Dwyer, Murdoch Senior Members: Childrens Research Institute ANZGENE is an Australian and New Zealand collaborative group Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby Dr Peter Giles, Australian recruiting patients with MS to and Associate Professor Bruce Taylor Radiation Laboratory Alison Jacob, Partner Investigator, undertake a genome wide SNP Member: Department of Education scan on 3,000 cases. We aim to Dr Ingrid van der Mei Associate Professor Jill Keeffe, discover genes that may contribute University of Melbourne to the causation and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Menzies THEME AREA: Professor Andrew Kemp, University Neuroscience and Multiple Sclerosis of Sydney is coordinating the Tasmanian and New Zealand nodes of the study. Luca Litewka, St Vincent’s Hospital RESEARCH TEAM: This study is funded by MS Research Dr Robyn Lucas, Australian National Australia and an ARC linkage grant. Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard, University Biostatistician Professor George Patton, Murdoch The study commenced recruiting Anna Brown, Administration Assistant Childrens Research Institute, cases in 2007 and 156 Tasmanian Jillian Burrill, Project Officer University of Melbourne and Royal cases were included in the first stages. Children’s Hospital Jenny Cochrane, Data Manager Collection of another 200 Tasmanian Angela Pezic, Murdoch Childrens cases is underway. New Zealand Professor Simon Foote, Director Research Institute study recruitment has commenced Carol Hurst, Research Assistant Dr Elizabeth Williamson, Murdoch and will be completed by June 2008. Professor Graeme Jones, Senior Childrens Research Institute Member Professor Ann Richardson University Tasmanian MS Genes and of Otago NZ Alex Koefman, Undergraduate Prevalence Study Research Opportunity Program Associate Professor Clive Sabel Student UC London This study aims to document the prevalence of MS in Tasmania and Charlotte McKercher, Research Dr Deborah Mason Assistant Christchurch Public Hospital NZ the economic burden of MS to the individual and community. It is also Nadia Ollington, Project Officer Dr Justin Rubio, Howard Florey Institute designed to study how Tasmanians Glen Paley, PhD Student ANZGENE consortium have possibly inherited MS from Dr Fotini Pittas, PhD Student a few distant ancestors (founder AUSIMMUNE collaboration Kylie Smith, Project Officer effect). Genetic material from this study is also contributing to the Dr Helen Tremlett, Visiting Fellow FUNDING BODIES: ANZGENE project. Brenda Wood, Research Nurse Australian Research Council Financial Markets for Children Niall Stewart, Post Doc Study commenced late 2007. Foundation Steve Simpson, PhD Student Ian Potter Foundation New Zealand MS LOCAL COLLABORATORS: MS Society of Tasmania Prevalence Study Dr Doug Bridge, Lecturer – Faculty MS Trish Foundation This study commenced in 2006 with of Education National Health and Medical the aim of identifying all persons living Professor Alan Carmichael, Dean – Research Council with MS in New Zealand. It is also designed to study the affect of latitude Faculty of Health Science Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation of residence throughout a person’s life EXTERNAL on the risk of developing MS. COLLABORATORS: US MS Society Dr Karen Andreasyan, Australian HRC New Zealand Recruitment of nearly 3,100 people National University MS Research Australia with MS in New Zealand will be completed in February 2008.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 21 disease progression, for the purpose contact with infants and infection in of developing new interventions determining the risk of MS. The study to slow MS progression. Further team is now working with the genetics funding was then obtained to allow group to explore gene-environment genetic assessment of disease interactions in MS. progression, with a special emphasis on immunogenetics. Three separate papers on different gene-environment interactions were Extensive analysis of all cohort data developed in 2007 and one of these continued in 2007 resulting in the has been submitted. completion of 4 manuscripts for publication. Intensive analysis of this Dr van der Mei visited Harvard cohort is continuing. University and collaborative work Associate Professor Bruce Taylor is helping between Harvard University and to unravel the puzzle of multiple sclerosis An examination of the effect of Menzies commenced in 2007. smoking on disease progression AUSIMMMUNE Study among people with MS was Does Binocular Vision Training This is an Australian multicentre conducted. This report has been Enhance Literacy among submitted for publication. study of first demyelinating events in Children with Low Literacy? the central nervous system that may An assessment was conducted on Past work has shown that some represent the first attack of MS. This adherence to immunomodulatory children with normal intelligence large national project was designed therapy among people with MS and have reading problems because of to investigate why the prevalence of the factors that were associated with problems coordinating both eyes multiple sclerosis varies by latitude non-adherence or cessation of this to read visual images. The Literacy across Australia and to what extent treatment. This report is now in press. Pathways project screened for environmental factors can explain vision coordination problems among this regional variation. An assessment of whether relapses children with low literacy. Children with MS were associated with This study is looking at the who were found to have problems climatic conditions or season was effect of latitude (centres are with their binocular vision were invited conducted and a report submitted Brisbane, Newcastle, Geelong and to participate in an educational trial for publication. Tasmania) on development of first designed to improve their reading. demyelinating events. Other work on how other The vision screening of eligible environmental or genetic factors Participant recruitment was children was completed in 2006. are associated with MS progression completed during 2007 and follow up The study design for the randomised continues. interviews have commenced. control trial was finalised and the Additional funding was obtained Project Officers completed their MS Research Australia has continued from the National Health and training for the interventions. One to support the Ausimmune Study Medical Research Council to hundred and twenty-one children during 2007. Funding for extension examine the link between infection were eligible for the ten week for a further two years has been and disease progression more trial and 89 children agreed to submitted to the National Health and intensively in this cohort. participate. Seventy-nine children Medical Research Council. completed the post-assessments. The Tasmanian Environmental MS Longitudinal Study in The six month follow-up was Control Study of MS Southern Tasmania conducted in the first half of 2007. This case control study has been This study intensively followed Two reports were prepared. The very informative to date and this was a cohort of 200 people with MS first report examines how common recognised by the National Health and resident in Southern Tasmania poor binocular vision is among between 2002 and 2005 to test Medical Research Council in a report poor readers and the factors and how various environmental factors on the most productive National disorders that are associated with contributed to the progression of MS. Health and Medical Research Council poor binocular vision. The second grants funded from 1999–2003. report involves a randomised Study analysis has continued in The study has provided information controlled trial analysis comparing 2006. Researchers are focussing on the possible role of early life factors the three different approaches on environmental determinants of such as low sun exposure, low evaluated as part of the formal trial.

22 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 23 Neuroscience

Identifying the Specific RESEARCH – EXTERNAL Structural Features of Senior Members: COLLABORATORS: Metallothionein that Regulate Associate Professor Meng Inn Chuah Professor Juan Hidalgo, Barcelona its Ability to Modulate and Associate Professor Adrian West Associate Professor Milena Astrogliosis (ARC Linkage Member: Dr Roger Chung Penkowa, Copenhagen Project in collaboration with Professor Peep Palumaa, Estonia THEME AREA: Bestenbalt LLC, Estonia) Associate Professor Rannar Neuroscience CNS injury is rapidly detected by Sillard, Estonia resident astrocytes, which respond RESEARCH TEAM: Associate Professor Steve by triggering a stereotypical pattern Professor James Vickers, Cheung, Singapore of molecular and morphological Deputy Director Dr Marc Ruitenberg, alterations termed “reactive” Ms Samantha Fung, PhD Student University of Western Australia astrogliosis. There has been Mr Justin Dittmann, PhD Student FUNDING BODIES: considerable research and commercial investment spent in Ms Sandessa Foster, PhD Student National Health and Medical Mr Michael Pankhurst, PhD Student Research Council identifying therapeutic agents that can modulate astroglial behaviour Ms Jacqueline Leung, PhD Student Australian Research Council to promote CNS recovery following Mrs Debbie Orchard, Clive & Vera Ramaciotti Foundation injury. Our preliminary data suggests Research Assistant Alzheimer’s Australia Foundation that extracellular metallothionein Dr Jamie Chapman, Lecturer Defence Science and Technology (MT) acts directly upon astrocytes Julie Harris, MSc Student/Technician Agency, Singapore to modulate reactive astrogliosis. Jackie Leung, Research Assistant Royal Hobart Hospital In this project we will identify the David Hale, PhD Student Research Foundation active regions of the MT molecule David O’Toole, PhD Student responsible for modulating reactive astrogliosis with the goal of developing an MT-based therapeutic Using Metallothioneins as involved in brain function. This for modulating astrogliosis to a Model for Understanding research may also provide insight enhance recovery from CNS injury. Cellular and Biochemical into ways of improved healthy aging. Interactions between Neurons Our collaborating partner has We have had a number of and Astrocytes within the Brain developed novel methods for important achievements this (ARC Discovery Project) producing variants of metallothionein, year. Using fluorescently-labelled which we are currently testing in We have recently identified a metallothionein, we have been our models to identify the active novel and major neuroprotective able to observe for the first regions of the protein. We have also mechanism within the injured brain, time the intercellular transfer of investigated how metallothionein involving an interaction between metallothionein from expressing alters the function of astrocytes within injured neurons and the major astrocytes to neighbouring neurons. the context of the injured brain. supporting cell within the brain, We have also identified a neuronal astrocytes. This involves the up- Can Metallothionein regulation and secretion of the receptor responsible for mediating astrocytic protein metallothionein, the action of metallothionein. These Protect Against Axonal which is then able to directly interact exciting discoveries provide strong Degeneration Following with neurons to promote recovery. evidence to validate our research Traumatic Brain Injury? We propose to use this system as a hypothesis, and provide a strong Our research group has recently model to enhance our fundamental indication of the importance of identified that metallothionein understanding of some of the cellular metallothionein proteins in the is a potent promoter of axon and biochemical mechanisms injured brain. regeneration (regeneration of injured

24 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Associate Professor Meng Inn Chuah, Dr Roger Chung and Associate Professor Adrian West work in neuroscience neurons). The goal of this project neuroregeneration. We are currently well established experimental models is to investigate different methods in the process of following some of of Alzheimer’s Disease and motor of administering metallothionein to these new research directions. neurone disease. These experiments injured neurons, and to investigate take between 12–18 months, since molecular mechanisms that regulate Developing Metallothioneins the experimental models mimic the the ability of metallothionein to as a Therapeutic Agent progression observed for these promote axon regeneration. for Promoting Neuronal diseases (over many years). The outcome of these trials will be known We found that forcing neurons to Recovery from CNS Injury or some time in 2008. express metallothionein resulted in Neurodegenerative Disease improved regeneration following injury. Neuronal dysfunction as a Protection of the Brain from We have also characterised some of consequence of injury or disease has the intracellular signalling pathways a significant impact upon the entire Infection: Immune Properties associated with metallothionein- community. Unfortunately there are no of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells mediated regeneration. clinical therapies currently available to This project aims to understand how either protect neurons from dying or tissues in the nose play a role in Identifying New and Novel promote neuronal recovery following protecting the brain from infection. Therapeutic Targets for CNS injury or disease. However, our In particular, we are interested in Treating Mild and Moderate recent research has identified the how olfactory ensheathing cells, Brain Injury exciting potential of metallothionein the supporting cells of the olfactory nerves, are able to dispose of We used DNA microarray and (MT) proteins as a neuroprotective harmful bacteria. The data show that proteomic techniques to assess and neuroregenerative agent. differential gene and protein In this project, we will evaluate the olfactory ensheathing cells produce expression changes caused by therapeutic potential of MT proteins nitric oxide that can kill bacteria and non-disruptive and severe axonal in several animal models of neuronal also cytokines that activate cells of injury in axons and nerve cell bodies. injury and neurodegenerative the adaptive immune system. disease, including traumatic brain We have performed the microarray injury, motor neurone disease and The findings have been presented at experiments and identified a number Alzheimer’s Disease. the Seventh IBRO World Congress of novel and interesting candidate of Neuroscience and the 28th genes which may be associated We are in the process of a second Annual Meeting of the Australian with neuroprotection and/or phase of experimental trials using Neuroscience Society.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 25 Neuroscience

RESEARCH – Collaborative studies include: Dr Dean Pountney, Griffith University, Senior Member: Associate Professor Adrian West, Queensland Professor James Vickers Senior Member Dr Claire Shepherd and Professor Associate Professor Meng Inn Chuah, Glenda Halliday, Prince of Wales Member: Dr Tracey Dickson Senior Member Medical Research Institute, NSW THEME AREA: Dr Roger Chung, Member Dr Paul Adlard, Mental Health Research Institute, Victoria Neuroscience Professor David Small, Senior Member Associate Professor Steve Cheung, FUNDING BODIES: RESEARCH TEAM: Senior Member National Health and Medical Dr Jyoti Chuckowree, CJ Martin Professor Andrew Robinson, Research Council Research Fellow Honorary Member Australian Research Council Anna King, PhD Student/ Associate Professor Paul Turner, Bill Gole Fellowship Royal Hobart Hospital Research Honorary Member Foundation Adele Woodhouse, Dr Michael Dreyer, PhD Student/Postdoctoral Junior Tasmanian Masonic Centenary Royal Hobart Hospital Research Fellow Medical Research Foundation Dr Jane Tolman, Geriatric Jerome Staal, PhD Student ANZ Charitable Trust (JO & JR Services, Department of Health Wicking Trust) Marian Quilty, PhD Student and Human Services Australian Rotary Health Research Catherine Blizzard, PhD Student Dr Toby Croft, Royal Hobart Hospital Fund Ruth Musgrove, PhD Student EXTERNAL Motor Neurone Disease Research Graeme McCormack, COLLABORATORS: Institute of Australia Inc Senior Technical Officer Dr Wei Ping Gai, Flinders University, University of Tasmania Foundation Anna Sokolova, Research Assistant South Australia (Brian Marks Bequest)

Nerve Cell Plasticity and affecting approximately 1 per cent by the accumulation of a protein the Neuropathology of of the population at age 65 and up known as alpha-synuclein in specific Parkinson’s Disease to 5 per cent by the age of 85. At types of nerve cells in the brain. However, the function of this protein Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the time of diagnosis, patients suffer is unknown. This research aims to one of the most common from a range of motor impairments clarify the role of alpha-synuclein in neurodegenerative disorders. Its that worsen over time. Pathologically PD and normal CNS function and incidence increases steadily with age these patients are characterised provide new potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of PD and other neurodegenerative disorders in which oxidative stress, excitotoxicity and central nervous system trauma have been implicated.

Our studies found that the protein alpha-synuclein is upregulated in neurones in response to chronic oxidative stress and is associated with neuroprotection. Furthermore, we have determined that a similar reaction occurs in response to neuronal physical trauma, which is a risk factor for PD and also occurs across a range of nerve cell types including those

26 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research that are selectively vulnerable to PD. We have established two colonies of transgenic mice, one that models a genetic mutation in alpha-synuclein that is present in some cases of PD and another that does not produce the protein at all, therefore introducing a range of experimental possibilities for these investigations.

Cellular Degeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that progresses over the course of many Dr Tracey Dickson and Professor James Vickers are neuroscientists, working on diseases years and has several pathological such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s hallmarks, namely, β-amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil information needs across the sector Axon Regeneration in the threads. Although much is now known and determining the factors that lead Mature Central Nervous System to increased carer stress. about Alzheimer’s disease there is still Brain and spinal cord injury are considerable controversy over which of major causes of death and disability. the pathological hallmarks causes the The Cause of Neural The aim of this project is to determine disease, why only certain populations Degeneration in Motor how nerve cells in the brain respond of nerve cells die and how these nerve Neurone Disease to injury, utilising unique cell culture cells degenerate in this condition. Motor neurone disease involves models developed at the Menzies The aim of this project is to study the the selective degeneration of the Research Institute. Our research is pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s nerve cells involved in movement aimed at determining the cellular disease in human brains and to in the spinal cord and the cortex features that characterise the adaptive utilise in vivo and in vitro models to of the brain. The reasons for this response of nerve axons to damage investigate the crucial cellular changes selective degeneration and the in the adult brain and comparing and underlying neurodegeneration in this cellular alterations resulting in nerve contrasting these with developmental condition. In collaborative studies with degeneration are unknown.The events. It may then be possible to Professor Andrew Robinson, we are aim of this project is to investigate manipulate this axonal response also investigating health care systems the mechanisms involved in to injury to help damaged brains to for people with dementia. neurodegeneration in the main repair themselves. Our studies utilising human brain form of motor neurone disease, Studies in 2007 determined key tissue and transgenic mouse models amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). similarities and differences between of Alzheimer’s disease have identified how mature nerve cells respond to the earliest neuronal changes This study developed novel cell injury as compared to the cellular associated with amyloid plaque culture models that replicate features of developing neurons. formation. These investigations key intracellular changes which provide new insights into potential lead to ALS-like degeneration of Our investigation showed that therapeutic interventions that target spinal neurons. These studies damaged axons of mature neurons the early brain changes of the demonstrated that filamentous can sprout, but that this regenerative disease, before substantial nerve (cytoskeletal) proteins within nerve response is undirected and not cell degeneration has occurred. cell processes are susceptible responsive to growth factor cues that We also determined the particular to abnormal accumulation in this are important in initial axon growth. characteristics of the pathological disease, which may then trigger a We also developed a new cell changes that occur in strongly gradual degeneration of the neuron. culture model that involves transient inherited forms of Alzheimer’s linked Our investigations also showed stretch injury to axons, modelling the to mutations in the ‘presenilin’ genes. that overstimulation of excitatory forces that impinge on nerve cells In collaboration with Professor receptors, known as excitotoxicity, in closed brain trauma. Our studies Robinson, our studies on the health can cause the disruption and have identified key cellular changes care system associated with dementia accumulation of cytoskeletal proteins that are linked with secondary care have focussed on elaborating the in distinct segments of the axon. degeneration of stretched axons.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 27 Musculoskeletal

RESEARCH – Margie Green, Research Officer Dr Catherine Hill, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide Senior Member: Stella Foley, PhD Student Prof J Martel-Pelletier, Montreal Professor Graeme Jones David Scott, PhD Student Prof M Brown, UQ, Brisbane Member: Dr Changhai Ding Dawn Dore, Honours Student A/Prof Nigel Morrison, Griffith Jenny Flynn, Medical Student THEME AREA: University, Queensland Musculoskeletal Paulina Bhatt, Medical Student Prof F Cicuttini, Monash University Rob Warren, MRI Reader RESEARCH TEAM: Melbourne Dale Pitt, Administration Assistant Dr Jane Zochling, Member Prof J Martel-Pelletier, University of Montreal, Canada Dr Tania Winzenberg, Member/ Joan Clough, Data Entry Research Fellow Associate Professor John Burgess, Prof J Xu, Anhui Medical University, China Dr Ying Jin, Postdoctoral Fellow Royal Hobart Hospital Dr Sandi Powell, Research Fellow Dr Venkat Parameswaran, FUNDING BODIES: Royal Hobart Hospital Dr Dev Mewar, Research Fellow National Health and Medical Dr Ray Udayan, Dr Fiona Scott, Honorary Research Council Royal Hobart Hospital Research Fellow Royal Hobart Hospital Research Dr Krysten Hynes, Research Fellow EXTERNAL Foundation Catrina Boon, Study Coordinator/ COLLABORATORS: Arthritis Australia Research Officer Prof Flavia Cicuttini, Monash Tasmania Community Fund University Melbourne Pip Boon, Research Officer University of Tasmania Institutional Tanya O’Byrne, Research Officer A/Prof Lyn March, Sydney University Research Grant Scheme

T-Bone Study TASOAC MRI, Falls Risk, Change in Bone We followed 415 children from birth To understand the factors determining Density and Vertebral Fracture to age sixteen, looking at factors incidence and progression of Risk in the Tasmanian Older determining bone health. osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in Adult Cohort (TASOAC) Study people aged 50–80 years old. We determined the associations Key findings: between baseline serum vitamin D 1. Bone density at age eight predicts Key findings: levels, change in vitamin D levels fractures through puberty 1. Low levels of inflammation in the over 2.9 years, baseline radiographic osteoarthritis, baseline cartilage 2. Bone density tracks strongly from blood predict bone loss volume, and change in cartilage age eight to age sixteen 2. Cartilage in the knee is under both volume over 2.9 years. 3. Heel ultrasound is a good hormonal and mechanical control predictor of fractures 3. Vitamin D deficiency is also very Key findings: 4. Breastfed children have higher common in this age group 1. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly bone mass and lower fracture risk 4. Development of a technique associated with more medial joint at age sixteen for assessing bone strength in space narrowing in both right and 5. Diet in utero predicts bone mass in the knee. left knees the children at age sixteen 2 Baseline vitamin D levels are 6. Vitamin D deficiency is very Vitamin D Status Over Time: positively associated with common in sixteen year olds and is Association with Knee baseline medial and lateral tibial associated with poorer bone health. Structural Change Assessed by cartilage volume

28 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Study Coordinator, Catrina Boon and Research Officer, Pip Boon

3. Higher baseline vitamin D levels 2. IL-6 was significantly associated over 2.9 years. Change in PYR/ predict increases in both medial with hs-CRP and TNF-α, and was Cr was associated with loss and lateral tibial cartilage volume the most relevant marker for bone of knee cartilage volume, but over 2.9 years loss. These suggest inflammatory the associations did not reach mechanism in the aetiology of significance 4. Change in vitamin D levels is osteoporosis positively associated with change 2. Change in PYR/Cr was positively in knee cartilage volume over 3. Serum levels of leptin were associated with baseline IL-6, hs- 2.9 years. negatively associated with knee CRP and their changes in women cartilage volume. Cartilage volume but not men. Are Serum Inflammatory loss with obesity and female sex Markers Predictive of Knee is related to leptin and, thus, is Structural Changes and hormonally mediated in older adults. Bone Loss in the Elderly? Tasmanian Older Adult Are Bone Turnover Biomarkers Cohort (TASOAC) Study Associated with Knee We determined the associations Structural Change Assessed of serum inflammatory markers by Magnetic Resonance [high sensitivity C-reactive protein Imaging (MRI) in the Elderly? (hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumour We determined the association necrosis factor (TNF)-α] with bone between baseline urinary loss over 2.9 years. Furthermore, pyridinoline/creatinine ratio (PYR/ the association between leptin Cr), change in PYR/Cr, and and knee cartilage volume was change in knee cartilage volume. determined. In addition, the association between inflammatory markers and change Key findings: in PYR/Cr was determined. 1. Bone loss was associated with baseline hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α Key findings: as well as change in hs-CRP 1. Baseline PYR/Cr predicted Professor Graeme Jones heads up the and IL-6 loss of patellar cartilage volume musculoskeletal team

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 29 Musculoskeletal

investigate prognostic markers, complications of pulmonary fibrosis RESEARCH – Member: disease activity and functional and pulmonary hypertension. Dr Jane Zochling impairment in this disease. Professor David Kilpatrick is providing cardiology expertise for the study. THEME AREA: Tasmanian Systemic Sclerosis Musculoskeletal Epidemiology Study (TASSiE) Over 120 patients have participated in this program in 2007, and preliminary This study is investigating the RESEARCH TEAM: results will be available this year. Professor Graeme Jones, prevalence and clinical features Senior Member/Professorial of systemic sclerosis (also called 3e (Evidence, Expertise, Research Fellow scleroderma) in Tasmania. A Exchange) in Rheumatology Dr Steven Quinn, Biostatistician database of people with systemic sclerosis has been set up to look An international collaboration of EXTERNAL at the epidemiology of the disease, rheumatologists, supported by an COLLABORATORS: and a number of people with primary unrestricted educational grant from Professor David Kilpatrick, Raynaud’s disease have been Abbott Australia, have come together University of Tasmania included as controls. to develop national and international recommendations based on Professor Juergen Braun, There are already over 120 patients research evidence and clinical University of Bochum, Germany with systemic sclerosis and 80 expertise to aid rheumatologists in Professor Maxime Dougados, patients with Raynaud’s disease their daily clinical practice. Hospital Cochin, Paris, France participating in the study. FUNDING BODIES: Development and publication of Australian Scleroderma the Australian Recommendations Department of Health Screening Program (ASSP) for the Management of Ankylosing and Human Services Participants in the TASSiE study also Spondylitis, and the International Abbott Australia have the opportunity to be a part of Evidence-Based Recommendations the nationwide ASSP study, a part- for the Management of Ankylosing Tasmanian Ankylosing clinical and part-research program Spondylitis has resulted. Preliminary Spondylitis Study (TASS) which helps to ensure people with development of the Australia New Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) Zealand and the International rheumatic disease that causes arthritis receive timely and appropriate Recommendations for the Use of of the spine and joints of the lower medical follow-up, in particular with Methotrexate in Rheumatic Diseases back and can cause inflammation of regard to the potentially devastating has also been completed. the eyes, lungs and heart valves. It can vary from intermittent episodes of back pain that occur throughout life to a severe chronic disease that attacks the spine, peripheral joints and other body organs, resulting in severe joint and back stiffness.

AS affects one in 200 Australians and occurs in twice as many men as women. AS usually has its onset between the ages of 16 to 35. The cause of AS is unknown but there appears to be a strong genetic link. Dr Zochling is initiating an inception cohort of AS patients in order to Dr Jane Zochling works in rheumatic diseases, Ankylosing Spondylitis

30 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Musculoskeletal and Primary Health Care

RESEARCH – Member: Dr Tania Winzenberg

THEME AREA: Musculoskeletal and Primary Health Care

RESEARCH TEAM: Professor Graeme Jones, Senior Member and Head Musculoskeletal Unit Professor Mark Nelson, Senior Member Dr Kelly Shaw, Honorary Associate Ms Pam Reid, Research Assistant Dr Kate Greenhill, Research Assistant

FUNDING BODIES: National Health and Medical Research Council Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Cardiovascular Research Grants in General Practice Dr Tania Winzenberg’s research interests are in musculoskeletal and primary health care Masonic Centenary Medical Research Foundation recommended PA levels. Musculoskeletal Conditions – It compares GP’s assessments What’s New from Cochrane with an objective PA measure and How Might this Affect The Assessment of Physical made using an accelerometer. Your Practice? Activity in General Practice This measures the frequency, This project aimed to improve This project is aimed at improving duration and intensity of PA. dissemination of the results Cochrane knowledge in the area of physical Collaboration systematic reviews in The results of these studies will activity (PA) assessment by the musculoskeletal area to general improve current knowledge of general practitioners (GPs) as little practitioners. Dr Winzenberg, in is known about PA assessment in how GPs assess PA, and will be collaboration with the Cochrane general practice. used to guide further research Musculoskeletal Group, co-ordinated into developing innovative ways a series of case-based articles using The first part of the study investigates to promote PA in the general evidence from Cochrane reviews for how GPs describe their current practice setting. the Australian Family Physician, the practice of assessing the PA of their peer-reviewed national journal of the patients through interviews with For the first part of the study, Royal Australian College of General 15 GPs. interviews with 15 GPs were Practitioners. These were written by completed and transcription Tasmanian general practitioners and The second study aims to determine and analysis is underway. rheumatology specialists. whether or not PA measured by GPs obtaining self-report from Data collection for the second This project led to the publication of their patients is an accurate way of part of the study commenced in six articles in 2007 with a further two determining whether patients meet late 2007. articles to be published in 2008.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 31 Population Health, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease was the main focus of our work in Prof George Patton, Murdoch RESEARCH – 2007. Results from the study have Childrens Research Institute Senior Member: demonstrated the importance of Prof Paul Zimmet, International Associate Professor Alison Venn overweight and obesity in childhood Diabetes Institute as predictors of obesity in adulthood; THEME AREA: Prof David Crawford, Deakin University the importance of smoking Population Health, Cancer and Dr Verity Cleland, Deakin University experimentation in childhood and Cardiovascular Disease Dr Sarah McNaughton, parental smoking as predictors of Deakin University RESEARCH TEAM: smoking in adulthood; and the role Prof Olli Raitakari, University of of body weight and physical fitness Dr Seana Gall, Research Fellow Turku, Finland in childhood in predicting adult Dr Sue Pearson, Research Prof Gerald Berenson, Tulane bone mass. Other analyses have Fellow/Lecturer University, New Orleans, USA examined the role of physical activity Dr Kristy Sanderson, Member Assoc Prof Dorota Gertig, University in healthy weight maintenance; the Dr Michael Schmidt, Research Fellow of Melbourne effect of compulsory school physical Dr Russell Thomson, Biostatistician Assoc Prof Anne Kavanagh, activity on total activity and obesity Petr Otahal, Statistical Officer University of Melbourne levels in childhood and adulthood; Marita Dalton, CDAH Project Manager Prof John Hopper, University the relationship between TV viewing of Melbourne and obesity; and the associations Beverley Curry, PhD Student Prof Mal Horne, Howard Florey Institute between different measures of Helen Jordan, PhD Student Dr Justin Rubio, Howard Florey Institute physical activity and fitness with Costan Magnussen, PhD Student/ cardio-metabolic disease risk factors. Junior Research Fellow FUNDING BODIES: Charlotte McKercher, PhD Student Cass Foundation International Collaboration on Kylie Smith, PhD Student National Health and Medical Cardiovascular Disease Risk Shuying Wei, Honours Student Research Council from Childhood to Adulthood National Heart Foundation Shirley Catchpole, Very few studies internationally Administrative Assistant Rebecca L Cooper Foundation have the capacity to examine the Emma Stubbs, Royal Hobart Hospital contribution of childhood factors to Administrative Assistant Research Foundation the risk of cardiovascular disease Tasmanian Community Fund EXTERNAL in adulthood. Those that do, have COLLABORATORS: The Sanitarium Health Food Company extensive measures of physical The Cancer Council Tasmania and lifestyle characteristics at Prof Terry Dwyer, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Veolia Environmental Services multiple time points, and large numbers of participants followed since childhood. This international of 34 study clinics Australia-wide The Childhood Determinants collaboration has been established and a further 1,585 completed of Adult Health (CDAH) Study to pool data from three such studies: questionnaires. The study aims The CDAH study is a follow-up of the Childhood Determinants of Adult to examine associations between 8,498 children who participated Health Study conducted at Menzies, childhood factors and the risk of in the 1985 Australian Schools the Cardiovascular Risk in Young cardiovascular disease and type 2 Health and Fitness Survey when Finns Study from Finland, and the diabetes in adulthood. Associations they were aged between seven Bogalusa Heart Study from the USA. between childhood factors and adult and 15 years. Extensive measures By pooling data, we have greater mental health and bone health are of body composition, fitness and also being explored. ability to examine rare outcomes lifestyle were collected in 1985 and and, when findings are consistent again 20 years later. At follow-up Following the completion of data across the three cohorts, more 2,410 participants attended one collection in 2006, data analysis confidence in the results.

32 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Our first collaborative project density is known to be affected by least 100,000 Australians suffer from was completed in 2007. It hormones such as estrogen, but it is Parkinson’s disease. The Tasmanian investigated the utility of two not known whether hormone levels Parkinson’s Disease Research Project currently recommended paediatric in adolescence have any long-term is examining the genes that cause dyslipidaemia classifications (for effects on the breast. Parkinson’s disease and aims to blood cholesterol and triglycerides) discover other genes that have not Women aged 40 years and over, in predicting dyslipidaemia in been linked to the disease before. who had been assessed or treated adulthood. The study found that for tall stature as adolescents, Identifying inherited risk factors will the two classifications had different and had participated in a previous provide a better understanding of the strengths; one better predicted high follow-up study of the effects of way that Parkinson’s disease develops density lipoprotein cholesterol and the treatment, were invited to participate and is an important step towards other better predicted total and low in this study. Data collection was preventing and treating the disease. density lipoprotein cholesterol and completed in 2007 with 169 treated triglycerides. These findings will be and 142 untreated tall women having DNA and medical information have very helpful when existing paediatric telephone interviews and providing been collected from two groups of dyslipidaemia guidelines are updated. a mammogram for breast density Tasmanians: (1) those with a strong measurements. In summary, the family history of Parkinson’s disease, Tall Girls Breast Density Study study has found that treated women and (2) those with Parkinson’s While uncommon in recent years, had a significantly lower absolute disease who are being treated with estrogen treatment to reduce growth dense area than untreated women, the drug L-Dopa. Findings from the in tall girls has been available since suggesting that treatment may have family study showed that a mutation the 1950s. This study aims to find reduced growth of mammographically in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 out whether this treatment has had dense breast tissue as well as gene (LRRK2) was associated with reducing growth in height. any long-term effects on breast Parkinson’s disease. These findings tissue. One of the features of breast were published in 2007 along with tissue is the proportion of dense The Tasmanian Parkinson’s similar results from other research tissue that appears on a breast Disease Research Project groups in Australia. Further genetic x-ray (mammogram). This feature, Parkinson’s disease is a common brain testing of the DNA samples from referred to as mammographic disease, second only in frequency to L-Dopa treated patients was carried density is recognised as a risk factor Alzheimer’s disease in people over out by our collaborators at the for breast cancer. Mammographic the age of 60. It is estimated that at Howard Florey Institute in Victoria.

Associate Professor Alison Venn and her research team

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 33 Population Health

RESEARCH – Member: Dr Kristy Sanderson

THEME AREA: Population Health

RESEARCH TEAM: Ms Fiona Cocker, Research Assistant

LOCAL COLLABORATOR: Angela Martin, School of Management

EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS: Associate Professor Nicholas Graves, Queensland University Dr Kristy Sanderson is interested in chronic disease and depression of Technology Associate Professor Jan Until recently, measurement of health and economic consequences Nicholson, Murdoch Childrens health-related impairment from for themselves, co-workers, and Research Institute coming to work ill (“presenteeism”) employer. This study is systematically Prof Brian Oldenburg, was rudimentary. Using a new evaluating the economic cost and Monash University generation of presenteeism health outcomes of working while ill measures, we showed that choice of versus work absence. FUNDING BODIES: presenteeism measure is important We designed a new approach to Australian Rotary Health as they vary in their sensitivity Research Fund address this important question, to mental health-related work which draws on existing and National Health and Medical impairments. We showed that much Research Council published data to develop descriptive of the mental health and economic epidemiological and economic burden in employees was associated models. These models are being A Prospective Study of Mental with work factors under the control of developed throughout 2008-09 with Health and Productivity in the management; thus failure to address the support of a National Health and Call Centre Industry work environment may counteract Medical Research Council project the efficacy of clinical interventions. grant. We hope to better inform The nature of the working This work was the subject of employees, employers and clinicians environment may have independent a number of publications and on how to manage these common effects on mental health and conference presentations in 2007. health conditions. productivity in employees, and thus is potentially an important Depression and Anxiety in the The Costs of Chronic Disease in target for intervention to complement Workplace: The Costs and the Workplace from Employee clinical interventions. This project Outcomes of Working While Ill aimed to investigate the inter- and Employer Perspectives relationships between depression Depressive and anxiety disorders are Accurate evidence on the cost and anxiety symptoms, perceptions common in the working population of chronic illness in terms of lost of the psychosocial working and potentially costly. Individuals can productivity associated with environment, and productivity in a continue working while ill, or take an absenteeism and presenteeism cohort of employees from the call absence from work. Whichever of is essential for understanding the centre industry. these actions is taken has potential economic impact on the individual,

34 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research employer and society. Economic Mental Health Promotion We conducted a quantitative analysis data is also used to guide investment in the Workplace of previous research to determine in health-related programs by Our work has highlighted that much whether the current interest in government departments and of the mental health and economic promoting health in workplaces individual businesses. (e.g. physical activity programs) burden in employees is associated could potentially also be having a A new method has been developed with work factors under the control flow-on effect to mental health. We in the US, to cost lost work of management. Mental health found that there may be some small productivity in employees with health promotion and preventive efforts indirect benefits for mental health, conditions, that takes into account requires collaboration with individual how “replaceable” an employee but interventions targeted specifically employers and industry groups to at mental health are also needed. is, and to what extent their job is minimise these workplace risks to reliant on team work. Differences We applied these results to the health. This project is investigating between countries in labour market design of a mental health promotion potential strategies for mental health and individual business operation intervention which we hope to trial in preclude direct application of this promotion in the Australian business the near future with the support of method to Australia. We adapted this context, with a focus on small and industry partners. This work was the method to the Australian business medium businesses that often have subject of a joint research/industry context and will shortly begin a pilot limited resources or access to health symposium at an important Asia/ study of this new approach. promotion initiatives. Pacific regional conference.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 35 Primary Health Care

RESEARCH – Dyan Kelaart, Research Nurse Barry R. Davis, Senior Member: Shirley Clelland, Research Nurse University of Texas, Houston Professor Mark Nelson Sue Davoren, Research Nurse Michael Kidd, University of Sydney Dimity Pond, University of Newcastle THEME AREA: Jonette Scott, Research Nurse Claire Jackson, Primary Health Care Heather Sparkes, Research Nurse University of Queensland RESEARCH TEAM: EXTERNAL Marjan Kljakovic, Pru Peschar, Research Assistant COLLABORATORS: Australian National University Dr Rachel Boland, Academic Registrar Professors Justin Beilby, Richard Grimm, University of Adelaide University of Minnesota, USA Dr Katie McMahon, Academic Registrar David Ames, University of Melbourne Associate Professor Chris M Reid, Dr Faline Howes, Academic Registrar Lawrence J Beilin, University of WA Monash University Julie Forsyth, Administration Jonathon Emery, University of WA Associate Professor Anne Murray, Sally Thurley, Admin Officer – PHCRED University of Minnesota, USA Geoffrey A Donnan, Dr Emily Hansen, PHCRED Coordinator University of Melbourne Dr Robyn Woods, Monash University Theresa Doherty, Statewide Colin I Johnston, Baker Heart Dr Rory Wolfe, Monash University Facilitator – PHCRED Research Institute Dr Colin Baigent, Oxford University Danielle Williams, PHCRED Henry Krum, Monash University Dr Christophe Tzourio, Hôpital Program Coordinator Elsdon Storey, Monash University Lariboisière, Paris, France Jan Gartlan, Doctoral Student John J McNeil, Monash University Julie Walters, Doctoral Student FUNDING BODIES: Andrew Tonkin, Monash University Petya Fitzpatrick, Researcher Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Dr Emily Hansen, Researcher Leon Piterman, Monash University Bayer HealthCare Amy Imms, Researcher John C Breitner, University of Washington, USA National Health and Medical Elizabeth Newman, Researcher Robert G Hart, University of Texas Research Council Jennifer Hargraves, Researcher San Antonio, USA National Heart Foundation Dr Tania Winzenberg, Member Charles H Hennekens, High Blood Pressure Research Jan Nelson, Research Nurse University of Miami, USA Council of Australia Lin Bowers-Ingram, Research Christopher J Bulpitt, Nurse – ASPREE Imperial College London

Aspirin Reducing Events in the an average follow-up of 5 years. In addition to the NHMRC project Elderly (ASPREE) (in partnership The trial is supported by the Heart grant of $3.5 million, we have with Monash University) Foundation, the National Stroke received an educational grant from ASPREE is a RCT designed to detect Foundation, Alzheimer’s Australia, Bayer HealthCare US for $350,000. a 15 per cent difference in major and the Australian Divisions of The study has attracted $3 million adverse events between placebo General Practice. It has received from CSIRO for genetics and and aspirin in participants aged 70 financial and in kind support from biomarker substudy, and a further years and above. Eighteen thousand the National Health and Medical $1.2 million from the NHMRC for a participants will be required to Research Council of Australia vision substudy. We have secured provide 90 per cent power of a (NHMRC), the National Heart pre-approval for US$50 million from true relative risk benefit of 0.85 for Foundation of Australia, and Bayer the National Institute of Aging (NIA) major cardiovascular endpoints in HealthCare. We have enrolled about subject to review from the National an intention-to-treat analysis with 250 participants in Tasmania. Institute of Health (NIH).

36 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research This may effect blood pressure (BP) measurement and management of hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effect of automated oscillometric sphygmomanometers on digit preference, BP measurement and antihypertensive drug prescribing in primary care.

Researching Practice Nurses Communication Needs in Tasmania 2006 This census located 239 practice nurses (PNs) in the state, the majority working in a clinical capacity. The response rate was for the self- completed questionnaire was 71 per cent (n=140).

PHCRED Research capacity building program funded by DOHA.

Post Hoc Analyses in the Spirometry and Asthma event. This project addresses the ANBP2 Dataset Management in Children and question ‘Why do some smokers ANBP2 was the largest clinical trial Adults in General Practice successfully quit after an ACE ever conducted in Australian general (in partnership with The while others continue to smoke?’ practice. We continue to produce University Of Adelaide) A corollary study is also being papers from the rich database conducted for the former. of the GP management of 6,083 This study aims to critically examine hypertensive elderly Australians. the impact of the measurement of REduction of Atherothrombosis airflow obstruction, using spirometry, on the management of asthma for Continued Health (REACH) Barriers to Initiating Treatment in adults and children. The study (with Monash University) in Hypertension and Treating to will provide evidence for the costs This is an international registry Target Levels and benefits of spirometry use in of individuals with established This research project aims to explore the monitoring of asthma. Analysis cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at the barriers to general practitioners’ and publication should commence high risk of developing said (3 CVD initiating treatment and treating shortly after completion in South risk factors present). The project was hypertension to target goals, in the Australia March/April 2008. completed in 2007. Australian setting.

Secondary Prevention in Yoga for Depression in Adults A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Cochrane systematic literature Management of Cardiovascular Identifying the Smoking review titled Yoga for depression Disease Risk in Southern Related Beliefs of People Who in adults. Tasmanian General Practice Continue to Smoke after an A survey of GPs in Southern Tasmania Acute Coronary Event A Cluster Randomised to determine their understanding of Quitting smoking is one of the most Controlled Trial of an Absolute Cardiovascular Risk and effective actions a person can take Automated Versus Manual how they determine cardiovascular after having a heart attack or angina Device for Blood Pressure risk in general practice. In particular, (an acute coronary event often Management (CRAB) assessing use of cardiovascular risk termed an ACE) in order to prevent Automated devices are replacing calculators and how they influence having a second and more serious mercury sphygmomanometers. patient management.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 37 Respiratory

RESEARCH – Dr Justin Walls, School of Medicine EXTERNAL Senior Member: Dr Julia Walters, Postdoc COLLABORATORS: Professor Haydn Walters (ALF Fellow) Professor Michael Abramson, Steve Weston, Laboratory Manager Monash University THEME AREA: Associate Professor Richard Wood- Professor Peter Gibson, University of Newcastle Respiratory Baker, Honorary Member Professor John Hopper, RESEARCH TEAM: LOCAL COLLABORATORS: University of Melbourne Kathy Barnsley, PhD Student Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard, Dr Melanie Jessup, Griffith University Helen Cameron-Tucker, PhD Student Menzies Research Institute Dr Chris Ward, Dr Belinda Cochrane, MD Student Dr John Burgess, University of Newcastle, UK Royal Hobart Hospital Associate Professor FUNDING BODIES: Shyamali Dharmage Dr Glen Jacobson, School of Pharmacy Asthma Foundation of Australia Helen Courtney-Pratt, PhD Student Professor Mark Nelson, Commonwealth Department Associate Professor David of Health and Ageing Menzies Research Institute Johns, Member Department of Health and Human Professor Greg Peterson, Dr Emma Lea, Postdoctoral Fellow Services Tasmania School of Pharmacy Dr Melanie Matheson, GlaxoSmithKline Australia Professor Andrew Robinson, Postdoctoral Fellow School of Nursing Medical Benefits Fund of Australia Dr David Reid, Honorary Member Associate Professor Paul Turner, National Health and Medical Dr Louise Rodham, School of Information Systems Research Council Postdoctoral Fellow Associate Professor Alison Venn, Royal Hobart Hospital Sukhwinder Singh Sohal, Menzies Research Institute Research Foundation PhD Student Associate Professor Jenn Scott, University of Melbourne Dr Amir Soltani, PhD Student Physiology Boehringer Engelheim

Physiology Airway Disease cessation; and TGFβ1 as a central The respiratory research group Immunopathology mediator linking epithelial and mesenchymal deeper tissue activation has developed novel measurement This research involves bronchoscopic and inflammation with remodelling. systems for airway stiffness as a assessment and tissue sampling subtle means of detecting airway of the airways in smokers with In asthma, we are using albumin damage and differentiation between normal and abnormal airflow. We staining of biopsies to detect blood large and small airway disease and are assessing airway inflammation vessel leakiness and airway wall lung parenchymal disease. These and airway structural remodelling, oedema. We have shown that support our immunopathology and the mechanisms involved in this is a very early manifestation of studies by providing sophisticated linkage between the two processes airway inflammation and asthma in patients with chronic obstructive physiological phenotype correlations. deterioration clinically. pulmonary disease (COPD). We are working with large data-sets of lung function data for “mining” Our group has a particular interest Cystic Fibrosis patterns of disease and determining in vascular endothelial growth We are studying the chemical mechanisms of exercise-related factor and angiogenesis in the environment of the airway that favours oxygen desaturation, which seems airways in situations of chronic growth of the bacteria Pseudomonas more common in women than inflammation, and the response to aeruginosa, especially the handling of currently recognised. inhaled corticosteroid and smoking ferrous/ferric iron. We are investigating

38 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research iron-chelators as potential therapy. We are also looking at virulence factors in Pseudomonas in relationship to disease severity, plus the importance of biofilms and their modification to Pseudomonas infection.

In the area of health services research we are investigating the use of information technology and self-efficacy building in patient case management.

Evidence-Based Medicine Our group is the headquarters of the PhD student Romy Sohal works with laboratory manager Steve Weston Cochrane Collaboration Australian management of COPD in general We are currently in the process Airway Network providing systematic practice. With the Pharmacy School, of enriching the laboratory study reviews in asthma, and COPD to we also have an interest in appropriate for individuals in specific clinical support national and international use of medicines in the community phenotypes determined by the clinical guideline development. and use of information technology answers to the questionnaire. systems for “mining” pharmacy We have started the next phase Health Services Research databases to assess and assist. of the study in which we are in COPD undertaking a questionnaire and a Pathways Home for Chronic Epidemiology and Genetics physiological and genetic study of Respiratory Disease is a collaboration 21,000 phenotypically matched and The Tasmanian Asthma Survey is a 36 with the Department of Health and unmatched siblings. In 2008, we will year follow up of the 1961 Tasmanian Human Services to develop clinical be bringing 2000 selected siblings up birth cohort first studied in 1968 self-efficacy in patients with COPD, to the laboratory for fuller assessment. and to foster case-management at the age of seven years (approx through training of “mentors” based 8,600 individuals). We have spent five We are also a collaborating in community nursing. years finding the original probands centre in the national Burden of and undertaking a comprehensive Lung Disease (BOLD) study, a We are conducting a study of questionnaire survey and laboratory multicentre Australian survey of usefulness and barriers to use examination of lung function in 1,400 COPD prevalence and risk factors of spirometry in case finding and randomly selected probands. supported by NHMRC.

RESEARCH – Member: Mei Chan, Honours Student Associate Professor David Johns Tristan Ling, PhD Student Flow Dependence of THEME AREA: EXTERNAL Anatomical Dead Space and Respiratory COLLABORATORS: Relationship to Spirometry Dr Kevin Gain, Royal Perth Hospital We have previously shown RESEARCH TEAM: Dr Bruce Thompson, that volume of the lung airways Dr Justin Walls, School of Medicine The Alfred Hospital (anatomical dead space) varies with Professor Haydn Walters, National Asthma Council of Australia expired flow. We have now completed Senior Member Associate Professor Guy Marks, a study to test the hypothesis that Associate Professor Byeong Kang, Woolcock Research Institute this flow-dependence of anatomical School of Computing FUNDING BODIES: dead space provides a sensitive Dr David Reid, Honorary Member Royal Hobart Hospital physiological index of abnormal Associate Professor Richard Wood- Research Foundation airway function. Our subjects were baker, Honorary Member Medizintechnik, Switzerland healthy young adults with normal lung Dr Julia Walters, PhD Student GlaxoSmithKline Australia function. The results supported our John Chan, Research Student Department of Health and Ageing hypothesis because even though the subjects were young and had normal

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 39 lung function, our index of flow- Custom Expert Knowledge New Zealand Society of Respiratory dependence was able to differentiate Acquisition System Science. The first course was between subjects with normal and The aim of this study was to develop successfully run in November 2007. ‘super’ normal lung function. We are a web-based expert knowledge now measuring this index in people acquisition system (MCRDR) to Burden of Obstructive Lung with asthma and chronic obstructive provide an automatic classification of Disease (BOLD) in Australia pulmonary disease. lung function tests; an interrogative Chronic obstructive pulmonary tool to assist experts explore a large disease (COPD) is a major lung This project was completed by our database of patient cases to discover disease most commonly associated research student John Ho Chan and evaluate new knowledge; and with smoking. COPD as a cause of while working at the MRI as an to test research hypotheses. The mortality is increasing and globally Undergraduate Research Opportunity expert system acquires knowledge is expected to rank fifth in burden of Program Scholar. Mr Chan presented incrementally as the expert uses the disease by 2020. BOLD in Australia is this data at a scientific conference system and compiles a set of linked the Australian arm of an international (Asian Pacific Society of Respirology) rules. The web-based system is now collaborative project to describe the in November 2007. fully developed and ready to receive prevalence, burden, severity, risk both archived and prospective lung factors and management of COPD. Flow-Dependence of function test results from several The study targets people aged ≥40 Anatomical Dead Space: respiratory laboratories in Australia. years from populations located Effect of Lung Volume and at a number of diverse regions in Bronchodilation Our PhD student, Tristan Ling, who Australia (Busselton, Melbourne, won an APA scholarship to undertake In this study we further investigated Tasmania, Kimberley, and New this project, conducted this work. South Wales). We have almost the effect of expired flow on the completed data collection at one of measurement of airway volume The results of this research were the sites and expect data collection (flow-dependence of anatomical presented at international scientific to be complete in 2009. dead space) by investigating the conferences in Australia and Korea. effect of lung inflation and inhaled Prediction Equations for Single asthma therapy (bronchodilators) in National Spirometry Breath Diffusing Capacity healthy and asthmatic subjects. In Training Course for General DLCO (TLCO) in a Middle-Aged both subject groups we found that Practitioners: Impact on Caucasian Population the flow-dependence of dead space Uptake and Quality The diffusing capacity of the decreased at higher lung volumes. Spirometry is a an important test lung (D CO) is a test of alveolar- The effect of bronchodilators was to L of lung function and although capillary function that is routinely decrease the degree of non-uniform practice guidelines recommend its performed in almost all lung function ventilation in the healthy group routine use in general practice for laboratories worldwide. In this study but to worsen it in our asthmatic detecting, grading and monitoring we developed a set of prediction subjects. The latter finding suggests lung diseases such as asthma and equations for DLCO based on a that inhaled bronchodilators are chronic obstructive pulmonary large middle-aged population of preferentially distributed to lung disease, relatively few General healthy subjects using modern regions served by the more patent Practitioners routinely measure computerised equipment and testing airways resulting in a greater degree spirometry. We have worked closely methods that meet international with the National Asthma Council of of non-uniform ventilation. standards. Because existing Australia to develop Australia’s first prediction equations for DLCO are This project was completed by national and fully funded spirometry based on studies of predominantly Honours student Mei Ming Chan. training course specifically designed younger subjects, our new prediction She received First Class Honours for General Practitioners. As part of equations are more clinically relevant and the Thoracic Society of Australia the national roll-out of this course, to the older population in which we are assessing its impact on the and New Zealand Young Investigator DLCO is most commonly abnormal uptake and quality of spirometry Award at the annual scientific due to lung disease. provided by General Practitioners. meeting in Tasmania. This research has been presented at In 2007, the national spirometry national scientific conferences and Discovering the Patterns training course received formal has been accepted for publication in of Lung Function Using a endorsement by the Australian and the journal, Thorax.

40 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research Tasmanian Cancer Registry

Associate Professor Alison Venn and the Tasmanian Cancer Registry team

Cancer in Tasmania In 2007 the registry released its report DIRECTOR: The Tasmanian Cancer Registry Cancer Incidence and Mortality Associate Professor Alison Venn 2004. There were 2,472 new cases is responsible for collecting, of cancer (excluding non-melanoma collating and reporting all new STAFF: skin cancers) in Tasmanian residents cases of cancer and deaths from Marita Dalton, Manager in 2004 (1,379 males, 1,093 females). cancer in Tasmanian residents. Krystyna Jackman, The overall age-standardised By law, cancer registration is Administration Officer incidence was 350.8 per 100,000 required in all Australian states and for males and 267.2 per 100,000 for Jackie Luck, Medical Coder territories to assist state and national females. There were 1,092 cancer- Pam Whelan, Data Entry efforts to understand the causes related deaths (615 males, 477 of cancer, to plan health services Petr Otahal, Statistical Officer females) giving age-standardised and to assist prevention efforts. mortality rates of 139.8 per 100,000 FUNDING BODY: The Tasmanian Cancer Registry is males and 92.4 per 100,000 females. Department of Health operated by the Menzies Research The most commonly diagnosed and Human Services, Institute under a service agreement cancers were colorectal cancer, Tasmanian Government with the State Department of Health cancers of the breast, prostate and and Human Services. lung, and melanoma of the skin.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Research 41 Grants

ANZ Trustees Ltd – J.O. & J.R. vitamin D deficiency on the development $16,034,000 ($1,500,000 to UTAS; Wicking Trust. *Vickers, JC; *Robinson, of the skin immune system. $35,000 externally administered) A. Proposal to establish the Wicking Cancer Council Tasmania: Travel. General Practice Education and Dementia Research and Education Centre *Holloway, AF; *Oakford, PC. EMBO Training Limited. *Howes, FS; *Nelson, (WDREC). $1,500,000 Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics MR; *Hansen, EC. Barriers to initiating Asian Pacific Society of Respirology: attendance. $1,200 treatment in hypertension and barriers Travel. *O’May, C. Reducing iron to treating hypertension to target levels. Clifford Craig Medical Research availability is a potential strategy for $9,447 Trust. *Roddam, LF; *Sanderson, K; combating bacterial infection in the cystic *Wood-Baker, R; Tristram, SG; Haug, G. GlaxoSmithKline Australia: Fellowship. fibrosis (CF) lung. $1,500 The Acquisition of New Strains of Non- *Wood-Baker, R; *Walters, EH; *Reid, DW; Asthma Foundation of Tasmania. Typeable Haemophilus Influenzae Is The *Soltani Abhari, A. Investigation of airway *Walters, EH. Tasmanian Asthma Study. Leading Cause of Acute Exacerbations in inflammation in COPD. $80,000 $50,000 Tasmanian COPD Patients. $43,467 High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia. *Nelson, MR; *Winzenberg, Australian Cancer Research Clive & Vera Ramaciotti Foundation. TM. A Cluster Randomised controlled trial Foundation. *Foote, SJ; *Venn, A; *Chung, RS. Can Metallothionein Protect of an Automated versus manual device *Lowenthal, RM; *Vickers, JC; *Dickinson, Against Axonal Degeneration Following for blood pressure management (CRAB). JL; *Blizzard, CL; *Stankovich, J; Bahlo, Traumatic Brain Injury? $30,000 $59,086 M; *Chalmers, DRC. The ACRF Tasmanian David Collins Leukaemia Foundation: Inherited Cancer Centre (ATICC). Professional Development. *Holloway, Ian Potter Foundation: Travel Grant. $1,100,000 AF; *Oakford, PC. Philippa Oakford: *Hynes, K. Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Annual Epigenetics 2007 Australian Scientific Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Scientific Meeting. $1,000 Trust. *Reid, DW. Improving self-efficacy Conference. $400 Ian Potter Foundation: Travel Grant. in adolescents and adults with cystic David Collins Leukaemia Foundation. *van der Mei, IAF. Proposal to visit the fibrosis. $59,250 *Holloway, AF. Deregulation of Gene Harvard School of Public Health in Boston Expression by RUNX1 Fusion Proteins in Australian Lung Foundation: USA. $3,000 Fellowship. *Walters, JAE. Enhancing Leukaemia. $25,000 Masonic Centenary Medical Research Self-Efficacy in COPD. $120,000 David Collins Leukaemia Foundation. Foundation: Scholarship. *Vickers, JC; *Woods, GM; *Casey, N. Investigation of Australian Research Council: Linkage *Blizzard, C. PhD Scholarship: Cathy the potential of lentivirus-delivered shRNA Projects Round 1. *Chung, RS; *West, Blizzard. $60,000 AK; *Chuah, MI. Identifying the Specific in inhibiting the proliferation of human Structural Features of Metallothionein that leukaemic cells in vivo. $10,514 Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc: Zo-ee Regulate its Ability to Modulate Astrogliosis. Department of Health and Ageing: $303,000 (externally administered) MND Research Grant. *Vickers, JC; Fellowship. *Hansen, EC. Primary *King, AK; *Dickson, TC; *Chung, RS; Australian Research Council: Linkage Health Care Research, Education and *West, AK; *Chuah, MI. Unravelling the Projects Round 2. Kilpatrick, T; Perreau, Development Mid-Level Research cellular pathology underlying neuronal V; Broadley, SA; *Foote, SJ; Griffiths, LR; Fellowship. $422,000 degeneration in motor neurone disease. Moscato, PA; Scott, RJ; *Stankovich, J. Department of Health and Human $ 24,744 Identifying Genes that Influence Clinical Services: Funding Agreement. *Walters, Multiple Sclerosis International Course and Susceptibility in Multiple EH; *Wood-Baker, R. Pathways Home II Federation: Du Pre Award. *van der Mei, Sclerosis. $400,000 Feasibility: COPD Case Management in IAF. Study tour to Harvard School of Public Betfair Australia. *Blizzard, CL; Primary Care. $60,000 Health, Boston. $7,000 *Hitchens, PL. Assessment of Department of Innovation, Industry, Multiple Sclerosis Tasmania: physiological and performance attributes Science and Research: Agreement- Agreement-Fellowship Support. of Tasmanian Jockeys. $2,000 National Collaborative Research *Taylor, BVM. Menzies Research Institute Cancer Council Tasmania. *Dickinson, Infrastructure Strategy’s (NCRIS). Senior Fellowship Support – Bruce Taylor. JL; *Stankovich, J; *Lowenthal, RM; Goodnow, C; O’Bryan, M; Hilton, $180,000 D; Furness, J; Whitelaw, E; Pass, D; *Marsden, KA; *Patterson, B; *Quinn, National Heart Foundation: Travel. Kuchel, TR; *Foote, SJ. Implementing SJ. Investigating the genetics of familial *Schmidt, MD. International Conference the Australian Phenomics Network for haematological cancers in Tasmania. on Physical Activity and Obesity in the National Collaborative Research $60,000 Children, Toronto, ON. $1,500 Infrastructure Strategy’s Research Cancer Council Tasmania. *Woods, GM; Capability known as ‘Integrated Biological National Heart Foundation: Travel. Muller, HK. Effects of UV radiation and Systems’ – Animal Models of Disease. *Winzenberg, TM. Conference Travel: * Denotes Menzies Research Institute researcher. 42 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Grants Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation. *Holloway, AF; Shannon, MF; *Walters, EH. Switching genes on in immune cells: how does basal chromatin structure predict cytokine gene responses? $20,000 Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation. *Reid, DW; *Walters, EH; *Wood-Baker, R; *Johns, DP; Kirov, SM. Whether 3-day course of systematic corticosteroids is as effective as 14-day course in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD. $18,182 Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation. *Stewart, NJ. The role of vitamin D and its receptor in the action of T regulatory cells, a set of cells important in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. $4,979 18th World WONCA (World Organisation National Health & Medical Research Royal Hobart Hospital Research of Family Doctors) Conference, Singapore. Council: Project. *Srikanth, V; Forbes, J; Foundation. *Vickers, JC; *Dickson, TC. $1,500 Phan, T; Munch, G; *Pearson, S; *Venn, A. Axon regeneration in the mature CNS. A study of mechanisms of cognitive $20,000 National Health & Medical Research decline in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Council: Fellowship-Practitioner. $492,575 (externally administered). Royal Hobart Hospital Research *Jones, G. Graeme Jones Practitioner Foundation. *Walters, EH; Dharmage, Fellowship. $340,000 Qantas Airways Ltd: Tasmanian Devil S. Risk factors for BHR in middle age: Research Scholarship. *Woods, GM; a prospective study from childhood to National Health & Medical Research *Kreiss, A. Tasmanian Devil Research middle age among northern Tasmanians. Council: Fellowship-Public Health Scholarship – A *Kreiss. $19,321 $20,000 (Australia). *Paul, SL. Cardiovascular disease risk behaviours: understanding Royal Australian College of General Roche Products Pty Ltd: CellCept childhood origins. $274,000 Practitioners. *Howes, FS; *Nelson, Australia Research Grant Award. MR; *Hansen, EC. Barriers to initiating *Jose, MD; Lawton, P; Rogers, N. National Health & Medical Research treatment in hypertension and treating to Improving Indigenous kidney transplant Council: Fellowship-Training. *van der target levels. $11,920 outcomes. $40,000 Mei, IAF. Gene-environment interaction in MS risk and progression: focus on Royal Hobart Hospital Research TOTE Tasmania Pty Ltd. *Blizzard, ultraviolet radiation and Epstein-Barr virus Foundation: Fellowship – Sypkes CL; *Hitchens, PL. Assessment of pathways. $137,000 Respiratory Medicine Research. physiological and performance attributes *Soltani Abhari, A. Sypkes Respiratory of Tasmanian jockeys. $4,000 National Health & Medical Research Medicine Research Fellowship: Dr Amir Council: Project. Cheng, HC; *Cheung, Soltani. $272,728 Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing NS. Deciphering how PTEN phosphatase Council. *Blizzard, CL; *Hitchens, Royal Hobart Hospital Research mediates excitotoxic neuronal death. PL. Assessment of physiological and Foundation: Fellowship – Sypkes $498,750 (externally administered). performance attributes of Tasmanian Respiratory Medicine Research. jockeys. $1,000 National Health & Medical Research *Walters, EH. Sypkes Respiratory Council: Project. *Clark, MG; *Rattigan, Epidemiology Research Fellowship: Dr University of Tasmania – Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research S; *Richards, SM; Choi-Lundberg, DL. John Marrone – The epidemiology of Grant. *Woods, GM; *Kreiss, A. An Central and Peripheral Actions of Insulin respiratory disease. $272,727 immunological and immunogenetic for the Control of Muscle Capillary Royal Hobart Hospital Research approach to protect Tasmanian devils Recruitment. $417,750 Foundation. Bettiol, SS; *Sanderson, K; against Devil Facial Tumour Disease National Health & Medical Research *Reid, DW. Neutrophil function in patients (DFTD). $23,524 Council: Project. *Dharmage, S; with cystic fibrosis. $12,150 Western Australian Institute of Medical Hopper, J; *Walters, EH; Matheson, Royal Hobart Hospital Research Research: Phylogica – Neurotrauma MC; Abramson, M; Byrnes, G. Genetic Foundation. *Chuah, MI; *West, AK; Research Program. Watt, PM; *West, epidemiology of chronic respiratory Muller, HK. Protection of the brain from AK; Meloni, BP; Milech, N. Validation of diseases from childhood to adulthood: infection: Immune properties of olfactory Phylomer peptides in neurotrauma-related A prospective study of sibships. $852,563 ensheathing cells. $10,000 brain injury models. $266,600 (externally (externally administered) administered) Royal Hobart Hospital Research National Health & Medical Research Foundation. *Jose, M. The role of World Health Organisation: Fellowship Council: Project. *Dickson, TC; *Vickers, erythropoietin receptors in monocytes Program. *Blizzard, CL; *Otahal, P; JC. The Neuroprotective Properties of and macrophages in chronic kidney *Schmidt, MD; *Paul, SL; *Pearson, S. Alpha-Synuclein. $310,250 disease. $13,636 WHO Fellowship Program. $13,000

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Grants 43 Publications

Refereed Articles asthma in females: a 25-yr prospective *Ding C, Cicuttini F, *Blizzard L, *Jones study. European Respiratory Journal. 2007; G. Smoking interacts with family history Andreasyan K, *Ponsonby AL, *Dwyer T, 29(4):668–75. with regard to change in knee cartilage Dear K, *Cochrane J. Infant feeding and volume and cartilage defect development. childhood atopy: does early introduction Burgess JA, *Walters EH, Byrnes GB, Arthritis Rheum. 2007 May; 56(5):1521–8. of non-milk fluids matter? Pediatr Allergy Matheson MC, Jenkins MA, Wharton Immunol. 2007 May; 18(3):250–7. CL, *Johns DP, Abramson MJ, Hopper *Ding C, Cicuttini F, *Blizzard L, Scott F, JL, *Dharmage SC. Childhood allergic *Jones G. A longitudinal study of the effect Andreasyan K, *Ponsonby AL, *Dwyer of sex and age on rate of change in knee T, Morley R, Riley M, Dear K, *Cochrane rhinitis predicts asthma incidence and cartilage volume in adults. Rheumatology J. Higher maternal dietary protein intake in persistence to middle age: A longitudinal 2007; 46(2):273–279. late pregnancy is associated with a lower study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007 Oct; infant ponderal index at birth. Eur J Clin 120(4):863–9. *Ding C, Cicuttini F, *Jones G. Tibial Nutr. 2007 Apr; 61(4):498–508. *Callisaya ML, *Au BT, *Blizzard L, subchondral bone size and knee cartilage defects: relevance to knee osteoarthritis. Baldwin T, Sakthianandeswaren A, *Schmidt MD, McGinley J, *Srikanth VK. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2007 May; Curtis JM, Kumar B, Smyth GK, *Foote Subject-matter considerations in assessing 15(5):479–86. SJ, Handman E. Wound healing response the fit of a linear regression model. is a major contributor to the severity of Australasian Epidemiologist 2007; 14:35–37. *Ding C, Martel-Pelletier J, Pelletier cutaneous leishmaniasis in the ear model Chasan-Taber L, Freedson PS, Roberts JP, Abram F, Raynauld JP, Cicuttini of infection. Parasite Immunol. 2007 Oct; DE, *Schmidt MD, Fragala MS. Energy F, *Jones G. Knee meniscal extrusion 29(10):501–13. expenditure of selected household activities in a largely non-osteoarthritic cohort: during pregnancy. Res Q Exerc Sport. association with greater loss of cartilage Bennett CM, Simpson P, Raven J, volume. Arthritis Res Ther. 2007; 9(2):R21. Skoric B, Powell J, Wolfe R, *Walters 2007 Mar; 78(2):133–7. EH, Abramson MJ. Associations Chasan-Taber L, *Schmidt MD, Pekow *Ding C, Martel-Pelletier J, Pelletier JP, between ambient PM2.5 concentrations P, Sternfeld B, Manson J, Markenson G. Abram F, Raynauld JP, Cicuttini F, *Jones and respiratory symptoms in Melbourne, Correlates of physical activity in pregnancy G. Meniscal tear as an osteoarthritis risk 1998-2005. J Toxicol Environ Health A. among Hispanic women. Maternal & Child factor in a largely non-osteoarthritic cohort: 2007 Oct; 70(19):1613–8. Health Journal 2007; 11:353–363. a cross-sectional study. J Rheumatol. 2007 Apr; 34(4):776–84. *Blizzard CA, *Haas MA, *Vickers JC, Chen CY, Scurrah KJ, *Stankovich *Ding C, Martel-Pelletier J, Pelletier *Dickson TC. Cellular dynamics underlying JM, Garoufalis P, Dirani M, Pertile JP, Abram F, Raynauld JP, Cicuttini regeneration of damaged axons differs KK, Richardson A, Mitchell P, Baird P. F, *Jones G. Two-year prospective from initial axon development. Eur J Heritability and shared environment longitudinal study exploring the factors Neurosci. 2007 Sep; 26(5):1100–8. estimates for myopia and associated ocular associated with change in femoral cartilage biometric traits: the Genes in Myopia *Blizzard L, Hosmer DW. The log volume in a cohort largely without knee Family Study. Human Genetics 2007; multinomial regression model for nominal radiographic osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis 121(3–4):511–520. outcomes with more than two attributes. Cartilage. 2007 Sep 22 (E-published). Biometrical Journal 2007; 49:889–902. Chen CY, *Stankovich J, Scurrah KJ, *D’Souza WJ, Fryer JL, *Quinn SJ, Garoufalis P, Dirani M, Pertile KK, *Blizzard L, Hosmer DW. Authors’ reply. *Taylor BV, Ficker DM, O’Brien TJ, Richardson AJ, Baird PN. Linkage Biometrical Journal 2007; 49:330–1. Pearce NE, Cook MJ. The Tasmanian replication of the MYP12 locus in common *Bradley EA, *Clark MG, *Rattigan S. Epilepsy Register – A Community-Based myopia. Investigative Ophthalmology and Acute effects of wortmannin on insulin’s Cohort. Neuroepidemiology 2007; 29: Vision Science 2007; 48(10):4433–4439. hemodynamic and metabolic actions in 255–63. vivo. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2007 *Chung RS, Fung SJ, Leung YK, Walker *D’Souza WL, O’Brien TJ, Murphy M, Mar; 292(3):E779–87. AK, *McCormack GH, *Chuah MI, Trost NM, Cook MJ. Toothbrushing- *Vickers JC, *West AK. Metallothionein Burfoot RK, Jensen CJ, Field J, induced epilepsy with structural lesions expression by NG2 glial cells following *Stankovich J, Varney MD, Johnson in the primary somatosensory. Neurology CNS injury. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2007; LJ, Butzkueven H, Booth D, Bahlo M, 2007; 68(10):769–771. 64(19–20):2716–2722. Tait BD, *Taylor BV, Speed TP, Heard Dwyer N, Smart D, *Reid DW. Scuba R, Stewart GJ, *Foote SJ, Kilpatrick TJ, *Clark MG, *Rattigan S, Barrett EJ, diving, swimming and pulmonary Rubio JP. SNP mapping and candidate *Vincent MA, Poole DC, Brown MD, oedema. Internal Medicine Journal 2007; gene sequencing in the class I region Hudlicka O. There is/is not capillary 37(5):345–7. of the HLA complex: searching for recruitment in active skeletal muscle during multiple sclerosis susceptibility genes in exercise. J Appl Physiol. 2007 Jul 26 *Dwyer T, Hosmer D, Hosmer T, Tasmanians. Tissue Antigens. 2007 Oct 30 (E-published). *Venn AJ, *Blizzard CL, *Granger RH, (E-published). *Cochrane JA, Blair SN, Shaw JE, *Dickson TC, *Chung RS, *McCormack Zimmet PZ, Dunstan D. The inverse Burgess JA, *Walters EH, Byrnes GB, GH, Staal JA, *Vickers JC. Acute reactive relationship between number of steps per Giles GG, Jenkins MA, Abramson MJ, and regenerative changes in mature day and obesity in a population-based Hopper JL, *Dharmage SC. Childhood cortical axons following injury. Neuroreport. sample: the AusDiab study. Int J Obes adiposity predicts adult-onset current 2007 Feb 12; 18(3):283–8. (Lond). 2007 May; 31(5):797-804. * Denotes Menzies Research Institute researcher. 44 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Publications *Dwyer T, *Hynes KL, Fryer JL, *Blizzard Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) *Jones G, Flynn J, *Foley S. Site CL, Dalais FS. The lack of effect of Core Set for patients with acute arthritis. Specificity of Fracture Prediction in isoflavones on high-density lipoprotein Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2007 Mar-Apr; Children. J Bone Miner Res. 2007 Dec 11 cholesterol concentrations in adolescent 25(2):252–8. (E-published). boys: a 6-week randomised trial. Public Haas MA, Chuckowree JA, *Chung RS, *Jordan HL, Bruinsma FJ, Thomson Health Nutr. 2007 Sep 4; 1–8 (E-published). *Vickers JC, *Dickson TC. Identification RJ, Amir LH, Werther GA, *Venn AJ. Feltis BN, Wignarajah D, *Reid DW, and characterization of a population Adolescent exposure to high-dose Ward C, Harding R, *Walters EH. Effects of motile neurons in long-term cortical estrogen and subsequent effects on of inhaled fluticasone on angiogenesis culture. Cell Motil Cytoskeleton. 2007 Apr; lactation. Reprod Toxicol. 2007 Nov–Dec; and vascular endothelial growth factor in 64(4):274–87. 24(3-4):397–402. asthma. Thorax. 2007; 62(4):314–9. Epub Kabat AP, Rose RW, *West AK. Shivering, 2006 Nov 14. Haas MA, *Vickers JC, *Dickson TC. Rho kinase activates ezrin-radixin-moesin muscle tone, and uncoupling proteins in Fitzgerald K, Stephens N, Newman L, (ERM) proteins and mediates their function a developing marsupial, the Tasmanian *Venn A. Inaccuracies in self-reported in cortical neuron growth, morphology and bettong (Bettongia gaimardi). J Thermal histories of non-melanoma skin cancer. motility in vitro. J Neurosci Res. 2007 Jan; Biology 2007; 32(5):282–292. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2007 Feb; 85(1):34–46. Khor YH, Feltis BN, *Reid DW, Ward C, 31(1) : 87. Hassen T, *Pearson S, Cowled P, *Johns DP, *Wood-Baker R, *Walters EH. *Fitzgerald M, *Bartlett CA, *Nairn P, Fitridge R. Preoperative nutritional status Airway cell and cytokine changes in *Chung RS, *West AK, Beazley LD*, predicts the severity of the systemic early asthma deterioration after inhaled ‘Metallothionein-IIA promotes neurite inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) corticosteroid reduction. Clinical and growth via the megalin receptor’, following major vascular surgery. European Experimental Allergy. 2007; 37:1189–1198. Experimental Brain Research 2007; Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Kiltz U, Brandt J, *Zochling JM, 183(2):171–180. Surgery 2007; 33(6):696–703. Braun J. Rheumatic manifestations of Flynn J, *Foley S, *Jones G. Can BMD Huang Y, Halliday G, Vandebona H, lymphoproliferative disorders. Clinical Assessed by DXA at Age 8 Predict Fracture Mellick G, Mastaglia F, Stevens J, and Experimental Rheumatology 2007; Risk in Boys and Girls During Puberty? An Kwok J, Garlepp M, Silburn P, Horne M, 27(1):35–39. Eight-Year Prospective Study. Journal of Kotschet K, *Venn A, Rowe D, Rubio J, *King AE, *Dickson TC, *Blizzard CA, Bone and Mineral Research, September Sue C. The prevalence of common LRRK2 Foster SS, *Chung RS, *West AK, 2007:22:1463–1467. mutations in Australians with Parkinson’s *Chuah MI, *Vickers JC. Excitotoxicity *Foley S, *Ding C, Cicuttini F, *Jones G. disease. Movement Disorders 2007; mediated by non-NMDA receptors causes Physical activity and knee structural 15:982–9. distal axonopathy in long-term cultured change: a longitudinal study using Janakiramanan N, Teichtahl AJ, spinal motor neurons. Eur J Neurosci. 2007 MRI. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007 Mar; Wluka AE, *Ding C, *Jones G, Oct; 26(8):2151–9. 39(3):426–34. Davis SR, Cicuttini FM. Static knee Kirov SM, Webb JS, *O’May CY, *Reid Gartlan J, Male S, Donaldson L, alignment is associated with the risk of DW, Woo JKK, Rice SA, Kjelleberg S. *Nelson M, *Winzenberg T. GP workforce unicompartmental knee cartilage defects. J Biofilm differentiation and dispersal participation in Tasmania. Aust Fam Orthop Res 2007 (Epublished). by mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Physician. 2007 May; 36(5):378–80, 384. Johns DP, Pierce R. Book. 2nd edition: isolates from patients with cystic fibrosis. Microbiology 2007 (E-published). Gladman DD, Mease PJ, Strand V, Healy Pocket Guide to Spirometry. Publisher P, Helliwell PS, Fitzgerald O, Gottlieb McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-013464-5. Kolka CM, *Rattigan S, *Richards SM, AB, Krueger GG, Nash P, Ritchlin CT, 160 pages. July 2007. *Clark MG. Potential for endothelin-1- Taylor W, Adebajo A, Braun J, Cauli mediated impairment of contractile activity Johns DP, Burton D, *Walters JAE, A, Carneiro S, Choy E, Dijkmans B, in hypertension. Clinical and Experimental *Wood-Baker R. Reply to Value of Espinoza L, van der Heijde D, Husni Phamacology and Physiology 2007; recommended spirometry accuracy checks E, Lubrano E, McGonagle D, Qureshi 34(March):217–222. on office spirometers in primary care A, Soriano ER, *Jochling J. Consensus unknown. Respirology 2007; 12:170–171. *Kreiss A, Fox N, Bergfeld J, *Quinn SJ, on a Core Set of Domains for Psoriatic Pyecroft S, *Woods GM. Assessment of Arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology 2007; Johnston F. Ecohealth and Aboriginal cellular immune responses of healthy and 34 ( 5):1167–1170. Testimony of the Nexus Between Human diseased Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus Health and Place. Ecohealth 2007; *Green CM, Kearns LS, Wu J, Barbour harrisii). Dev Comp Immunol. 2007 Oct 16 4(4):489–499. JM, Wilkinson RM, Ring M, Craig JE, (E-published). Wong TL, Hewitt AW, Mackey DA. Jones A, *Wood-Baker R, *Walters EH. Lucas RM, *Ponsonby AL, McMichael How significant is a family history of Domiciliary oxygen therapy services in AJ, *van der Mei I, Chapman C, glaucoma? Experience from the Glaucoma Tasmania: prescription, usage and impact Coulthard A, Dear K, *Dwyer T, Inheritance Study in Tasmania. Clinical and of a specialist clinic. Med J Aust. 2007 Jun Kilpatrick TJ, Pender MP, *Taylor B, Experimental Ophthalmology 2007; 35: 18; 186(12):632–4. Valery P, *Williams D. Observational 793–799. *Jones G, Cicuttini F. Database research analytic studies in multiple sclerosis: Gregory J, *Johns DP, Walls J. Relative in Australia: time to dredge up some action. controlling bias through study design and vs. absolute physiological measures as Intern Med J 2007 Sep; 37(9):587–8. conduct. The Australian Multicentre Study predictors of mountain bike cross-country of Environment and Immune Function. Mult *Jones G, *Dwyer T, *Hynes KL, race performance. Journal Strength Scler. 2007 Aug; 13(7):827–39. Parameswaran V, Udayan R, Conditioning Research. 2007; 21(1):17–22. Greenaway TM. A prospective study of *Magnussen CG, Raitakari OT, Thomson Grill E, *Zochling J, Stucki G, Mittrach urinary electrolytes and bone turnover in R, Juonala M, Patel DA, Viikari JSA, R, Scheuringer M, Liman W, Kostanjsek adolescent males. Clin Nutr. 2007 Sep 26 Marniemi J, Srinivasan SR, Berenson N, Braun J. International Classification of (E-published). GS, *Dwyer T, *Venn A. (2008). Utility

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Publications 45 of Currently Recommended Pediatric *Paul S, *Srikanth V, Thrift A. The large to assess physical activity in population Dyslipidemia Classifications in Predicting and growing burden of stroke. Current studies: lessons from the Burnie Take Dyslipidemia in Adulthood: Evidence Drug Targets 2007; 8:786–793. Heart Study. Res Q Exerc Sport 2007; from the Childhood Determinants of Adult 78:162–170. *Ponsonby AL, Brown SA, Kearns LS, Health (CDAH) Study, Cardiovascular Mackinnon JR, Scotter LW, *Cochrane Scott DK, Lord R, Muller HK, *Malley Risk in Young Finns Study, and Bogalusa JA, Mackey DA. The association between RC, *Woods GM. Proteomics identifies Heart Study. Circulation 2007; Dec 10 maternal smoking in pregnancy, other early enhanced expression of stefin A in neonatal (E-published). life characteristics and childhood vision: the murine skin compared with adults: Matheson MC, Erbas B, Balasuriya A, twins eye study in Tasmania. Ophthalmic functional implications. Br J Dermatol. 2007 Jenkins MA, Wharton CL, Lai-Kuan Epidemiol. 2007; Nov-Dec (E-published). Jun; 156(6):1156–62. Tang M, Abramson MJ, *Walters EH, *Powell S, *Ma D, *Jones G. Determinants Seneviratne U, *D’Souza W, Cook M. Hopper JL, *Dharmage SC. Breastfeeding of skeletal age deviation in a cross- Long-term assessment of oxcarbazepine in and atopic disease: A cohort study from sectional study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. a naturalistic setting: a retrospective study. childhood to middle age. J Allergy Clin 2007 Dec 4 (E-published). Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 2007; Nov Immunol. 2007 Nov; 120(5):1051–7. *Rattigan S, *Bussey CT, *Ross RM, 19 (E-published). Matheson MC, Raven J, *Johns DP, *Richards SM. Obesity, insulin resistance, *Shaw KA, *Srikanth VK, *Fryer JL, Abramson MJ, *Walters EH. Associations and capillary recruitment. Microcirculation. *Blizzard L, *Dwyer T, *Venn AJ. between reduced diffusing capacity and 2007 Jun; 14(4):299–309. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body airflow obstruction in community-based composition and aging in a population- subjects. Respiratory Medicine. 2007; *Reid DW, *Carroll V, *O’May C, based older cohort. International Journal of 101(8):1730–7. Champion A, Kirov SM. Increased airway iron as a potential factor in persistence Obesity 2007; 31(2):279–284. *McMorran BJ, Ouvry Patat S, Carlin of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection Siddle HV, *Kreiss A, Eldridge MD, J, Grimwood K, Jones A, Armstrong D, in Cystic Fibrosis. European Respiratory Noonan E, Clarke CJ, Pyecroft S, Galati J, Cooper P, Byrnes C, Francis Journal. 2007 Aug; 30(2):286–292. *Woods GM, Belov K. Transmission of P, Robertson C, Hume D, Borchers *Reid DW, Misso N, Aggarwal S, a fatal clonal tumor by biting occurs due C, Wainwright C, Wainwright B. Thompson PJ, *Walters EH. Oxidative to depleted MHC diversity in a threatened Novel neutrophil-derived proteins in stress and lipid-derived inflammatory carnivorous marsupial. Proc Natl Acad Sci bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicate an mediators during acute exacerbations of USA. 2007 Oct 9; 104(41):16221–6. exaggerated inflammatory response in cystic fibrosis. Respirology. 2007; Jan; pediatric cystic fibrosis patients. Clinical 12(1):63–9. Sims AM, Shephard N, Carter K, Doan T, Chemistry 2007; 53(10):1782–1791. Dowling A, Duncan EL, Eisman J, *Jones *Ross RM, Downey KA, *Newman JM, G, Nicholson G, Prince R, Seeman E, Morley B, Pirkis J, *Sanderson K, *Richards SM, *Clark MG, *Rattigan S. Thomas G, Wass JA, Brown MA. Genetic Burgess P, Kohn F, Naccarella L, Blashki Contrast enhanced ultrasound Analyses in a Sample of Individuals With G. Better outcomes in mental health care: measurement of microvascular perfusion High or Low Bone Density Demonstrates impact of different models of psychological relevant to nutrient and hormone delivery Association With Multiple Wnt Pathway service provision on patient outcomes. Aust in skeletal muscle: a model study in Genes. J Bone Miner Res. 2007 Nov 19 N Z J Psychiatry. 2007 Feb; 41(2):142–9. vitro. Microvascular Research 2007 (E-published). Mundt DJ, Mundt KA, Luippold (E-published). *Srikanth VK, Fryer J, *Venn A, *Blizzard RS, *Schmidt MD, Farr C. Clinical *Ross RM, Kolka CM, *Rattigan S, *Clark L, Newman L, Cooley H, *Albion T, epidemiological study of employees MG. Acute blockade by endothelin-1 *Jones G. The association between non- exposed to perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) of haemodynamic insulin action in rats. melanoma skin cancer and osteoporotic blend. Occupational and Environmental Diabetologia. 2007 Feb; 50(2):443–51. fractures – a population-based record Medicine 2007; 64:589–594. *Ross RM, Wadley GD, *Clark MG, linkage study. Osteoporos Int. 2007 May; Nakajima K, Dharmage SC, Carlin JB, *Rattigan S, McConell GK. Local NOS 18(5):687–92. Wharton CL, Jenkins MA, Giles GG, inhibition reduces skeletal muscle glucose *Staal JA, *Dickson TC, *Chung RS, Abramson MJ, *Walters EH, Hopper JL. uptake but not capillary blood flow during *Vickers JC. ‘Cyclosporin – a treatment Is childhood immunisation associated with in situ muscle contraction in rats. Diabetes attenuates delayed cytoskeletal alterations atopic disease from age 7 to 32 years? 2007 Dec; 56(12):2885–92. and secondary axotomy following mild Thorax. 2007; 62(3):270–5. Rubio JP, Bahlo M, *Stankovich J, axonal stretch injury’, Developmental *Newman JM, *Ross RM, *Richards Burfoot RK, Johnson LJ, Huxtable S, Neurobiology 2007; Aug 13 (E-published). SM, *Clark MG, *Rattigan S. Insulin Butzkueven H, Lin L, *Taylor BV, Speed *Stewart N, *Taylor B, *Ponsonby AL, and Contraction Increase Nutritive Blood TP, Kilpatrick TJ, Mignot E, *Foote SJ. *Pittas F, *van der Mei I, *Woods G, Flow in Rat Muscle In Vivo: Determined by Analysis of extended HLA haplotypes in *Walters H. The effect of season on Microdialysis of [14C]-L-Glucose. J Physiol. multiple sclerosis and narcolepsy families cytokine expression in multiple sclerosis 2007; 585(1)217–29. confirms a predisposing effect for the class I region in Tasmanian MS patients. and healthy subjects. J Neuroimmunol. *O’Toole DA, *West AK, *Chuah MI. Immunogenetics. 2007 Mar; 59(3):177–86. 2007 Aug; 188(1–2):181–6. Effect of olfactory ensheathing cells on Symons RC, Turakulov R, *Foote SJ, reactive astrocytes in vitro. Cell Mol Life Sci. *Sanderson K, Tilse E, Nicholson Craig JE, McCartney PJ, Mackey DA. No 2007 May; 64(10):1303–9. J, Oldenburg B, Graves N. Which presenteeism measures are more sensitive maternally inherited diabetes and deafness Panelli R, Kilpatrick C, Moore SM, to depression and anxiety? J Affect Disord. mutations in a sample of 193 Tasmanian Matkovic Z, *D’Souza WJ, O’Brien TJ. 2007 Aug; 101(1-3):65–74. diabetics with glaucoma. Ophthalmic The Liverpool Adverse Events Profile: Genet. 2007 Mar; 28(1):39-41. Relation to AED Us and mood. Epilepsia *Schmidt MD, *Blizzard CL, *Venn *Thomson RJ, *Quinn S, McKay J, Silver 2007. 48(3):456–463. AJ, *Cochrane JA, *Dwyer T. Practical considerations when using pedometers J, Bahlo M, Fitzgerald L, *Foote SJ,

* Denotes Menzies Research Institute researcher. 46 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Publications *Dickinson J, *Stankovich JM. *Winzenberg T, Buchbinder R, *Shaw Reviews The advantages of dense marker sets for K, *Jones G. Musculoskeletal conditions Effing T, Monninkhof EM, van der Valk linkage analysis with very large families. - what’s new from Cochrane and how PD, van der Palen J, van Herwaarden Human Genetics 2007; 121:459-468. might this affect your practice? Aust Fam CL, Partidge MR, *Walters EH, Physician. 2007 Jun; 36(6):433-4. *van der Mei IA, *Ponsonby AL, *Dwyer Zielhuis GA. Self-management education T, *Blizzard L, *Taylor BV, Kilpatrick T, *Winzenberg T, *Zochling J. Colchicine for patients with chronic obstructive Butzkueven H, McMichael AJ. Vitamin D – What is its place in the management of pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database levels in people with multiple sclerosis and acute gout? Aust Fam Physician 2007; Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17; (4):CD002990. community controls in Tasmania, Australia. 36:529-30. *Gartlan J, *Nelson M, *Jones G. J Neurol. 2007 May; 254(5):581-90. *Winzenberg T, *Hansen E, *Jones G. Osteoarthritis management of the *van der Mei IA, *Ponsonby AL, How do women change osteoporosis- knee-treatment options post the NSAID Engelsen O, Pasco JA, McGrath JJ, preventive behaviours in their children? Eur cardiotoxicity controversy. Aust Fam Eyles DW, *Blizzard L, *Dwyer T, J Clin Nutr. 2007 Apr 4 (E-published). Physician. 2007 Sep; 36(9):717-8. Lucas R, * Jones G. The high prevalence *Winzenberg T, *Powell S, *Jones *Holloway AF, *Oakford PC. Targeting of vitamin D insufficiency across Australian G. Strontium ranelate – does it affect epigenetic modifiers in cancer. Curr Med populations is only partly explained by the management of postmenopausal Chem. 2007; 14(24):2540-7. season and latitude. Environ Health osteoporosis? Aust Fam Physician. 2007 Perspect. 2007 Aug; 115(8):1132-9. Norval M, *Malley RC, *Woods GM. Aug; 36(8):631–2. What’s new in photoimmunology? *Venn AJ, Hosmer T, Hosmer D, *Winzenberg T, *Shaw K, *Fryer J, Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. Bruinsma F, Jones P, Lumley J, Pyett *Jones G. Calcium supplements in healthy 2007 Aug; 23(4):148-51. P, Rayner J, Werther G. Oestrogen children do not affect weight gain, height, treatment for tall stature in girls: estimating Norval M, *Malley RC, *Woods GM. or body composition. Obesity (Silver the effect on height and the error in height Immune protection against Spring). 2007 Jul; 15(7):1789–98. prediction. Clinical Endocrinology 2007; photocarcinogenesis. Expert Review of doi :10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.03128.x *Wood-Baker R, *Walters J, *Walters Dermatology 2007; 254(5):581-590. (E-published). EH. Systemic corticosteroids in chronic *Shaw K, *Zochling J, *Winzenberg T. obstructive pulmonary disease: an *Venn AJ, *Thomson RJ, *Schmidt MD, Nonpharmacological interventions for overview of Cochrane systematic reviews. Cleland VJ, *Curry BA, Gennat HC, rheumatoid arthritis. Aust Fam Physician. Respiratory Medicine. 2007; 101(3):371–7. *Dwyer T. Overweight and obesity from 2007 Oct; 36(10):840-1. childhood to adulthood: a follow-up of *Woodhouse A, *Dickson TC, Stankovic RK, *Chung RS, Penkowa M. participants in the 1985 Australian Schools *Vickers JC. Vaccination strategies for Metallothioneins I and II: neuroprotective Health and Fitness Survey. Med J Aust. Alzheimer’s disease: A new hope? Drugs significance during CNS pathology. Int J 2007 May 7; 186 (9):458–60. Aging. 2007; 24(2):107-19. Biochem Cell Biol. 2007; 39(3):484-9. *Vincent AJ, Choi-Lundberg DL, Harris *Woodhouse A, *Vickers JC, Adlard PA, *Walters EH, *Reid DW, *Johns DP, JA, *West AK, *Chuah MI. Bacteria and *Dickson TC. Dystrophic neurites in Ward C. Non-pharmacological and PAMPs activate nuclear factor kappaB and TgCRND8 and Tg2576 mice mimic human pharmacological interventions to prevent Gro production in a subset of olfactory pathological brain aging. Neurobiol Aging. or reduce airway remodelling. Eur Respir J ensheathing cells and astrocytes but 2007 Oct 18 (E-published). 2007 Sep; 30(3):574-588. not in Schwann cells. Glia. 2007 Jul; *Woods GM, *Kreiss A, Belov K, 55(9):905–16. *Walters JAE, Howes FS, Buchbinder R. Siddle HV, Obendorf DL, Muller HK. Oral corticosteroids – their place in the Vollus GC, *Bradley EA, Roberts The Immune Response of the Tasmanian management of adhesive capsulitis. MK, *Newman JM, *Richards SM, Devil (Sarcophilus harrissii) and Devil Facial Australian Family Physician 2007; *Rattigan S, Barrett EJ, *Clark MG. Tumour Disease. EcoHealth 2007; 4: 36(11):927-929. Graded occlusion of perfused rat muscle 338-345. vasculature decreases insulin action. Clin *Zochling J, Baraliakos X, Hermann KG, Xu J, Wang Y, Pan F, *Stankovich J, Ye Sci (Lond). 2007 Apr; 112(8):457–66. Braun J. Magnetic resonance imaging D, Lian L, Zhang K, *Ding C. Association in ankylosing spondylitis. Curr Opin *Walters EH, *Walters JA, *Wood- of ACE Gene Polymorphism with Rheumatol. 2007 Jul; 19(4):346-52. Baker R. Anti-IgE and chemotherapy: Genetic Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus a critical appraisal of treatment options Erythematosus in a Chinese Population: *Zochling J, Braun J. Assessments in for severe asthma. Expert Opinion on A Family-based Association Study. J ankylosing spondylitis. Best Pract Res Pharmacotherapy. 2007; 8(5):585–92. Rheumatol. 2007 Dec; 34(12):2408–2411. Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Aug; 21(4):699-712. Review. *Walters EH, Gibson PG, Lasserson TJ, Zhai G, *Ding C, Cicuttini F, *Jones G. *Walters JA. Long-acting beta2-agonists A longitudinal study of the association *Zochling J, Braun J. Quality indicators, for chronic asthma in adults and children between knee alignment and change in guidelines and outcome measures in where background therapy contains varied cartilage volume and chondral defects in ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Exp Rheumatol. or no inhaled corticosteroid. Cochrane a largely non-osteoarthritic population. J 2007 Nov-Dec; 25(6 Suppl 47):147-52. Database Systematic Review. 2007 Jan 24; Rheumatol. 2007 Jan; 34(1):181–6. (1):CD001385. *Zochling J, Grill E, Alten R, Ernst J, Presentations *Walters JA, *Hansen EC, *Johns DP, Stucki G, Braun J. Identification of relevant Menzies’ researchers attended a number of *Walters EH, *Blizzard L, *Wood- functional issues for the care of patients with national and international medical research Baker R. A mixed methods study to acute arthritis by health professionals, using conferences in 2007. 190 oral and poster compare models of spirometry delivery in the ICF framework and a multi-disciplinary presentation were delivered. primary care for patients at risk of Chronic focus group approach. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Thorax. 2007 May–Jun; 25(3):354–60. 2007 Dec 5 (E-published).

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Publications 47 48 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Education and Training Education and Training

Macquarie and Bathurst Street Postdoctoral Completions STUDENT sites, to train students in the RESEARCH TEAM: There were six Doctor of Philosophy critical appraisal of scientific (PhD) completions in 2007. A/Prof Leigh Blizzard, literature. Several members of Graduate Research Coordinator academic staff led by Professor Verity Cleland completed her PhD (Macquarie Street) Simon Foote provided lectures in in The importance of physical activity Dr Sue Pearson, genetics and statistical genetics and fitness in maintaining a healthy Honours and Undergraduate as part of an undergraduate weight from childhood into adulthood Research Opportunity Program with the Childhood Determinants of Coordinator curriculum at the University of Tasmania, with an open invitation Adult Health (CDAH) study team, Dr Stephen Richards, to attend extended to Menzies’ staff and was appointed as a postdoctoral Graduate Research Coordinator research fellow at the Centre for (Sandy Bay) and research students. Physical Activity and Nutrition at A/Prof Greg Woods, In 2007, the annual Postdoctoral Deakin University. Graduate Research Coordinator Fellow Training Day was for the (Clinical School) first time, expanded to include Renee Dwyer (nee Ross) completed our research students with 35 of her PhD in Exercise and insulin: muscle haemodynamics and Our Student Research them able to attend. The topics covered included: metabolism with the muscle research Environment group. Renee was then offered a One of the key goals of Menzies is • The road to a successful career in tenured lectureship at the University to attract quality research students medical research (Professor Doug of Tasmania. She has responsibility and early career postdoctoral Hilton, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute); for the Paramedicine course offered researchers, and to train them to • Research ethics in the genetics by the School of Medicine. become future research leaders. of populations (Professor Don Chalmers, University of Tasmania); Liesel Fitzgerald completed her The number of research students PhD in The genetics of familial at Menzies is continuing to grow. • Finding a salary to support your prostate cancer in Tasmania with the There were 51 Masters and PhD career (Dr Lisa Koutoulis, Menzies genetics group, and has taken up candidates enrolled in 2007. Research Institute); a postdoctoral position at the Fred Another ten students completed • How to translate your discovery Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, an honours degree, and five into a clinical outcome (Professor Seattle, in the lab of Professor Janet undergraduate students were placed Simon Foote, Menzies Research Stanford. in the Undergraduate Research Institute); Opportunities Program (UROP) that Dr Julia Walters completed her PhD • Ten rules for the presentation was introduced in 2005. in A mixed-methods investigation and interpretation of data in of attitudes to chronic obstructive Providing a stimulating and publications (Professor Dave Vaux, pulmonary disease in general rewarding learning environment La Trobe University). practice and the utility of spirometry that is responsive to student needs for improving it, with the respiratory The Childhood Determinants of Adult has become an important focus of research group, and was awarded Menzies. Several new initiatives were Health (CDAH) team continued their an Australian Lung Foundation taken in this regard in 2007. monthly analysis meetings at which Boehringer Engelheim Postdoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows Fellowship to continue her work at A weekly program of teaching in are given opportunities to present the Menzies Research Institute. statistics was introduced, together preliminary data, plan analyses and with weekly workshops to provide paper writing, discuss reviewers’ Dr Yudong Wen completed her guidance in the use of the Stata comments on submitted papers, and PhD in Smoking-related airway statistical package. Monthly journal address common data management inflammation and corticosteroid club meetings were introduced at and data analysis problems. responsiveness in smoking-related

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Education and Training 49 COPD with the respiratory research Costan Magnussen, Deborah Catherine Blizzard made an group. She has returned to Melbourne Scott, Jerome Staal and Adele invited presentation to the to complete her clinical training. Woodhouse. Tasmanian Masonic Medical Research Foundation. Kate Brettingham–Moore The paper by PhD candidate Costan completed her PhD in Investigating Magnussen deserves special An abstract submitted by Carol the molecular events in GM-CSF mention because of the resourceful Bussey to the European Association activation, with the cancer and collaborative skills that were required for the Study of Diabetes meeting immunology research group, and to bring it to fruition and the high in Amsterdam, reporting results since then has been working at standing of the journal in which it was of her research into adiponectin the Murdoch Childrens Research published. It combines data from and diabetes, was chosen for Institute, Melbourne in a Postdoctoral three large cohorts – the Childhood oral presentation. Only 10 per research position. Determinants of Adult Health Study cent of abstracts were invited for (Australia), the Cardiovascular Risk oral presentation. Carol was also Published Papers in Young Finns Study (Finland), and runner-up in the poster competition the Bogalusa Heart Study (Louisiana, conducted at the 2nd international Our graduate research students USA) – to examine whether cut conference on Frontiers in Vascular make a significant contribution to the points defining elevated risk levels Medicine in Melbourne. research output of Menzies. Their of cholesterol and triglycerides in research topics focus on some of Nicholas Casey was the recipient adolescence were able to accurately the most important health-related of a David Collins Leukaemia classify those adolescents who would Foundation Professional conditions and diseases affecting develop dyslipidaemia in adulthood. the human and animal populations of Development Award. Australia and worldwide. Prizes, Awards and Honours At the Australia & New Zealand Renee Dwyer (nee Ross) had two Judged on the scientific quality of Bone and Mineral Society Annual first-author paper publications in their submitted abstracts, student Conference in Queenstown, New 2007, and a third paper E-published bursaries were awarded to Au Bich Zealand, Stella Foley received ahead of print. Dr Julia Walters and Thuy, Stella Foley and Charlotte the Young Investigator Award for Adele Woodhouse each had two McKercher at the Joint Scientific best clinical oral presentation at first-author publications that year. Meetings of the Australasian the conference. Stella also Epidemiological Association and received travel awards to attend Students who were first-author the International Epidemiological the ANZBMS meeting in Queenstown on a paper published in 2007 Association – Western Pacific Region and the American Society of Bone include Catherine Blizzard, in Hobart. In addition, Peta Hitchens and Mineral Research meeting Michele Callisaya, Stella Foley, and Kylie Smith received High in Honolulu. Helen Jordan, Anna King, Commendations for their abstracts. A student poster prize was awarded to Robert Gasperini at the International Brain Research Organization World Congress of Neuroscience. There were over 1300 poster presentations from students all over the world, and Rob’s was one of only eight to be awarded a prize. The poster prize follows on from his success in the inaugural Australian Society of Medical Research Medical Research (ASMR) Week (Tasmania) Student Awards.

Anna King was a finalist in the ASMR Week (Tasmania) Student Awards. She received a Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Conference Travel Award. Having submitted her PhD thesis

50 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Education and Training for examination in September 2007 Philippa Oakford was awarded in the tibia. Dawn also had the (degree awarded 2008), Anna was prizes for conference travel during opportunity to present her honours awarded a Bill Gole Postdoctoral the year by The Cancer Council work at a number of conferences Fellowship for the period 2008–2010. Tasmania and the David Collins in 2007 including the ANZBMS Leukaemia Foundation. conference in Queenstown, New Building on his background in Zealand, for which she received computing, Tristan Ling was Adele Woodhouse was a finalist in a travel award. Dawn has been awarded a CSIRO PhD Fellowship the ASMR Week (Tasmania) Student awarded an Endeavour International to conduct research involving Awards. She received a Society Postgraduate Research Scholarship the development of “intelligent” for Neuroscience/International to continue her PhD studies. software to investigate patterns of Brain Research Organisation lung function in health and disease. International Travel Grant, and made Ruth Musgrove has continued her His PhD research will continue his invited presentations to the Motor studies on the role of the protein BSc (Comp) honours year research Neurone Disease Research Institute alpha-synuclein in the development with the respiratory research group of Australia and the University of Parkinson’s disease in a PhD in 2006 that was co-supervised by Foundation Women’s program. with Tracey Dickson of the Associate Professor Byeong-Ho neuroscience group. Kang of the School of Computing Honours Students and Information Systems, UTAS. Dino Premilovac has also Under the supervision of academic commenced a PhD with the Heather McGee was a semi- staff at Menzies, nine students muscle diabetes research group finalist in the Southern Cross Young successfully completed an honours using ultrasound techniques to Achiever Awards, Tasmania, in the degree in 2007. examine how microscopic flow Science and Technology division. distribution changes control muscle Those who have gone on to insulin sensitivity. Roslyn Malley was awarded the HK postgraduate work at Menzies Muller Award for the best presentation include Dawn Dore, who will extend Clare Smith will be continuing her by an early career researcher at her honours work to examine work in the area of host-directed the Mutagenesis and Experimental methodological issues in measuring antimalarial therapies. During her Pathology Meeting of Australasia. knee subchondral bone density honours year, Clare was awarded

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Education and Training 51 the Judges Choice Poster Prize at the Sharing Excellence in Research UTAS Postgraduate Research Conference for her poster. This was an excellent effort because the majority of posters were presented by PhD students.

Shuying Wei will extend her honours work in the area of menstrual irregularity and cardiovascular disease. These students are supported by Menzies’ Postgraduate scholarships. Ruth has additional funding from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre.

The Dean’s Citation for the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology for performance in honours year in 2007 was awarded 2008 academic year. The project • Catherine Cash: Topics in to Will Upcher and to Alison West. placements for these students have applied biostatistics (cystic fibrosis Will was supported by a Menzies traversed a variety of theme areas mortality, RCT of management of Honours scholarship and Alison in Menzies. adolescents with cystic fibrosis, completed her honour’s year with smoking and lung function). The students, their topics and the assistance of a Cancer Council Supervisor: A/Prof Leigh Blizzard. supervisors are listed below: Tasmania scholarship. • Edward Doddridge: Genetic • Carli Armstrong: Is expression Evidence of Selection for Other students successfully of Homer1 proteins a correlate of Protection from Malaria. completing honours were Andrew Alzheimer’s Disease? Supervisors: Supervisor: Dr Russell Thompson. Herbert and Emma Eaton. Emma Prof David Small and Dr Lisa Foa. is currently working as a research • Kathryn Hampton: Regulation assistant with the neuroscience group. • Nicholas Blackburn: of the Leukaemia Inhibitory Development of Metallothionein- Factor Receptor (LIFR) gene by the RUNX1 transcription factor. Menzies’ Undergraduate IIA alpha and beta subunit Supervisors: Dr Adele Holloway Research Opportunity Program constructs and exploration of their individual neuroprotective and Dr Jo Dickenson. Each year Menzies offers a number and neuroregenerative roles in • Ella Hoban: Depression, anxiety of Undergraduate Research comparison with the entire MT-IIA and the serotonin transporter gene Opportunity Program (UROP) protein. Supervisors: A/Prof Adrian and Multiple Sclerosis. Supervisor: scholarships to students attending West and Dr Roger Chung. Dr Brendan McMorran. UTAS. Students receive $5,000 to work closely with a supervisor • Georgina Boon: An assessment • Laura Keith: The effect of a at Menzies to undertake a small of the relationship between high-fat diet on exercise-mediated project that will provide them with cognitive function and physical capillary recruitment in muscle. a research experience they may activity in an older population. Supervisor: Dr Michelle Keske. not otherwise receive during their Supervisors: Dr Velandai Srikanth • Michael Thompson: The undergraduate years. and A/Prof Leigh Blizzard. regulation of Calcium signaling in growth cone motility. In 2007 over 30 applications were • Heather Buchan: Exploring Supervisors: Dr Lisa Foa and received from students drawn gender differences in Professor David Small. from a range of different academic the relationship between disciplines, and 11 students were the personality factor • Siddharth Trivedi: Relationship successful in being awarded a “conscientiousness” and health- between childhood fitness and scholarship. They will work full-time related behaviours associated with left ventricular mass in adulthood. at Menzies over the summer of risk for cardiovascular disease. Supervisors: Assoc/Prof Alison 2007–08 and part-time during the Supervisor: Dr Sue Pearson. Venn and Costan Magnussen.

52 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Education and Training Administration Team

STAFF: Tim Albion, IT Systems Manager Mark Bennett, General Manager Jill Butterworth, Communications and Events Coordinator (to December 7) Alistair Chilcott, IT Systems Administrator Jenny Cochrane, Data Manager Julia Garry, Research Officer Melita Griffin, Development Manager Furley Johnston, Receptionist Dr Lisa Koutoulis, Research Manager Dixie Prenter, Secretary to the Director (to December 7) Emma Stubbs, Tim Albion, Mark Bennett, Ceri Flowers and Kathy Thomson view the new building plans Administrative Assistant Susan Sussems, its strategic direction. Menzies Development Officer Research Management continued to grow during 2007 with Kathryn Thomson, The Research Management staff and student numbers increasing Administration Manager Team supports researchers in by 72 per cent from 133 to 229. To the submission and maintenance Felicity Tracy, Administrative accommodate our growth and to Assistant – Development (from of their grants. This includes make room for our new building, our September 3) assistance in the writing, checking operations are now spread across Stewart Wells, Administration and editing, interpretation of six sites in Hobart. Officer – Finance eligibility requirements, formatting, Barbara Zimmerman, Development We are constructing a new building formulation of budgets, as well as Coordinator (from April 23) on the old Menzies’ site in Liverpool the coordination, and compilation Street to accommodate all of our of large research initiatives. Once a grant is successful, the The Administration Team aims to operations. The building is scheduled Research Management Team provide efficient and effective support for completion in late 2009. While ensures compliance with research to the Director, Board and staff at the building will have space to house agreements including progress Menzies. The Team supports Menzies’ 290 Menzies staff and students, and financial reporting, and liaising research activities across a number we anticipate that we will continue between the funding bodies and the of areas, including administration to grow to reach our optimum researchers to ensure the needs of and reception, human resource size of 500 people in 2013. This both parties are met. management, finance, grants means that we are working hard to obtain additional funds to add an management, information technology, The Menzies Research Institute was additional stage to the building to development and communications. successful in obtaining 55 grants accommodate our future growth. commencing in 2007, this was an Administration, Reception The Administration Team has played a overall success rate of 56 per cent. and Human Resources key role in the new building process, Some of the funding highlights for Administration, reception and human including managing the consultation this year were our involvement in resources staff played a significant process to ensure that the building is two Australian Research Council role supporting the achievement suitable and adequately equipped to (ARC) linkage projects, five National of Menzies’ core goal areas and carry out our work. Health and Medical Research

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Administration Team 53 Council (NHMRC) project grants, two Services also provided funds, • David Collins Leukaemia NHMRC Training Fellowships and including the Tasmanian Cancer Foundation – $96,000; Registry which is managed by one NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship. • Alzheimer’s Australia – $89,000; Our researchers were also successful Menzies on behalf of the Tasmanian in gaining a grant from the JO & JR Government, to support our • Australian Lung Foundation – Wicking Trust, which is managed by epidemiological research, and a $60,000; ANZ Trustees for Dementia Research postdoctoral fellowship – the Dick • Multiple Sclerosis Society of ($1.5 million) and an Australian Buttfield Fellowship. Tasmania – $60,000; Cancer Research Foundation grant The Menzies Foundation was largely • Ian Potter Foundation – $54,000; for Cancer Research ($1.1 million). responsible for the formation of and In addition, Menzies was involved in Menzies in 1988 and has supported a successful National Collaborative • Asthma Foundation of Tasmania – the Institute since its inception. The Research Infrastructure Scheme $50,000. Menzies Foundation continues to be (NCRIS) grant ($16 million). an important stakeholder and has Menzies obtained a significant surplus In 2007, Menzies implemented a continued to enhance our standing in 2007 with an operating surplus of rigorous internal peer review process and contribute to our development $1.3 million. A majority of the surplus and centralised curriculum vitae and strategic direction. The relates to research project funding database for the NHMRC Project Foundation continued its financial that has not been expensed, but Grant round. The results of this support in 2007 providing $150,000 will be expensed on those projects proved extremely successful. The towards the activities of the Institute. in future periods. The Financial grants to commence in 2008 have Statements for the year ended 31 Menzies continued its strong been announced, resulting in over December 2007 are included in this relationship with international $12 million in NHMRC funding to report on pages 61–64. philanthropic organisation The the Menzies, including a Program Atlantic Philanthropies. In addition to Grant, nine Project Grants and the $7.5 million received to support Information Technology five Fellowships. the construction and basic fit-out Staff from Information Technology of the new building in 2005 and (IT) aim to provide reliable, effective, Finance 2006, The Atlantic Philanthropies secure and innovative IT solutions to In 2007, Menzies received income of provided $645,000 during 2007 as assist Menzies pursue its aspiration. $12.1 million from a variety of funding part of a $US2 million project over sources, including $3.2 million from the period 2006 to 2010 that will Menzies’ IT systems are continually nationally competitive grants via the see Menzies’ researchers oversee being maintained and improved to NHMRC and the ARC. the development of a national non- ensure the secure and confidential communicable disease surveillance storage of data and the reliable Menzies also received $2.8 million system for Vietnam. and effective use of computers and from the University of Tasmania software in the day to day running (UTAS). The majority of these funds Menzies has developed excellent of Menzies. were performance based and were working relationships with a number received in recognition of the level of local and interstate organisations The IT Team is also responsible for of research income obtained by with common goals. During 2007, the in-house development of software Menzies, the number of scientific we were fortunate to receive applications which improve work publications, and the number of significant funding from these efficiencies for Menzies’ staff. Of completing and enrolled research organisations including: particular interest in 2007 was higher degree students. • Royal Hobart Hospital Research the conversion of our Computer Aided Foundation – $355,000; Telephone Interview (CATI) system so The Tasmanian Government that simple questionnaires can now continued to provide support • ANZ Trustees Ltd (JO & JR be completed over the Internet. in a number of areas including Wicking Trust) – $300,000; recognition of Menzies’ status, • Australian Cancer Research Development achievements and place in the Foundation – $275,000; Tasmanian community by awarding The Development team provides • National Heart Foundation – funding under the Tasmanian Icons the link between the Tasmanian $205,000; Program through the Department community and research undertaken of Economic Development. The • The Cancer Council Tasmania – at Menzies. It is our job to work Department of Health and Human $139,545; closely with business, community

54 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Administration Team groups and individuals to raise at an encouraging rate with 19 new to date, and thanks to support from awareness about our work, and members in 2007. Print Applied Technology (formerly the team is also responsible for all Print Authority Tasmania), Spicers fundraising and marketing activities. In addition, we welcomed retired Paper and Red Jelly, profit from Magistrate Ian Matterson as the sales has been very encouraging. 2007 was the first year of a five year voluntary Chair of the Major Gifts More than $30,000 was raised from strategic plan to increase fundraising Committee. We are grateful to Ian artwork and card sales. income and community awareness for his dedication and enthusiasm of Menzies’ research. Accordingly, towards Menzies and looking In conjunction with Research the team has undertaken new forward to working with him in the Australia, Menzies co-hosted a fundraising practices and has coming year to further develop the successful Thank You Day at the built upon those that have been area of Major Gifts. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens successful in the past. As a result, with 100 guests in attendance, 2007 was a challenging but The Menzies Golf Classic was held including representatives from rewarding year. in March, and with the support of philanthropic organisations, our corporate partners, $15,760 corporate and service organisations Careful planning and coordination of was raised for Honours Student and the University of Tasmania. four separate fundraising campaigns Scholarships at Menzies. 130 We were also privileged to have resulted in a significant increase in golfers enjoyed the day and the individual supporters and volunteers the number of donations from the company of celebrity caddies in attendance. community. With the support of Red such as Jo Palmer, John X, Craig Jelly and Southern Cross Television a Wellington and Andrew Gee. Menzies was the beneficiary of community awareness advertisement fundraising efforts by community for Menzies was produced and Collaboration with the Royal Hobart groups in 2007, including the shown across the state. During Hospital Research Foundation on Mowbray Ladies Golf Club 2007 we were privileged to receive the third Art of Christmas ensured Benevolent Day, ME Bank Staff 1,357 donations from individuals and that this event enjoyed increased Christmas Fundraising and various organisations totalling $216,474. support. Artworks donated by local donations in lieu of birthday gifts. artists such as Leigh Oats, Joan The Society for the Future was Humble and Michael Weitnauer were At the end of 2006, twelve supporters developed and launched in 2007. auctioned at a gala cocktail evening donated on a monthly basis as part The aim of this program is to enable at the Cascade Visitors Centre, of the Every Day Angels program. In Menzies to appropriately thank with six of the works being featured December 2007, this number had bequest donors, their families and on greeting cards. The collection increased to 25 and we thank these solicitors. This program is growing featured has been the most popular new donors for their support.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Administration Team 55 Volunteers

The Volunteer Program is an important part of Menzies, with 53 volunteers making significant contributions to our research and administrative support functions across a variety of projects during 2007. Without the contributions made by our volunteers, Menzies would not be able to carry out our research to the level required.

Volunteers are introduced to Menzies through a variety of sources, including after participating in a study, visiting the Institute or learning about us through a community talk. Many offer their services because they feel they can basis that volunteering offers. Tasks Our volunteers allow contribute so much back to the carried out by volunteers include Menzies to carry out work community after retirement. data entry, filing and mailouts; and that may not otherwise those with medical skills work in be achievable, and their A number of our studies have a our clinics. Some volunteers enjoy dedicated volunteer who becomes a working in the development and involvement is deeply part of the team and comes in once fundraising area, where they can appreciated by researchers a week, where others like the casual become involved in special events. and administration staff.

Menzies would like to thank the following volunteers for their commitment and dedication in 2007: Davys Baldwin Jeff Fung Pauline Payne Irma Baumeler Mozelle Gasperowicz Judy Pennicott Brian Berwick Colleen Hay Rhona Puclin Denis Black Barbara Hayes Maree Steele Richard Brodribb Cheryl Hewitt Roslyn Stoddart Beverly Brown Keryl Houlgrave Mary Stuart Catherine Brown Jean Keil Launa Turner David Bryce Ellen Kelly Samatha Twigg Audrey Button Kathy Koukias Marylyn U’Ren Von Calvert Mary Leon Robert U’Ren Robyn Chapman Barbara Long Gerald Veldhuis Judy Clark Sylvia Macleod Margaret Vince Selina Claxton Marie Magill Vicki Wagstaff Fay Cox John Mathewson Fay Wheeler Ian Crouch Dorothy Melross Jenny Wiggins Wendy Davidson Leon Morrell Janice Williams Pam Elwell Susan Morrell Helen Wood Leslie Fletcher Prue O’Halloran

56 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Volunteers Thank you to our valued supporters

Community Thirlstane Golf Club Associates Everyday Angels U3A Cygnet Inc Anonymous (2) Donations – Community Groups UTAS Sport & Recreation Mr Stephen Bender Apex Club of Glenorchy War Widows Guild of Tasmania Dr David Boadle Bruny Island Community Health Centre Wellbeing Club 13 Mrs Anita Clarkson Auxiliary Donations – Business Community Mr Don Cornish AO Burnie Bridge Club Mr Brendon Davidson Burnie Friendship Group Aurora Energy Blundstone Australia Miss Matty June Doering Burnie Senior Citizens Club Inc Centrelink Call Centre – Hobart Mr & Mrs Garth and Brenda Haas Claremont RSL DJ Motors Pty Ltd Miss Emma Jackson Country Women’s Association Elders Brown and Banks Mrs Margaret Keogh Country Women’s Association – Eye Spy Signs Pty Ltd Mrs Margaret Knight North Bruny Branch Griffiths & Galloway Building Surveyors Mr Ian McConnelly Eastern Shore Bridge Association LGAT ASSIST Mr Sam Mollard Hobart Chapter No.162 Order of the Mrs Wendy Noye Eastern Star Lindisfarne Newsagency Ms Felicity Oakford Hobart Legacy Widows Club LJ Hooker Kingston Mures Fish Centre Kim Paterson Kingborough Sub-Branch RSLA Parmic Fire Protection Mr & Mrs Bob and Frances Russon Latrobe High School Serve-Ag Pty Ltd Mrs Gwynneth Sperring Lenah Valley Garden Club Strategic Financial Planning Ms Carmel Taylor Lindisfarne RSL Tasmanian Alkaloids Pty Ltd Mrs Cynthia Tennant Lions Club of Burnie Emu Bay Inc Veolia Environmental Services Mrs Pat Vallance Lions Club of City of Launceston Inc Westpac Banking Corporation Mr & Mrs Walter and Robin Verth Lions Club of Devonport Mersey Inc Mrs Margaret Williams Lions Club of Forth Valley Inc Menzies Golf Classic 2007 Ms Barbara Zimmerman and Lions Club of Hadspen South Esk Inc Veolia Environmental Services Professor John Dickey Lions Club of Hobart Town Inc Corporate Express Office Equipment Lions Club of Huon Inc Eye Spy Signs Pty Ltd Donations – Trusts Lions Club of Kentish Inc Fosters Max Bruce Trust administered by Peter Lions Club of Kingborough Inc 4Lunch Worrall Lawyers Lions Club of Latrobe Inc Matterson Family Trust on Behalf of the Lions Club of Orford Spring Bay Inc Art of Christmas 2007 late Helene Elizabeth Matterson Lions Club of Port Cygnet Inc Artery Donations – Individuals Lions Club of Queenstown Inc Display Works Lions Club of Scottsdale Inc Foster’s Group A Lions Club of St Helens Inc Hank Petrusma Anonymous (160) Lions Club of Wynyard Inc Joel Weinburgur Mrs Jocelyn Abbott Masonic Centenary Medical Print Applied Technology Miss Maureen Absolom Research Foundation Red Jelly Mr Kevin Ackroyd Mornington Plumbing Centre Sean Fennessy Photographer Mrs Barbara Adams Mount Lyell Lodge No 24 TC Spicers Paper Mrs Christine Adams Mowbray Golf Club Associates The Mercury The Hon Michael Aird MLC National Seniors Australia Wood & Bailey Mr & Mrs Pat and Dorothea Albion (Hobart Branch) Mr & Mrs Wally and Kathleen Alexander Artists: Navy Club Ladies Auxiliary Ms Annette Alexander Natalie Dowling Nugara Lodge Joan Humble Mrs Dulcie Allanby Porcelain Painters Association Nigel Lazenby Mrs Sheila Allwright Rotary Club of Queenstown Cathy McAuliffe Mrs Ila Andrews Rotary Club of Sorell Robyn Miller Ms Sheree Archer Rotary Club of Ulverstone Rebecca Murdoch B Soroptimists International of New Norfolk Georgina Pajak Mr Brian Baker AFSM and Mrs Baker Tasman Ex-Service Bowls Club Michael Weitnauer Mrs Adrienne Baldock

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Donations 57 Mr Davys Baldwin Mr & Mrs Denys and June Clifford E Mr & Mrs A and S Bardenhagen Mr & Mrs Albert and Valerie Cloudsdale Mr & Mrs Kevin and Jenny Eckhardt Mr Joseph Barta Mr & Mrs Thomas and Helen Coles Ms Helena Eddington Ms J Bassett Mrs R Comas Mr & Mrs John Evans Mrs B Bateman Mrs Enid Conley Mr Charles Evans Mrs Beryl Bates Mr B Cooley Mrs Rosemary Ewington Mr Douglas Beath Mrs Cynthia Coombe F Dr Timothy Begbie Dr & Mrs Herbert and Noela Copeman Ms Julia Farrell Mr Stephen Bender Mr & Mrs DC and GJ Copping Dr Arthur Geoffrey Fenton AM Ms Ursula Bennett Mrs Thelma Coram Mrs Evelyn Fenton Dr Allan Beswick Mrs Shirley Cordell Mr D Flood Mr & Mrs John Birtwistle Mrs Norma Cornford Mrs Susan Folder Mr Douglas Ford Mr & Mrs Gustav and Doreen Bjorklund Mr Don Cornish AO The Hon. Ruth Forrest MLC Mr & Mrs R Blakesley Mrs Joan Cornwall Mrs H Foster Mrs Rona Blyth Mrs Joy Coton Mrs P Foster Dr David Boadle Ms Michelle Coutts Mr Henry Foster Mr F Bolt Mrs Fay Cox Mr Peter Fyfe Mr T Bowden Mr & Mrs Lesley Cox G Mrs Carmel Bowen Mrs Johanna Coy Ms A Gaden Miss J Bradley Ms Patricia Cramp Ms Julia Garry Mrs Rosemary Breen Mrs Nancy Crew Mrs Gwen Briscoe Mrs Maria Gavallas Mrs Jill Critchlow Dr Ross Brooker Mrs Beverley Geard Mr & Mrs Brian and Betty Croger Mrs D Brown Mrs Beryl Gelling Mr & Mrs Ian and Beth Crowden Dr Jacob George Mr Gordon Brown Mrs Norah Crowther Mr & Mrs Mervyn and June George Mr & Mrs Charles and Gwenneth Brown Mrs M Cummins Mrs M Gibbs Mrs Shirley Brown Mrs Elizabeth Curtis Mrs June Gibson Mrs Diana Brownell D Ms Belinda Gibson Mr & Mrs Peter and Wenda Bruce Mrs Larraine Dalco Mrs Lynn Giddings Mrs Elizabeth Bryant Mrs Helen Dalla-Fontana Mr Thomas Godwin Miss C Bulman Mr & Mrs Terence and Evelyn Daly Mrs Norma Gordon Mrs Patricia Burbury Ms Mary Dane Ms Robyn-Maree Gottschalk Mrs Esme Burgess Mr Brendon Davidson Mrs W G Gough Mrs Lola Burk Mr & Mrs Ronald Davies Mr Trevor Grant Mrs Dot Burleigh Mrs Cora Dean Mrs Judy Grant Mr Ivan Burnac Mr & Mrs Wayne and Lynette Denehey Sir Guy Green AC KBE CVO Ms Ann Burnett Ms Adrienne Denholm Ms Michelle Green Mr & Mrs Trevor and Mavis Burridge Mrs Jeannette Dennison Mrs Lynette Green Mr Kenrick Burrows Mrs Gloria Dickson Ms Melita Griffin Mrs Ruth Burrows Mrs J Grimmond Mrs Jillian Butler Dr Changhai Ding Mrs Barbara Ditcham H Mrs Susan Butterworth Mr & Mrs Garth and Brenda Haas Ms Mary Dixon C Mr Brian Haas Mr & Mrs Peter Dobson Mrs Von Calvert Mr P Haley Mrs Gladys Dodson Mr Bill Carlyle The Hon. G Hall MLC Miss Matty June Doering Mrs Annette Carthy Mr & Mrs William and Megan Hamilton Mr Gus Donnelly Ms Helen Cash Mr Philip Hand Mrs R Doughty Mr Geoff Cavanagh Mr & Mrs John and Lindsay Hand Mrs June Dowd Mrs Rosemary Cavill Ms Christine Handley Mrs Suzanne Downer Mr & Mrs John and Valda Chandler Mrs Joy Handyside Mr Peter Charlesworth Mrs Yvonne Downie Mr & Mrs Greg and Marlene Hanlon Mr Terry Charlton Mr Kenneth Drake Mrs Nancy J Harding Mrs J Chew Mr & Mrs Albert and Mavis Drew Mrs Janet Harding Mrs Gladys Chilcott Dr D Dubetz Mrs June Harris Ms Leanne Chisholm Ms Peggy Duggan Mrs Carol Harvey Mrs Pamela Clark Mr Herbert Duncan Mrs Julene Hasell Mr Geoffrey Clarke Mr Raymond Duncombe Mr Eric Hayes AO and Mrs Christine Hayes Mrs Anita Clarkson Mr Geoffrey Duniam Mrs Shirley Heath Mrs B Clennett Mr & Mrs Kevin and Mary Dunne Ms Faye Henderson

58 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Donations Mrs Jean Hey Mr Donald Lange Mr Michael J G Mitchell Mrs Mooneen Hicks Mr & Mrs K Lau Mr Sam Mollard Mrs Helen Hills Mrs Vivienne Laughland Mr & Mrs Leon and Sue Morrell Mr Kevin B Hingston Mrs J A Laughton Mr & Mrs Graeme and Helen Morris Ms Barbara Hodder Mrs Wendy Irving Lees Mr John Morris Mrs Ellen Hodgetts Miss Eileen Lees Mr Andy Muirhead Mrs Brenda Hodgson Mrs Beverley Leitch Ms Judith Murdoch Mr Keith Hoey Mr & Mrs Donald and Rolande Lennox N Ms J Hofto Mrs Laurie Leonard The Hon Sue Napier MHA Ms Vicki Hogan Mr & Mrs Michael and Judy Lester Mr & Mrs G and P Newell Mrs Betty Holden Mr & Mrs Kevin and Patricia Levis Ms Heather Nichols Mrs Pam Holland Mrs Margaret Lewis Mrs Ethel Nichols Mrs Renai Holland Ms A Lewis Mr Colin Nichols Ms Moira Holt Mr Murray Limbrick Mrs Wendy Noye Mrs E Hood Mr J Lincoln O Miss Ann Hopkins Mrs Judith Linton Ms Felicity Oakford Mr Zdenko Houdek Mr Ralph Londesborough Mrs Eileen O’Brien Mrs Yvonne House Mrs Judith Longhurst Mr Michael O’Farrell Mrs Rita Hughes Mrs Elizabeth Loughlin Ms Jo Osborne Mr & Mrs G Hughes Ms Sue Loughran Miss Mayumi Otsuka Mrs Margaret Hughes Mrs A Lowe P Mrs Ruth Huxley Mrs B Lowe Mr Alan Palmer I Mrs Zandra Lowe Mrs Elaine Parker Mrs Gillian Ireland Mr & Mrs P Lowry Mrs M Parker J Mr & Mrs Robert and June Lowry Kim Paterson Mrs Margaret Jabour Mr Reginald Lynd Mr & Mrs Ray and Jan Patmore Miss Hannah M Jack Mrs Elaine Lyons Ms Helen Patterson Mr & Mrs Greg and Carlene Jackson M Ms Jan Phillips Miss Emma Jackson Miss Wendy MacDonald Ms Maria Pignalosa Mrs Flora James Mrs Judith Mackay Ms Dale Pitt Mr Robert WS James Mrs Noelle Mackey Mrs B Pitt Mrs Norma Jamieson MLC Mr & Mrs Ian and Mary Maclaren Mr & Mrs Ambrose and Gillian Plaister Ms Jenny Jarrett Miss Kerryn Macmillan Mrs Audrey Pointer Mr & Mrs T Jeffrey Mrs Marie Magill Mr & Mrs John and Grace Ponsonby Ms Gerdy Jevtic Mrs Auriel Mahony Mr David Powell Mrs J Johnson Mrs B Mann Mr Don Prairie Ms Carolyn Johnston Mr William Mansbridge Dr Rajendra Prasad Mr A Craig Johnston Mrs Judith Marsh Mrs Fran Pritchard Mr & Mrs Clodagh and Roy Harden Jones Mr & Mrs Robin and Bronwyn Marshall Q Mrs Patricia Jones Miss Betty Mathers Ms Caroline Quandt Mrs Helen Jones Mr Ian Matterson R Ms Judith Joyce Mrs Claire Matthews Mrs Fay Ralph Ms Dianne Joyce Mr & Mrs Max and Margaret Maynard Mrs Anna Rau K Mrs Mary McConnell Mr & Mrs Raymond Mr Robert Kay Mr Ian McConnelly Mr Kent Rayner Mrs Marie Kays OAM Miss Mary McCulloch Mr Alan Reid Mr M Keane Ms Liz McDonald Mr Brian Richardson Ms Patricia Kelsall Mrs Cynthia McDougall Mrs J Richardson Mrs Doone Kennedy AO Mr Dugald McDougall Mr Warwick Risby Ms J Kenny Mrs Judith McDougall Mr & Mrs Paul K and Coral G Roberts Mrs Margaret Keogh Mr Marcus McEwan Mr David Roberts Mrs Jean King Mrs Mary McGuinness Ms B Robottom Ms Catherine King Mrs Patricia McGuire Mr J Rogers Mrs Margaret Knight Ms Monica McKay Mrs J Ann Rogers Mr & Mrs Bram and Peter Knoop Mrs McNeice Mrs Joan Rollins Mr & Mrs Laszlo and Joan Kocsis Mr T McShane Ms Hazel Roper-Power The Hon. Steven Kons MHA Mr Don McShane Drs Thomas and Antonia Ross Mr Mark Koppelmann Mrs Violet Mee Mr & Mrs Bob and Frances Russon L Mr Chris Merridew S Ms Margaret Lahl Mrs Patricia Miller Mrs A Sampson Ms Marjorie Lampkin Mrs Dianne Mills Mrs Iris Saramaskos

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Donations 59 Mr & Mrs Ivan K and Ilse H Sauer V Estate of the late Ronald Buss Mr & Mrs Charles F and Una Saville Mrs Voula Vafakos Estate of the late Patricia Crabtree Mrs Robin Scharschkin Mrs Pat Vallance Estate of the late Rosina Gostling Mr Gordon A Sewell Mrs Rosemary Van Emmerik Estate of the late Christopher Mr & Mrs Geoffrey and Joyce Seymour Mr & Mrs Derrick and Mary Venn Warren Hallam Mr Andrew Shepherd Mr & Mrs Walter and Robin Verth Estate of the late Gerald Harvey Mr Ted Sherriff Mr & Mrs Douglas and Wanda Viney Estate of the late Rita Hughes Mr Edward Sikk Mr & Mrs Robert and Katharine Von Bibra Bessie Kable Trust Ms Lisa Singh MHA Mr & Mrs Brian and Julie Von Bibra Estate of the late Margaret Annette Mrs Pamela Skromanis W Rose Mack Ms Susannah Slatter Mrs Margaret Wade Estate of the late Brian Marks Mrs Tryntje Smit Mr Wallace Wagg Estate of the late Ruby Josephine Menzie Miss Joy Smith Ms Janette Wagner Estate of the late Arthur and Mary Paton Miss Maureen Smith Mrs Judith Wallace Estate of the late Elise Patricia Hilda Trevor Mr & Mrs John and Helen Smith Drs Alan and Hilary Wallace Estate of the late Ethel Marion Young Mr & Mrs Ross and Necia Smith Mrs Molly Walsh Mr & Mrs Anthony and Alison Smithies Mrs Pamela Ward Society for the Future Members Mrs Shirley Sonneveld Mrs Beverley Watson Anonymous (18) Mrs Delia Southorn Mr & Mrs James and Freda Watson Mrs Susan Butterworth Mrs Kathy Speir Mrs Bessie Webb Mr & Mrs Garth and Brenda Haas Mrs Gwynneth Sperring Ms Belinda Webster Kim Paterson Mr & Mrs Ralph and Robeeta Spinks Mrs Shirley Webster Mr & Mrs Ken and Jeanette Wills Mr Colin Sproule Mr John Wedd Ms Margaret Stafford Mrs Nanette Werner In Memorium Mr & Mrs K Stanfield Mr Jim Wharton Mr Robert Burk Ms Margareta Stanojevic Mrs Fay Wheeler Mr Benjamin Chilcott Mrs Valerie Stanton Mrs Judith Whelan Mr Bruce Cooley Mrs Roxanne Steenbergen Mr & Mrs A Whish-Wilson Mr Rodney Corbett Mr Ferdinand Stein Mrs Marjorie White Mr Allan Curtiss Mr Stephen Stolp Mr Rob Whitehouse Mr Darrell ‘Dasher’ Eaton Mrs Julie Stoneman Mrs Marion Whittle Mr Mervyn Fraser Mrs J Stringer Mrs R Williams Mr Michael Gelling Ms Mary Stuart Mrs Margaret Williams Mrs Joan Graney Mr David Sugden AO Mrs Nancy Williams Mr Ron Green T Mrs Joan Williamson Mr Leon Hemphill Ms Carmel Taylor Ms P Willis Mrs Vera Houdek Mrs Clara Tegg Mr & Mrs Ken and Jeanette Wills Mr Brian Hoyle Mrs Cynthia Tennant Mr Rex Wilson Mrs Vonda Hughes Mr Doug Terry Ms Christine Wilson Mrs Irene Mavis Kaufman Mrs K Thiessen Ms Beverley Wilson Mrs Barbara Keogh Ms A Thom The Hon Donald Wing MLC Mrs Hazel Limbrick Mrs J Thompson Mr Ron Wisbey Mr Peter Markowicz Ms Beverley Thomson Dr Felicity Wivell Mr Ron Mee Ms Virginia Thorald-Smith The Hon R C Wood Mr William Milburn Mr Grant Tomlinson Mrs D Woods Mr Robert Morrisby Mr & Mrs Phillip and Diane Tompson Mrs Joan Woolley Mrs Fran McKendrick Mr Peter Touber Mr Nigel Woolley Mr Bruce Noonan Mr P Tracey Mr Dave Wootton Mrs Mollie Onnes Ms Geraldine Trainor Mr & Mrs Paul and Jill Worldon Mrs Daphne Louisa Philpott Mrs Helen Travers Hawker Mrs Margaret Woudwyk Mr Sydney Ploughman Ms Joanne Traynor Mrs Caroline Wright Mr Robert Purden Mr Lloyd Trenham Y Mr Karl-Heinz Ross Mrs Jean Trethewey OAM Mr & Mrs Murray and Edna Yaxley Mr Alan Scott Mrs Valerie Trickett Mrs Diana Young Mr Rodney Scott Mr Eugene Triffett Z Mr Stanley Shaw Mr & Mrs D Trotman Ms Barbara Zimmerman and Professor Mr Graeme Squires Mrs Jennifer Turnbull John Dickey Mr Dennis Taberlay Ms Marie Ann Turnbull Mrs Helena Tapson Ms Fiona Tustian Bequests and Trusts Mr John Tomlinson Mrs Bev Twibell OAM Anonymous (3) Mrs Ethel Turner Ms Samantha Twigg M & WHC Boys Donation Mr Peter Whelan

60 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Donations Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2007

31 Dec 07 31 Dec 06 $ $

REVENUE Commonwealth Government grants 3,890,239 2,810,006 Tasmanian Government grants 958,969 759,909 University of Tasmania 2,757,612 807,780 Menzies Foundation 150,000 125,000 Atlantic Philanthropies (New building project) – 6,500,000 Other contracts and agreements 3,432,102 1,653,529 Donations 216,474 141,937 Bequest and donation transfers from UTAS and UTAS Foundation – 90,428 Bequests 67,556 3,703 Interest from trust investments 65,845 186,395 Interest from research accounts 61,542 26,838 Other income 471,031 335,365

Total Revenue 12,071,370 13,440,890

EXPENSES Salaries and on-costs 7,114,004 3,893,797 New building project contribution – 6,500,000 General consultancy services 1,170,196 1,197,906 Scholarships 361,149 102,320 New appointment expenses 50,150 71,337 Staff development 99,729 67,133 Public relations and marketing 75,403 60,264 Administration and operating costs 1,145,512 361,021 General travel 350,670 198,569 Infrastructure charges and recoveries to University 9,966 7,249 Equipment purchases 91,851 75,800 Hire of facilities and equipment 74,967 100,018 Repairs and maintenance 74,319 30,425 Electricity 4,710 8,551 Depreciation plant and equipment 102,819 57,561

Total Expenses 10,725,445 12,731,951

Operating Result 1,345,925 708,939

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Financial Statements 61 Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2007

31 Dec 07 31 Dec 06 $ $

CURRENT ASSETS Funds Held by University of Tasmania 4,763,070 3,013,190 Receivables 359,427 348,298 Prepayments 3,680 47,661 Total Current Assets 5,126,177 3,409,149

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Plant and Equipment 1,381,146 742,311 Less Accumulated Depreciation (441,849) (332,494) Total Non-Current Assets 939,297 409,817 Total Assets 6,065,474 3,818,966

CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors and accruals 86,870 31,335 Provision for Annual Leave 92,863 89,055 Total Current Liabilities 179,733 120,390 Total Liabilities 179,733 120,390 Net Assets 5,885,741 3,698,576

EQUITY Opening Retained Surplus 3,698,576 2,989,637 Items transferred to Menzies 1 January 2007: Animal Services plant and equipment 92,513 – Animal Services project balances (14,301) – Health Sciences research projects 763,028 – Add: Profit/(Loss) for the Period 1,345,925 708,939

Total Equity 5,885,741 3,698,576

62 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2007

1. Summary of Significant Policies The University of Tasmania prepares general purpose financial statements which are audited by the Tasmanian Auditor- General. A copy of the latest audited statements is available, upon request, from Financial Services.

These financial statements represent those transactions and balances specifically pertaining to the Menzies Research Institute. The statements do not include all disclosures required by Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards.

Relevant accounting policies which have been adopted in the preparation of the attached Income Statement and Balance Sheet of the Menzies Research Institute are: a) Basis of Accounting The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting using the historic cost convention unless otherwise stated. b) Funds held by University of Tasmania The funds held by the University of Tasmania comprise: Research Projects $3,584,338 Trust Funds $553,102 Discretionary Funds $380,241 Contingency Reserve $200,000 Animal Services $45,389 Total $4,763,070 c) Trust Funds The University of Tasmania holds a number of trust fund accounts on behalf of the Menzies Research Institute. Investment earnings in respect of these trust fund accounts is distributed to the Menzies Research Institute, however the trust fund account balances, totalling $915,170 at 31 December 2007, are not reflected in the attached Balance Sheet. During 2007, $39,801 from these trust fund accounts has been recognised as interest revenue to the Menzies Research Institute.

In addition, the Menzies Research Institute holds a number of trust accounts. The balance of the accounts totalling $553,102 at 31 December 2007 is reflected in the attached Balance Sheet. d) Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment is brought to account, and carried at cost, where the value is greater than ten thousand dollars.

Plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight line basis over its useful life commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Depreciation rates for plant and equipment applicable during 2005 are 10–33 per cent, and this is consistent with the prior year.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are included in the income statement.

Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Financial Statements 63 e) Creditors and accruals These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Menzies Research Institute prior to the end of the year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are normally settled within 30 days.

f) Employee entitlements Wages and salaries, and sick leave Liabilities for wages and salaries are recognised as payables in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. Sick leave entitlements provided to the employees of the University are non-vesting and are based on a cumulative sick leave system. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken.

Annual Leave Liabilities for annual leave in respect to non-academic staff are recognised and measured as the amount unpaid at the reporting date at current pay rates in respect of employees’ service up to that date. Related on-costs have been included in the provision. Annual leave for academic staff is deemed to be taken in the year in which it is accrued, hence no provision is made in respect of these employees.

Long Service Leave The University charges a levy on the salaries of certain staff and has assumed the liability for long service leave.

g) Equity In October 2006 a number of research staff from the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Tasmania joined Menzies as part of a significant growth strategy. From 1 January 2007, the research grants associated with these researchers were transferred from the Faculty of Health Science to Menzies. The balance of these grants at 31 December 2006, $763,028, was brought into the Menzies accounts in 2007.

From 1 January 2007, Menzies began to manage the University of Tasmania’s Animal Services. The 31 December 2006 equity in Animal Services, -$14,301 was transferred to Menzies.

Statement of Certification We certify that the financial statements reflect an accurate record of income and expenditure recorded through the University of Tasmania’s financial system, together with assets and liabilities specific to the Menzies Research Institute.

Mark Bennett General Manager Menzies Research Institute

Bernard Lillis Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer University of Tasmania

DATE: 14 March 2008

64 Menzies Research Institute Annual Report 2007 Financial Statements University of Tasmania The Menzies Research Institute is an institute of the University of Tasmania.

A Tasmanian Icon The Tasmanian Government proudly supports the work of Menzies through the Icons Program. The Icons Program showcases the very best that Tasmania has to offer, nationally and internationally.

Menzies Foundation The Menzies Foundation was largely responsible for the formation of the Menzies Research Institute and has generously supported the Menzies since its inception.

Australian Cancer Research Foundation Proudly supported by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Menzies Research Institute Level 2,199 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 An Institute of Phone: 03 6226 7700 Fax: 03 6226 7704 the University www.menzies.utas.edu.au of Tasmania