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TOW RESEARCH
AWARDS
Conducted by
Coast Association Tow Research Committee
John Dwyer Lecture Theatre
Edmund Blacket Building
Prince of Wales Hospital
Friday 29th November, 2019
Sponsors
Health Science Alliance
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Vale Dr Wally Tow
The Coast Association Tow Research Awards were initiated due to the vision of Dr Tow Siang
Hwa, better known as Dr Wally Tow, who was a visitor from Singapore in the early 1970s. It is
with much sadness that we were advised earlier this year, by Dr Tow’s daughter Carolyn that Dr
Tow had passed away on the 8th of March 2019. He was 93. Carolyn said that her father always
spoke fondly of the Coast Association and that the Tow Research Awards were a source of great
pleasure to him. We are greatly indebted to him for his legacy. Our condolences and best wishes go
to his family, colleagues and friends.
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Welcome to the 47th Annual Coast Association Tow Research Awards
Today marks the 47th Annual Meeting of The Coast Association Tow Research Awards, which have been
held on the Randwick hospitals campus since their inception.
The Awards provide the only common forum on the Randwick Hospital’s campus for junior investigators to
present their basic and clinical research, and are intended to foster collaborations between clinical
investigators and research scientists who are located at the many research institutes and hospitals around the
Randwick hospitals campus. Over $15,000 worth of prizes are awarded.
This year we are privileged to be able to welcome as our Keynote Speaker Professor Kenneth Butcher, who
is the Director Clinical Neuroscience, Prince of Wales Hospital and Professor of Neurology at the University
of NSW. The title of his presentation will be “Clinician Scientists in the 21st Century: Who, Why and
Where?”
Today, junior clinical investigators and basic researchers will present their work and compete for prizes in
six (6) divisions: Open Senior Division; Open Junior Division; Clinical Division; Nursing, Midwives and
Allied Health Division, Case Presentations and the Poster Prizes.
We are indebted to members of the Tow Research Committee for their assistance and support in making this
meeting a success. We would like to extend a very special thanks to Bronwyn Chapman at Neura for her
outstanding efforts in updating the website and compiling and formatting the abstract submissions and the
many other tasks that she performed. Our thanks also go to the judges in all divisions, for donating their time
and expertise to ensure that the high quality of the Awards is maintained.
The speaker time warning bell this year is the ‘Soho Foundry Bell’ from the extensive collection of Jenny
Ryall (Clinical Teaching Unit – UNSW). Our thanks to her for its use.
The Tow Research Committee would also like to recognise the invaluable support of Terry Campbell and the
Health Science Alliance.
Welcome and please enjoy the meeting!
Ross Black
Convenor, Coast Association Tow Research Committee
Members of the Committee
Dr Adam Bayes (PoWH)
Dr Michael Costello (RHW)
Prof Jane Butler (NeuRA)
Dr John Lawson (SCH)
Dr Ross Black (PoWH)
Prof Lin Perry, (PoWH)
Dr Suzanne Sheppard-Law (SCH)
Dr Robert Gandy (PoWH)
A/Prof Alessandro Zagami (PoWH)
Dr Charles De Bock
Ms Samantha McFedries
Dr Ju-Lee Oei (RHW)
Counsellors
Prof Simon Gandevia, (NeuRA)
Prof Andrew Lloyd (PoWH)
Prof Richard Lock (CCIA)
Prof Glenda Halliday (Uni of Sydney)
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47th Annual Coast Association Tow Research Awards
29th November 2019
PROGRAM
08.00am Welcome Breakfast
8.30am Welcome to Country: Uncle Ray Davison
8.45am Ms Jennie Barry (PoWH GM) – Introduction
9.00am Case Presentations - Chair: Prof Alessandro Zagami
9.00 Dr Sumanth Nagabushan (Paediatrics, SCH)
Objective response to MEK inhibition in an adolescent patient with recurrent
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour (MPNST) with activation of the
MAP Kinase pathway: A personalized precision oncology approach
9.15 Dr Sarah Jane Tapawan (Newborn Care Centre, RHW)
Respiratory chain disorder presenting as severe growth restriction and
persistent lactic acidosis
9.30 Dr Aneuryn Rozea (Psychiatry, PoWH)
Cannabis in the treatment of Tourettes Syndrome
9.45 Dr Michael Krasovitsky (Medicine, PoWH)
The Lynchpin: A quintet of heritable cancers?
10:00 Dr Priyanthi Widana Pathirana (Surgery, PoWH)
Abdominal surgery to manage a case of heart failure
10.15am Keynote Speaker – Professor Kenneth Butcher (Director Clinical Neuroscience,
Prince of Wales Hospital and Professor of Neurology at the University of NSW).
“Clinician Scientists in the 21st Century: Who, Why and Where?”
10.45am Morning Tea
11.00am Open Junior Division - Chair: Prof Lin Perry
11.00 Keerti Paida (School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW)
Gut feeling: preliminary cross-sectional study of the gut-brain axis in
paediatric cystic fibrosis patients
11.15 Matthew Ip (Eye Clinic, PoWH)
Handing it to Pterygium: Explaining Pterygium Laterality
11.30 Mangalee Fernando (Australian Kidney Biomarker Reference Laboratory,
UNSW)
Metformin reduces calcineurin inhibitor related nephrotoxicity
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11.45 Kimberly Gan (School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW)
Magnetic Non-Invasive Auricular Acupuncture for Infant Comfort: A
Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial in Preterm Infants Requiring Eye-
exam for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
12.00 Christina Norris (Aged Care, PoWH)
COPS: A novel model of care improves outcomes for older surgical patients
12:15 pm Lunch and Poster Presentations - Chairs: Prof Jane Butler, Samantha
McFedries and Dr Charles De Bock
1.15 pm Clinical Division - Chair: Dr Ju-Lee Oei
1:15 Jakob Köstenbauer (Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, NEURA)
Early versus Delayed Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly
– A Population-Based Study
1:30 Megan Frohlich (Respiratory, SCH)
Daytime predictors of nocturnal hypercapnic hypoventilation in children
with neuromuscular disorders: a threshold for FVC Z-score
1:45 Taylor Scott (Geriatric Medicine, PoWH)
The impact of advance care planning on end-of-life care in patients with
advanced illnesses attending hospital outpatient clinics
2.00 Mihir Desai (Medical Imaging, PoWH)
Imaging-based patient selection in late time window stroke thrombectomy
2:15 Jessica Sun (Emergency Medicine & Clinical Toxicology, PoWH)
Does Shift Work affect Cognitive Performance?
2.30 pm Nursing/Midwifery/Allied Health Division - Chair: Dr Suzanne Sheppard-
Law
2.30 Kerri Blyth (Physiotherapy, PoWH)
Kinematic outcomes following patella taping in individuals with
Patellofemoral pain- A crossover design
2.45 Timothy Morcombe (Physiotherapy, PoWH)
Nurse-led advanced recovery orthopaedic program for major joint
replacements enhances care quality and outcomes
3.00 Elizabeth Craig (Paediatric Nephrology, SCH)
Nocturnal Hypertension is common in Paediatric Kidney Transplant
Recipients and is associated with BMI
3.15 Anne Meller (Aged Care Program, PoWH)
Advance care planning for patients with advanced illnesses attending
hospital outpatient clinics: a Randomised Controlled Trial
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3.30 pm Open Senior Division - Chair: Dr Ross Black
3.30 Sharon Wong (School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW)
Functional and pharmacological characterization of rare R352Q CFTR
mutation in patient-derived differentiated nasal epithelial cells and intestinal
organoids
3.45 Ursula Sansom-Daly (School of Women’s and Children’s Health,
UNSW)
Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors’ healthcare and medication
use: A controlled comparison
4.00 Michael Coffey (School of Women’s and Children's Health, UNSW)
Unraveling the Altered Intestinal Proteome in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
4.15 Anne Wand (Aged Care Psychiatry, PoWH)
Understanding self-harm in the very old: A qualitative study with
implications for clinical care and wider society
4.30 Sonia Isaacs (School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW)
Higher frequency of vertebrate-infecting viruses in the gut of infants born
to ENDIA mothers with type 1 diabetes
4.45 Dongli Liu (Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, UNSW)
The role of ROR1 and ROR2 in endometrial cancer
5.00 pm Prize Giving Ceremony (Ms Jennie Barry and VIPs)
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Case Presentation Competition
Chairperson: Alessandro Zagami
9.00 Dr Sumanth Nagabushan (Paediatrics, SCH) Objective response to MEK inhibition in an adolescent patient with recurrent
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour (MPNST) with activation of the MAP
Kinase pathway: A personalized precision oncology approach
9.15 Dr Sarah Jane Tapawan (Newborn Care Centre, RHW) Respiratory chain disorder presenting as severe growth restriction and persistent
lactic acidosis
9.30 Dr Aneuryn Rozea (Psychiatry, PoWH) Cannabis in the treatment of Tourettes Syndrome
9.45 Dr Michael Krasovitsky (Medicine, PoWH) The Lynchpin: A quintet of heritable cancers?
10:00 Dr Priyanthi Widana Pathirana (Surgery, PoWH) Abdominal surgery to manage a case of heart failure
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Open Junior Competition
Chairperson: Lin Perry
11:00 Keerti Paida Gut feeling: preliminary cross-sectional study of the gut-brain axis in paediatric
cystic fibrosis patients
11.15 Matthew Ip
Handing it to Pterygium: Explaining Pterygium Laterality
11.30 Mangalee Fernando
Metformin reduces calcineurin inhibitor related nephrotoxicity
11.45 Kimberly Gan
Magnetic Non-Invasive Auricular Acupuncture for Infant Comfort: A Multicentre
Randomised Controlled Trial in Preterm Infants Requiring Eye-exam for
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
12.00 Christina Norris
COPS: A novel model of care improves outcomes for older surgical patients
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OPEN JUNIOR PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
Gut feeling: preliminary cross-sectional study of the gut-brain axis in paediatric cystic
fibrosis patients
Keerti Paida1, Isabelle R McKay1, Michael J Coffey1,2, Michael Doumit 3, Lynsey Bramley 4, Madeline L Sharp 1,
Nadine Kasparian1, Sandra Chuang1,5, Sacha Stelzer-Braid6,7, Shafagh Waters1, Torsten Thomas8,9, Adam Jaffe1,5,
Tamarah Katz4 and Chee Y Ooi1,10
1. School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Medicine, Univ. of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney
2. Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick (SCH), Sydney, Australia
3. Dept. of Physiotherapy, SCH, Sydney, Australia
4. Dept. of Nutrition and Dietetics, SCH, Sydney, Australia
5. Dept. of Respiratory, SCH, Sydney, Australia
6. Virology Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney Australia
7. School of Medical Sciences, Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
8. Centre for Marine Bio-innovation, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
9. School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, Australia 10. Dept. of Gastroenterology, SCH, Sydney, Australia
Background: Recent literature has unearthed relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiota and mental health or
a ‘gut-brain axis’ [1]. Despite high rates of anxiety [2], gastrointestinal dysbiosis [3] and inflammation [4] in children
with cystic fibrosis (CF), the relationship between the two has not yet been explored. Our study aims to fill this gap.
Methods: This is a preliminary cross-sectional analysis of prospective longitudinal observational cohort study at
Sydney Children’s Hospital. CF and healthy control (HC) participants completed Spence’s Anxiety Scale survey and
provided faecal sample for 16S rRNA (V4 region) sequencing and faecal calprotectin measurement.
Results: 44 CF (23 males (52%), mean (SD) age of 8.2 (5.0)) and 37 HC (19 males (51.3%), mean (SD) 8.2 (5.3)) were
recruited. ANCOM analysis demonstrated dysbiosis with higher relative abundance of Alistepes, Akkermanisa and
multiple genera of family Ruminococcaceae and lowered Enterobacter, Prevotella and family Enterobacteriaceae.
Anxiety levels were comparable between CF and HC. When correlated with intestinal microbiota, significant
correlations were found in the genera Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Holdemania and Collinsella across different anxiety
subscales (generalised anxiety, separation anxiety and OCD). While calprotectin was higher in CF than HC, calprotectin
was not correlated with anxiety.
Conclusion: These preliminary results provide support for the theory of a ‘gut-brain axis’. This suggests potential
opportunity to improve mental health of cystic fibrosis patients through gut microbial modulation.
1. Sampson, T.R. and S.K. Mazmanian, Control of brain development, function, and behavior by the microbiome. Cell host &
microbe, 2015. 17(5): p. 565-576.
2. Quittner, A.L., et al., Prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with cystic fibrosis and parent caregivers: results of The
International Depression Epidemiological Study across nine countries. Thorax, 2014. 69(12): p. 1090.
3. Nielsen, S., et al., Disrupted progression of the intestinal microbiota with age in children with cystic fibrosis. Scientific Reports,
2016. 6.
4. Garg, M., et al., Age-dependent variation of fecal calprotectin in cystic fibrosis and healthy children. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis,
2017. 16(5): p. 631-636.
Handing it to Pterygium: Explaining Pterygium Laterality
Ip MH 1, 2, Coroneo MT 1, 2
1. The University of New South Wales at the Prince of Wales Clinical School, Randwick, NSW, 2031
2. Eye Clinic, Prince of Wales Hospital, Level 4 High St Building, Randwick, NSW, 2031
Background: Of the enigmas associated with pterygium, sidedness and location require further elucidation. Whereas
the predominantly nasal location of this disease has been explained by the phenomenon of twenty-fold focusing of
peripheral light onto the nasal limbus (1,2), less consideration has been given to explaining laterality. It is conceivable
that handedness, head position and foveation are linked in such a way that allows asymmetric UV exposure and may be
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contributing factor in determining pterygium laterality. In this study we retrospectively investigated handedness in
patients with pterygium.
Methods: Only patients with biopsy proven pterygium were recruited consecutively into this study. Baseline
characteristics including age, gender, primary or recurrent presentations, and pterygium type were identified. These
parameters were compared to the handedness of patients to assess for any significance. Oldfield's Edinburgh Inventory
(1971) (3) was utilized to assess handedness of patients. Statistical tests used included Chi-squared tests, Fisher's Exact
Test, Independent t-tests and an ANOVA test.
Results: A total of 176 patients were recruited into our study. 140 subjects possessed only unilateral disease. 36 patients
possessed pterygium bilaterally. The median age of our cohort was 59.5 years. 95 males and 81 females were recruited
into this study. 53 patients possessed recurrent disease whilst 123 cases were primary presentations. No significant
correlation between handedness (right, left and ambidextrous) and baseline characteristics were identified (all p > 0.05).
A positive correlation was identified between handedness and pterygium laterality (p<0.001). There was no statistically
significant relationship between hand dominance for ambidextrous patients and pterygium laterality (p = 0.338). For the
36 patients possessing bilateral pterygium, a statistically significant increase in length (p <0.001; mean 3.50 +/-
0.47mm; 95% CI 2.54-4.46mm) and pterygium area (p< 0.001; mean 4.38 +/-0.48mm2; 95% CI 3.38-5.37mm2) were
identified on the eye ipsilateral to handedness.
Conclusions: There exists a statistically significant relationship between pterygium location and handedness that
appears independent to age, gender, pterygium type and its recurrence status. For ambidextrous patients, no relationship
existed between pterygium laterality and hand predominance. For patients with bilateral disease, the area and width of
pterygia was greater on the eye ipsilateral to handedness.
This new insight of handedness as a contributing factor to pterygium laterality is consistent with evidence relating to
cortical cataract as well as to current thought on the geometry of UV exposure.(4) A more complete understanding of
factors contributing to ocular insolation may further inform as to improved protective measures.
1. Coroneo, MT (1993); Br J Ophthalmol; 77:734-739
2. Coroneo, MT (2011); Eye Contact Lens; 37:214-24
3. Oldfield, RC (1971); 9(1):97-113
4. Rabbetts et al. (2019); Optom Vis Sci.; 96:523-530
Metformin reduces calcineurin inhibitor related nephrotoxicity
Fernando M1, Taylor K1, Au A1, 2, Erlich J1 and Endre Z1, 2
1. Australian Kidney Biomarker Reference Laboratory, Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Randwick, NSW 2031
2. Department of Nephrology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031
Hypothesis: Calcineurin Inhibitors (CNIs) prevent transplant rejection but cause significant nephrotoxicity, therefore
biomarkers of early CNI nephrotoxicity and therapeutic strategies are needed. As CNIs are known to impair
mitochondrial homeostasis we hypothesise that CNI nephrotoxicity can be ameliorated using metformin.
Methods: A rat model of subclinical CNI nephrotoxicity was developed using daily treatment of 25mg/kg cyclosporine
for 14 days. Daily urine was collected from cyclosporine treated and controls rats, and kidneys were collected at day 14.
Established kidney damage biomarker levels were assessed in urine and kidney tissue samples, and label-free
quantitative proteomic analysis was used to identify novel urine biomarkers of CNI nephrotoxicity. The effect of
metformin on biomarkers levels was evaluated in our subclinical CNI nephrotoxic model using daily treatment of
200mg/kg metformin for 14 days. Informative biomarkers were then evaluated in a human cohort of transplant
recipients.
Results: Subclinical CNI nephrotoxicity was demonstrated in our model with increased urinary KIM-1 levels in
cyclosporine treated rats without any change serum creatinine. In addition, we show urinary clusterin increased while
calbindin was reduced compared to control rats. Proteomic analysis also identified changes in urinary epidermal growth
factor and e-cadherin levels as potential biomarkers of CNI nephrotoxicity. Strikingly, metformin treatment reduced
subclinical CNI nephrotoxicity decreasing urinary clusterin and KIM-1 levels. Human studies also identified urinary
clusterin as a potential biomarker of CNI nephrotoxicity.
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Conclusion: Urinary clusterin is a potential marker of subclinical CNI nephrotoxicity and metformin treatment appears
to be a useful preventive treatment strategy.
Magnetic Non-Invasive Auricular Acupuncture for Infant Comfort: A Multicentre
Randomised Controlled Trial in Preterm Infants Requiring Eye-exam for Retinopathy of
Prematurity (ROP)
Kimberly M.L GAN1, 2, Ju-Lee OEI2, 3, Im Quah-SMITH2 ,4, Azanna A. KAMAR5, Alexis A.D. LORDUDASS5, Djien
LIEM6, Kwee Bee LINDREA3, Mary DALY3, Nilima Gaunker3, Avneet K. MANGAT7, 8, Georg M. SCHMOLZER7, 8
1. Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
2. School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
3. Department of Newborn Care, The Royal Hospital for Women Randwick, NSW Australia
4. Roseville Wellness Group, Roseville, NSW, Australia
5. Neonatology Unit, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
6. Department of Neonatology, Radboudumc Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
7. Centre for the Studies of Asphyxia and Resuscitation, Neonatal Research Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada
8. Department of Paediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Background: Auricular acupuncture, a non-pharmacological analgesic has shown to reduce pain during heel pricks in
infants. However, its analgesic effects for longer and more painful procedures, like the examination for retinopathy of
prematurity (ROP), remains unknown. We aim to determine the efficacy of magnetic auricular acupuncture (MAA) on
ROP examination-induced discomfort in preterm infants.
Methods: This multicentre randomised controlled trial was conducted in three centres (Australia, Canada and
Malaysia) and recruited 132 infants that required ROP examinations. After randomization, MAA (N=64) or placebo (P)
(N=68) stickers were applied to both ears by an unblinded investigator. Pain was assessed by blinded clinical staff with
the Premature Infant Pain Profile and the Neonatal Pain Agitation Sedation Scale tools, which were then transformed
into Z-scores for analysis.
Results: Infants from both groups were of similar gestation (MAA: 27.8±2.7, P: 27.2±2.2 weeks), birthweights (MAA:
1014.0±296.0, P: 952±273.0 grams) and postnatal age (MAA: 7.1±3.2, P: 7.4±3.2 weeks). Mean Z-scores before
(MAA: -0.6±0.4, P: -0.7±0.4) and during (MAA: 1.1±0.8, P: 1.3±0.7) ROP examination was not different but Z-scores
were significantly lower in MAA infants at one-hour post-procedure (MAA: -0.7±0.3, P: -0.4±0.4, p<0.001).
Regression analysis accounting for confounders (gestation, postnatal age, gender) showed that MAA was significantly
associated with lower pain z-scores (Odds Ratio 4.03 (95% Confidence Interval, 1.05-15.54), p=0.04). Heart rates, in
particular, was lower in MAA infants during ROP examination (MAA: 172.7±21.6, P: 184.3±17.6, p<0.001). No
adverse events were noted.
Conclusion: MAA may reduce physiological pain responses in infants during and after stressful procedures such as
ROP examination. Assessment of long-term effects are warranted.
COPS: A novel model of care improves outcomes for older surgical patients
C.M. Norris1, 2, J. Dhesi3, P. Crowe4 and J.C.T. Close1, 2
1. Department of Aged Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
2. Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney Australia.
3. Department of Ageing and Health, Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
4. Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney Australia.
Background: Precision medicine is transforming cancer care and placing new demands on oncology professionals.
The experiences of professionals at the front-line of paediatric cancer precision medicine trials are understudied.
Methods: We assessed clinicians’ and scientists’ experiences in the first year of the PRecISion Medicine for Children
with Cancer (PRISM) study, a three-year precision medicine trial for children and adolescents with high-risk cancers,
via a semi-structured interview. We analysed participants’ responses regarding their early experiences and professional
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challenges, and measured oncologists’ knowledge of genetics and confidence with somatic and germline genetic test
results.
Results: We interviewed 39 clinicians and 15 scientists. Both groups described positive early experiences with PRISM
but were cognisant of managing parents’ expectations to avoid ‘false hope’. Key clinician challenges included
understanding and communicating genomic results to families, and limited drug availability and access. Most
oncologists rated their knowledge of general genetics as ‘good’, but a minority were ‘very confident’ in interpreting
somatic genetic test results (n=8, 25%) and making treatment recommendations based on somatic test results (n=6,
18.8%). Thirteen oncologists (40.7%) also lacked confidence making treatment recommendations based on germline
cancer predisposition. Scientists described challenges managing the emotional impact of their work, and balancing
translational outputs with academic productivity.
Conclusions: PRISM clinicians and scientists are optimistic about the potentials of precision medicine but
acknowledged several professional challenges associated with delivering cancer genomic technologies. Understanding
these challenges is critical to drive the ongoing development of a new workforce equipped to manage the demands of
paediatric precision medicine.
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Clinical Division Competition
Chairperson: Ju-Lee Oei
1:15 Jakob Köstenbauer
Early versus Delayed Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly – A
Population-Based Study
1:30 Megan Frohlich
Daytime predictors of nocturnal hypercapnic hypoventilation in children with
neuromuscular disorders: a threshold for FVC Z-score
1:45 Taylor Scott
The impact of advance care planning on end-of-life care in patients with advanced
illnesses attending hospital outpatient clinics
2.00 Mihir Desai Imaging-based patient selection in late time window stroke thrombectomy
2:15 Jessica Sun
Does Shift Work affect Cognitive Performance?
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CLINICAL DIVISION ABSTRACTS Early versus Delayed Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly - A Population-Based Study.
Köstenbauer JK1, 2, Gandy R2, Close J1, 2, Harvey L1
1. Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
2. Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Introduction: Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common surgical presentations in Australia and increases with
age. Guidelines recommend early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (within 7 days), as it results in shorter length of stay,
reduced costs and readmission rates. Despite this, there is a perception that early cholecystectomies may result in higher
morbidity and conversion to open surgery in older patients.
Aims: To report the proportion of early versus late cholecystectomy in older patients and associated outcomes in New
South Wales (NSW), Australia.
Methods: Retrospective population-based cohort study of all cholecystectomies for primary acute cholecystitis in NSW
residents aged >50, between 2009-2017. Data were linked from the NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection and
Register for Births, Deaths and Marriages. The primary outcome was the proportion of early versus delayed
cholecystectomies. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses corrected for covariates: age, sex, insurance status,
socio-economic status, comorbidities and hospital characteristics.
Results: A high rate (83%) of the 43,998 cholecystectomies were performed within 7 days of admission. Rates of
delayed surgery were associated with increasing age, comorbidity and male sex. Delayed surgery was associated with
increased median length of stay (2 vs 8 days; p <0.001) and conversion rates (3.96% vs 7.15%; p <0.001). There was no
difference in 30day mortality (0.3% vs 0.2%; p <0.001) nor major bile duct injury (0.19% vs 0.26%; p <0.001).
Conclusion: A high proportion of adults with cholecystitis are undergoing early cholecystectomy in NSW. Our results
support the safety and efficacy of early cholecystectomy in older patients.
Daytime predictors of nocturnal hypercapnic hypoventilation in children with neuromuscular
disorders: a threshold for FVC Z-score
M. Frohlich1, J. Widger1, 2, G. Thambipillay3, A. Teng2, 3, M. Farrar2, 4, S. Chuang1, 2
1. Respiratory Department, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
2. School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW Australia
3. Sleep Medicine Department, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
4. Neurology Department, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
Introduction/Aim: Forced vital capacity (FVC) is identified as a potential predictor of nocturnal hypercapnic
hypoventilation (NHH) in children with neuromuscular disease (NMD). The 2012 Global Lung Function Initiative
recommend interpreting FVC based on z-scores rather than % predicted values. We aimed to identify an FVC z-score
cut-off that predicts NHH and examine other predictors of NHH in children with NMD.
Methods: A retrospective review of all paediatric neuromuscular patients who had a diagnostic sleep study over a 5
year period was performed. NHH was defined as per American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Statistical analysis
was performed using logistic regression and receiver operator curves.
Results: Fifty-two children were included; NHH was diagnosed in 19 patients. There was no statistically significant
association between NHH and age (OR=1.02, p=0.75), BMI z-score (OR=0.82, p=0.14) and ambulatory status
(OR=0.63, p=0.31). For the 30 patients who had spirometry, there was a statistically significant association between
NHH and FVC z-score (OR=0.55, p=0.01), FVC % predicted (OR=0.95, p=0.02) and scoliosis (OR=4.3, p=0.02) on
univariate analyses. There was highly significant correlation between FVC z-score and % predicted (r=0.99, p=0.00).
On multivariate analysis, FVC z-score remained a statistically significant predictor of NHH (OR=0.55, p=0.03). NHH
was predicted by FVC z-score <-3.24 (sensitivity 79%, specificity 73%) or FVC<60% predicted (sensitivity 79%,
specificity 73%).
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Conclusion: Children with NMD and low FVC z-scores warrant investigation for NHH. NHH can also be present in
children who are unable to perform spirometry, and routine sleep studies in these children are important. The impact of
advance care planning on end-of-life care in patients with advanced illnesses attending hospital outpatient clinics
Scott TA1, Rhee J2, 3, Meller A4, Krysinska K3, Gonski P5, Naganathan V6, Zwar N7, Hayen A8, Cullen J9, O'Keeffe
JA10, Harris-Roxas B3, Perry L11, Caplan G1
1. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
2. School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
3. Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
4. Advance Care Planning – Aged Care Program, Prince of Wales Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District , New South
Wales, Australia
5. Southcare, Sutherland Hospital, South Eastern Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
6. Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney and Ageing and Alzheimer’s
Institute, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
7. Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
8. Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
9. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
10. Aged, Chronic Care & Rehabilitation, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 11. Nursing Research and Practice Development, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Introduction: It is unclear whether advance care planning (ACP) improves end-of-life (EOL) care in community
dwelling patients.
Methods: A multi-centre RCT of patients attending outpatient clinics at five Sydney hospitals. Patients were ≥18 years
and at risk of dying in 6-12 months. Participants were randomised to receive facilitated ACP discussions (intervention)
or written information. The primary outcome was documentation of patients’ wishes and concordance with care
received. Secondary outcomes included type and quality of care at EOL. Patients who died within 6-month were
studied. Medical records were examined for EOL care and concordance with wishes.
Results: Of 197 patients enrolled, 23 patients died at 6 months (Intervention vs control 11 v 12). An ACP was more
likely in the intervention patients (8/11, 73% vs 2/12 17%; p-0.007). Preferred place of death was known more often in
the intervention group (8/11[80%] vs 0/12; p<0.001) and followed in 63% (5/8). Fewer intervention patients died in
hospital (5/12, 45.5% vs 7/12, 58.3%; p = 0.53) and had a trend to fewer days in hospital (7.0 vs 16.3 days; p 0.39).
There were trends to greater cessation of non-essential medications (5/7, 71.4% vs 5/9, 55.6%; p = 0.63) and cessation
of inappropriate interventions (6/7, 85.7% vs 4/9, 44.4%; p = 0.14) and discussions about recognising the dying phase
in the intervention group (7/7, 100% vs 5/9, 55.6%, p = 0.05)
Conclusion: Facilitated ACP improved knowledge of patients’ preferences and demonstrated trends to improvement in
all measures of EOL care.
Imaging-based patient selection in late time window stroke thrombectomy
Mihir Desai1, 2, Petra Graham3, Andrew Cheung4-6, Jason Wenderoth2, 4-6, Kevin Tay1, Khalid Alsahli7, Cecilia
Cappelen-Smith6,8,9, Dennis Cordato6,8,9, Suzanne Hodgkinson6,8,9, Alan McDougall6,8 9, Alessandro S. Zagami2,10, Ken
Butcher2,10,11 and Nathan W. Manning2,4-6,12
1. Department of Medical Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
2. Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
3. The Centre for Economic Impacts of Genomic Medicine (GenIMPACT), Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
4. Department of Neurointervention, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
5. Department of Neurointervention, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
6. Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
7. Department of Radiology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
8. Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
9. South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
10. Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
11. Division of Neurology, University of Alberta (Adjunct), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
12. Florey Institute of Neuroscience, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
16
Introduction: Endovascular Thrombectomy(EVT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion(LVO) stroke in late
time windows(6-24 hours after onset) has been shown to be effective. We sought to investigate if patients could be
safely selected for EVT based on routine imaging with non-contrast CT(NCCT) and CT-angiography(CTA) without CT
Perfusion(CTP).
Method: A prospectively maintained database of all EVT patients at two comprehensive stroke centres was
retrospectively interrogated to identify anterior circulation LVO patients, with groin puncture times >6 hours from
symptom onset between 1st April 2016 and 1st January 2019. Subjects were divided into those that underwent CTP in
addition to routine NCCT+CTA(multimodal CT) and those that were selected by NCCT+CTA alone.
Results: A total of 143 anterior circulation stroke patients were identified in the study period. Multimodal CT was used
in 71 patients and 72 patients underwent NCCT+CTA alone. The two groups were well matched with respect to
baseline characteristics including median age(70 vs 72y, p=0.61), male sex[34/71 (48%) vs 44/72 (61%), p=0.11],
median baseline NIHSS(13 vs 12, p=0.25), and median baseline ASPECT scores(8 vs 8.5, p=0.43). Vascular risk-
factors were similar between the two groups. Functional independence(mRS 0-2) rates in the multimodal CT and
NCCT+CTA groups were similar[44(61%) vs 43(61%), p=0.95], as were the rates of excellent outcomes [mRS 0-1:
34(48%) vs 37(51%), p=0.68] at 90 days. Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation[5(7%) vs 7(10%), p=0.56] and 90-
day mortality rates[12(17%) vs 14(19%), p=0.69] were also similar in the two groups.
Conclusion: Patients may be selected for EVT in late time windows using NCCT and CTA alone. Safety and efficacy
appeared to be comparable to those imaged with CTP. Our data suggests that late time window patients who do not
have access to advanced neuroimaging should not be excluded from EVT.
Does Shift Work affect Cognitive Performance?
Sun J1, Stewart P 2,1, Chiew A2,1, Becker T2,1, Chan B2,1
1. Department of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
2. Department of Emergency Medicine & Clinical Toxicology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
Introduction: Shift work has been proposed to promote cognitive impairments such as disturbances in alertness and
cognitive efficiency (1,2). However, studies investigating this association have varied findings, providing no conclusive
evidence (1,3). This is due to limitations such as practice effects and small sample sizes.
Method: A multi-centre prospective, self-controlled, observational study was conducted on medical and nursing staff at
a tertiary referral centre and regional hospital emergency department. Participants were required to complete the Trail-
Making Test (TMT), a neurocognitive test consisting of two parts (TMT-A and TMT-B), at the end of their shift (day,
evening, or night) and at the start of the day to serve as their baseline. The objectives were to assess if there was a
difference in TMT performance post-shift compared to baseline and to compare the differences in TMT completion
times between medical and nursing staff.
Results: After a night shift, medical staff (n=85) required more time to complete both TMT- A (2.58 seconds, 95%
confidence interval [CI]=1.61–3.54, p<0.001, d=0.58) and TMT-B (5.01 seconds, 95% CI=2.25–7.77, p=0.001, d=0.39)
compared to the baseline. Amongst nursing staff post-night shift (n=29), TMT-B performance was also poorer
compared to baseline (4.16 seconds, 95% CI=0.02–8.30, p=0.049, d=0.38). There was no difference in TMT
performance after a day or evening shift.
Conclusion: There exists an association between night shift work and diminished cognitive performance, in particular
visual attention, processing speed and hand-eye coordination (as assessed by the TMT). This may implicate the quality
of care of patients and worker safety (4,5).
1. Suozzo AC, Malta SM, Gil G, Tintori F, Lacerda SS & Nogueira-Martins LA (2011) Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 66, 505-508.
2. Kazemi R, Haidarimoghadam R, Motamedzadeh M, Golmohamadi R, Soltanian A & Zoghipaydar MR (2016) Journal of circadian
rhythms 14, 1
3. Machi MS, Staum M, Callaway CW, Moore C, Jeong K, Suyama J, Patterson PD & Hostler D (2012) Acad Emerg Med 19, 85-91
4. Lee ML, Howard ME, Horrey WJ, Liang Y, Anderson C, Shreeve MS, O'Brien CS & Czeisler CA (2016) PNAS 113, 176-181
5. Veasey S, Rosen R, Barzansky B, Rosen I, Owens J (2002) JAMA 288, 1116-1124
17
Nursing/Midwifery/Allied Health Division Competition
Chairperson: Suzanne Sheppard-Law
2.30 Kerri Blyth Kinematic outcomes following patella taping in individuals with Patellofemoral
pain- A crossover design
2.45 Timothy Morcombe
Nurse-led advanced recovery orthopaedic program for major joint replacements
enhances care quality and outcomes
3.00 Elizabeth Craig Nocturnal Hypertension is common in Paediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients and
is associated with BMI
3.15 Anne Meller Advance care planning for patients with advanced illnesses attending hospital
outpatient clinics: a Randomised Controlled Trial
18
NURSING/MIDWIFE/ALLIED HEALTH DIVISION ABSTRACTS
Kinematic outcomes following patella taping in individuals with Patellofemoral pain - A
crossover design
Blyth K1,2,3, Wang T2, Broe D2,4, Walsh W2,3
1. Department of Physiotherapy, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick
2. Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick
3. Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine , University of New South Wales, Randwick.
4. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common but complex musculoskeletal condition resulting in knee pain in active
individuals. [1] Physiotherapy management consists of exercise therapy plus patella taping. [2,3] The emergence of new
highly elastic taping material provides the clinician with a variation to the conventional rigid taping method
traditionally used. [4,5] In the clinical setting, the use of dynamic tape provides positive feedback from individuals,
however there is currently no supporting evidence for its ongoing use in the management of PFP.
The aim of this study was to compare the knee kinematics of 30 individuals with PFP while performing three functional
tasks (walking, step descent and single leg squat) under three taping conditions (no tape, dynamic tape and rigid tape)
using 3D motion tracker analysis. A crossover study design was implemented with randomised and counterbalanced
order intervention.
The results showed that individuals with PFP demonstrated variances in knee kinematics in the transverse and frontal
plane. The introduction of both dynamic and rigid tape had a positive influence on the altered knee motion when
compared to no tape conditions. Gender differences were evident with females demonstrating greater variance in both
abduction and rotation ranges. Perceived pain levels while performing closed chain activities were reduced with
dynamic tape compared to no tape conditions (p=0.010)
This was the first study to support the use of dynamic tape in the management of PFP. Further research is required to
explore the potential diversity of taping application styles that could be incorporated into clinical practice.
1. Crossley, K.M, Callaghan, M.J, Linschoten, R.V (2016) BJSM 50(4), 247-50.
2. Crossley K.M, Van Middelkoop M, Callaghan M.J, Collins N.J, Rathleff M.F, Barton C. J (2016) BJSM. 50, 844-852.
3. Collins N.J, Barton C.J, Van Middelkoop M, Callaghan M.J, Rathleff M.S, Vicenzino B.T, Davis I.S, Powers C.M, Macri E.M,
Hart H.F, De Oliveira Silva D, Crossley K.M. (2018) BJSM 52 (18), 1170-1178.
4. McConnell J. (2002) Clinics in Sports Medicine, 21(3), 363-387.
5. McNeill W, Pedersen C. (2016) J Bodyw Mov Ther 20, 179-188
Nurse-led advanced recovery orthopaedic program for major joint replacements enhances
care quality and outcomes
Lisa Nealon, Orthopaedic CNC1, Skye McFadyen, Orthopaedic Physiotherapist2, Timothy Morecombe, Deputy Head of
Dept 2, Dr Michael Solomon, Orthopaedic Surgeon1, Louise Barclay, Nurse Manager3, Lin Perry, Professor of Nursing, 4,5, Andrewina Piazza Davies, Clinical Stream Nurse Manager - Surgery & Trauma6, Jamie Wotherspoon, Data Analyst7
1. Orthopaedic Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital
2. Physiotherapy Dept., Prince of Wales Hospital
3. Post Acute Care Service, Prince of Wales Hospital
4. Nursing Education & Research Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital
5. Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney
6. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
7. Business Intelligence and Efficiency Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
In September 2017 approximately 400 patients were on the PoWH waitlist for elective hip or knee surgery, with a
background of increasing total hip and knee replacement (TKR/ THR), estimated to rise in Australia by 276% and
208%, respectively, by 2030 (1). Internationally, enhanced surgical recovery programs are reported to safely reduce
hospital length of stay and achieve better outcomes for patients and organisations (2-7). With rising demand and
advancing evidence, a multi-disciplinary program for non-complex patients was proposed, to improve service delivery,
enhance patient outcomes, reduce length of stay and meet organisational goals. The Advanced Recovery Orthopaedic
19
Program (AROP) was founded on the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles: strategies to optimise the
patient’s condition for surgery and recovery (3) which are considered standards of care internationally.
Eligible, uncomplicated patients were identified during pre-admission clinics. Consenting patients were allocated to the
AROP pathway. Routinely collected data mapped their pre-post-op journey, with a brief satisfaction survey completed
3-4 days post-discharge.
Of n=154 patients recruited to AROP (mean age 56, range 19-92, years), 63% were male. The primary outcome was
length of stay; 150 of 154 patients recruited for AROP completed the program and were discharged within 48 hrs post-
surgery. Based on 2017 average length of stay it was estimated that, for these 150 patients, approximately 386 bed days
were saved, with a cost saving of $520, 173. Patients reported high satisfaction.
AROP improved outcomes and initiated a new era of multidisciplinary collaboration and service development at Prince
of Wales Hospital.
1. Ackerman I, Bohensky M, Zomer E, Tacey M, Gorelik A, Brand C. (2019) The projected burden of primary total knee and hip
replacement for osteoarthritis in Australia to the year 2030. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders;20(1).
2. Dolgun E, Giersbergen M, Aslan A, Altınbaş Y. (2017) The investigation of mobilization times of patients after surgery.
Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences;4(1):71-75.
3. Nelson G, Kalogera E, Dowdy S. (2014) Enhanced recovery pathways in gynecologic oncology. Gynecologic
Oncology;135(3):586-594.
4. Bona S. (2014) Introducing an enhanced recovery after surgery program in colorectal surgery: A single center experience. World
Journal of Gastroenterology;20(46):175-78.
5. Lv L, Shao Y, Zhou Y. (2012) The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for patients undergoing colorectal surgery:
an update of meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Colorectal Disease;27(12):1549-1554.
6. Shao Y, Zou L, Zhou Q, Zhong D, Guo F, Ma L. (2014) Fast-track surgery for gastroenteric neoplasms: a meta-analysis. Tumori
Journal;100(5):e197-e203.
7. Gustafsson U. (2011) Adherence to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol and outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery.
Archives of Surgery;146(5):571.
Nocturnal Hypertension is common in Paediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients and is
associated with BMI
Elizabeth Craig1, Anke Raaijmakers1, Sean Kennedy1,2
1. Paediatric Nephrology, Sydney Children’s Hospital. High St, Randwick, NSW, Australia
2. School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
Introduction: Nocturnal hypertension (NHT) is linked to an increased cardiovascular risk and is reported to occur
frequently after kidney transplantation (1,2,3). However, the determinants of NHT after kidney transplantation in children
have not been clearly ascertained. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of NHT after transplantation and
to gain greater understanding of factors that may be contributing to it.
Materials & Methods: We performed a single centre study of kidney transplant recipients aged <18 years. We
reviewed the most recent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Nocturnal hypertension was defined
as either a mean systolic or diastolic blood pressure >95th percentile or a nocturnal blood pressure load >25%. Variables
of interest were age, BMI, eGFR, time since transplant and medications.
Results: 31 kidney transplant recipients (aged 13.5 ± 3.4 years) had ABPM performed at a mean of 4.2 years after
transplantation. Isolated NHT was present in 10 (32%); a further 10 (32%) had NHT coexistent with daytime
hypertension (DHT). Recipients with NHT had a higher BMI Z-scores (1.0±0.8 vs. 0.4±0.7, p=0.028). There were no
other statistically significant differences between the groups.
Conclusions: NHT is common in paediatric kidney transplant recipients. BMI was the only significant variable
contributing to this, so we could conclude that weight control might be an important target for monitoring and
management. Half of the children with NHT had adequate control of daytime blood pressure. The long term
significance of this isolated NHT in kidney transplant warrants further investigation.
1. Gulhan, B., Topaloglu, R., Karabulut, E., Ozaltin, F., Aki, FT., Bilginer, Y & Besbas, N., (2014) Pediatric Nephrology, 29, 1075-
1080.
2. McGlothan, KR., Wyatt, RJ., Ault, BH., Hastings, MC., Rogers, T., DiSessa, T. & Jones, DP., (2006) Pediatric Transplantation,
10, 558-564.
20
3. Seeman,T., Simkova, E., Kreisinger, J., Vondrak, K., Dusek, J., Gilik, J., Ferber, J., Dvorak, P., & Janda, J., (2006) Pediatric
transplantation, 10, 316-322.
Advance care planning for patients with advanced illnesses attending hospital outpatient
clinics: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Joel Rhee1,2, Anne Meller3, Karolina Krysinska2, Peter Gonski4, Vasi Naganathan5, Nicholas Zwar6, Andrew Hayen7,
John Cullen8, Julie-Ann O’Keeffe9, Ben Harris-Roxas2, Lin Perry10, Gideon A Caplan11
1. School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
2. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
3. Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
4. Advance Care Planning - Aged Care Program, Prince of Wales Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, New South
Wales, Australia
5. Southcare, Sutherland Hospital, South Eastern Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
6. Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney and Ageing and Alzheimer’s
Institute, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
7. Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
8. Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
9. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
10. Aged, Chronic Care & Rehabilitation, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
11. Nursing Research and Practice Development, Faculty of Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
12. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Advance Care Planning (ACP) can improve patient outcomes (1,2), but it is unclear whether this may improve patient
care, while avoiding unplanned hospital admissions and presentations.
We conducted a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) recruiting patients from subspecialty outpatient clinics
at five hospitals in Sydney, Australia: ≥18 years, screened as potentially having palliative care needs by the SPICT tool
and at risk of dying within 12 months (3). Intervention group had ACP discussions facilitated by a trained health
professional. The control group received written information on Advance Care Directives (4) and Enduring
Guardianship (5), representing the current standard of care. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected.
197 patients and 125 carers were recruited, and followed up at 6 months post intervention. 111 Health Professionals
across 5 sites in 2 LHDs were recruited and trained.
At 6 months, the intervention group had experienced fewer unplanned hospital admissions (C.= 0.56/patient, I =0.47
/patient; and reduced ED attendances (C=.80/patient, I=.62/patient) and reduced length of stay, although these results
did not reach statistical significance. Patients who had participated in the intervention arm were more likely to have an
Advance Care Directive in their medical record (p = .007).The trained Health Professionals also reported increased
knowledge and indicated that ACP was important for their patients.
Facilitated ACP can improve patient outcomes while supporting Health Professionals to improve communication
processes. The study results are promising and the project has received continued funding to determine outcomes at 18
months.
1. Detering KM, Hancock AD, Reade MC, Silvester W. (2010) The impact of advance care planning on end of life care in
elderly patients: randomised controlled trial. BMJ
340: c 1345
2. Caplan GA, Meller A, Squires B, Chan S, Willett W. (2006) Advance care planning and hospital in the nursing home.
Age Ageing;35:581–5
3. Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) (2017). https://www.spict.org.uk/
4. NSW Health. Making an advance care directive: (2017) Information book and form.
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/acp/Pages/acd-form-info-book.aspx
5. Public Guardian Office of the NSW Government Department of Attorney General & Justice. (2017) Enduring
Guardianship in New South Wales. Your way to plan ahead. 2.
21
Open Senior Division Competition
Chairperson: Ross Black
3.30 Sharon Wong Functional and pharmacological characterization of rare R352Q CFTR mutation in
patient-derived differentiated nasal epithelial cells and intestinal organoids
3.45 Ursula Sansom-Daly Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors’ healthcare and medication use: A
controlled comparison
4.00 Michael Coffey Unraveling the Altered Intestinal Proteome in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
4.15 Anne Wand Understanding self-harm in the very old: A qualitative study with implications
for clinical care and wider society
4.30 Sonia Isaacs Higher frequency of vertebrate-infecting viruses in the gut of infants born to
ENDIA mothers with type 1 diabetes
4.45 Dongli Liu The role of ROR1 and ROR2 in endometrial cancer
22
OPEN SENIOR DIVISION ABSTRACTS
Functional and pharmacological characterization of rare R352Q CFTR mutation in patient-
derived differentiated nasal epithelial cells and intestinal organoids
Sharon L. Wong1,2^, Nikhil T. Awatade1,2^, Katelin Allan1,2, Miro Astore3, Michael Carnell4, Elvis Pandzic4, Laura K.
Fawcett1,2,5, Iveta Slapetova4, Nihan Turgutoglu1,2, Renee Whan4, John Widger1,2,5, Renate Griffith6, Serdar Kuyucak3,
Keith Ooi1,2,7, Adam Jaffe1,2,5 and Shafagh A. Waters1,2 ^These authors contributed equally to this work
1. School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, AU.
2. Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of
Medicine, UNSW Sydney, AU.
3. School of Physics, University of Sydney, AU.
4. Biomedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, AU.
5. Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, AU.
6. School of Chemistry, UNSW Sydney, AU.
7. Department of Gastroenterology, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, AU.
R352Q is a rare missense cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation associated with
channel conductance defect in cystic fibrosis (CF). Two modulator drugs, Ivacaftor (VX-770) and Symdeko (VX-
661/VX-770) are currently approved for patients carrying R352Q-CFTR allele based on small clinical studies (n=2) and
data from heterologous expression systems [1,2]. Drug efficacy in patient-derived cell models have not been
demonstrated. Here, we study R352Q-CFTR functional and drug-modulated response in nasal and intestinal epithelial
cell models derived from a R352Q/F508del CF patient. Conditionally reprogrammed human nasal epithelial (HNE)
cells were differentiated at air-liquid interface (ALI) for measurement of CFTR-mediated chloride transport in Ussing
chamber. Residual CFTR activity and responsiveness to VX-770 and GLPG1837 (potentiators) +/- VX-809 (corrector)
were evaluated. CFTR activity in intestinal organoids were assessed using forskolin-induced swelling assay. HNE-ALI
and/or organoids from F508del/F508del (n=5) and WT-CFTR (n=9) individuals were included as reference.
R352Q/F508del HNE-ALI exhibited robust residual CFTR activity, with forskolin-stimulated currents (∆Iscfsk, µA/cm2)
of 15.9±1.9 approximating 70% of WT-CFTR activity (22.4±1.4), vs 3.8±0.5 in F508del/F508del. Treatment with VX-
770 or GLPG1837 significantly augmented CFTR activity in R352Q/F508del HNE-ALI, to 30.0±2.3 and 38.3±3.4
µA/cm2respectively whereas no CFTR response was detected in F508del/F508del. R352Q/F508del organoids also
demonstrated residual CFTR activity, with AUC levels (indicator of swelling) of 164.6±21.2 vs 88.5±26.7 in
F508del/F508del. VX-770 or GLPG1837 significantly potentiated CFTR activity in R352Q/F508del organoids, to
157.7±17.4 and 860.9±66.8 AUC units whereas no swelling was observed in F508del/F508del. Hence, R352Q-CFTR is
a residual mutation which could be effectively reinstated by VX-770 and GLPG1837.
1. Van Goor, F., et al., Effect of ivacaftor on CFTR forms with missense mutations associated with defects in protein processing or
function. J Cyst Fibros, 2014. 13(1): p. 29-36.
2. FDA. Symdeko (tezacaftor/ivacaftor) Tablets Printed Labeling. 2018 [cited 2019 18th October]; Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2018/210491Orig1s000LBL.pdf
Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors’ healthcare and medication use: A controlled
comparison
Sansom-Daly UM1,2,3, Wakefield CE1,2, Signorelli C1,2. Yanxiang Gan EY1,2, Antoinette Anazodo1,2,3, Richard J. Cohn1,2
1. School of Women’s and Children’s Health, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
2. Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
3. Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) face complex physical and psychosocial late-effects into cancer
survivorship. Age-appropriate healthcare may address their unique needs, however AYAs’ engagement with these
services remains unclear. We examined healthcare, mental-healthcare, and medication use in an AYA cancer survivor
cohort, compared to controls.
Methods: We recruited survivors aged 15-25years via hospital clinics, and controls through local high-
schools/universities. Questionnaires assessed:
23
Healthcare use (HCU; e.g.,general practitioner (GP), emergency-department visits; hospital admissions),
mental-HCU (e.g., psychologist, social worker; past 6-months);
Medication use;
General functioning: days absent/engaged in work/study.
Depression/anxiety symptoms;
SF-6D perceived health-status.
Pearson Chi-square and Mann-Whitney-U tests were performed on categorical/scaled data, respectively. Binary-logistic
and multiple-linear regressions identified factors associated with HCU outcomes.
Results: We recruited 276 AYAs (Controls: n=183; Mage=19.7y, SD=3.16; Survivors: n=93; Mage=21.97, SD=3.53;
M=5.8y post-treatment, SD=7.33) Groups demonstrated similar overall HCU over the past 6-months (p=0.375),
including GP visits (p=0.905). Survivors were ~70% less likely to report moderate-severe anxiety than controls
(p=0.037), yet reported greater mental-HCU (53.8% vs 23.5%; p<0.001). Survivors reported less HCU as time-since-
treatment increased (p=0.004). Greater HCU was associated with poorer perceived-health (p=0.014) and survivors
being ~66% less likely to work (p=0.027).
Survivors used more medications (p<.001), at higher rates (p=.003) than controls. Female gender (p=0.021), older
diagnosis age (p=0.028) and greater time-since-diagnosis (p=0.045) predicted greater medication use.
Conclusions: Despite being less distressed than controls, survivors showed greater mental-HCU, and took more
medications. The decline in HCU with greater time-since-treatment echoes prior research, highlighting the challenges of
engaging AYAs in their healthcare into survivorship.
1. Kosir, U., Wiedemann, M., Wild, J., Bowes, L. (2019) Psychiatric disorders in adolescent cancer survivors: A systematic review
of prevalence and predictors. Cancer Reports, 2(3), e1168.
2. Smith, A.W., Keegan, T., Hamilton, A., Lynch, C., Wu, X.C., Schwartz, S.M., Kato, I., Cress, R., Harlan, L., AYA HOPE Study
Collaborative Group. (2019) Understanding care and outcomes in adolescents and young adults with cancer: A review of the AYA
HOPE study. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 66(1), e27486. doi: 10.1002/pbc.27486.
3. Vetsch et al 2017; Vetsch J, Fardell JE, Wakefield CE, Signorelli C, Michel G, McLoone JK, Walwyn T, Tapp H, Truscott J,
Cohn RJ, ANZCHOG survivorship study group. (2017) "Forewarned and forearmed": Long-term childhood cancer survivors' and
parents' information needs and implications for survivorship models of care. Patient Educ Couns. 100(2) 355-363.
doi:10.1016/j.pec.2016.09.013.
4. Miller, K.A., Wojcik, K.Y., Ramirez, C.N., et al., (2017). Supporting long-term follow-up of young adult survivors of childhood
cancer: correlates of healthcare self-efficacy. Pediatric Blood & Cancer, 64(2), 358–363.
5. van Breeschoten, J., De Abreu Lourenco, R., Signorelli, C., Haas, M., Cohn, R.J., Wakefield, C.E., Fardell, J.E. (2017). Patterns
and drivers of health care use in long-term childhood cancer survivors: A systematic review. Critical Reviews in
Oncology/Hematology, 120, 60-76.
6. Lovibond, S. H. and P. F. Lovibond (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Sydney, Psychology Foundation.
7. Brazier J, Roberts J, Deverill M. (2002) The estimation of a preference-based measure of health from the SF-36. Journal of Health Economics, 21(2):271–92.
Unraveling the Altered Intestinal Proteome in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Michael J. Coffey1, Ling Zhong2, Shaun Nielsen3, Bernd Wemheuer3], Millie Garg1, Bronwen Needham3, Torsten
Thomas3, Adam Jaffe1, 4, 5, Chee Y. Ooi1, 4, 6, 7 and Shafagh A. Waters1, 4, 7.
1. Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women’s and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia.
2. Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW,
Australia.
3. Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South
Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia.
4. Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis (miCF) Research Centre, High Street, Randwick NSW, Australia.
5. Department of Respiratory, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick NSW, Australia.
6. Department of Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick NSW, Australia.
7. Co-senior authors
Background: Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation exists in cystic fibrosis (CF) and host-expressed proteins serve as
reporters on host-microbiota interactions. We aimed to characterise the intestinal human proteome in children with CF
and healthy controls (HC), and explore associations with bacterial communities, inflammation and clinical outcomes.
24
Methods: We analysed the human (host-centric) proteome of CF and age-matched HC children (matched 2:1) in stool
samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. MaxQuant.v1.6.5, Perseus.v1.6.6.0 and Ingenuity Pathway
Analysis® (IPA) (Qiagen) were used. Calprotectin, M2 pyruvate kinase and 16S rRNA sequenced data were available
from previous studies.
Results: The human proteomes of ten CF (100% pancreatic insufficient, homozygous F508del) and five HC (age 8.0
(4.5) and 8.3 (4.9) years, respectively) revealed distinct clustering. CF proteomes appeared more complex and 107/462
proteins had a significantly different expression compared to HC (FDR<0.05). Proteins associated with inflammation
(S100A8), oxidative stress (xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase) and immune functions (Ig mu chain C region; leukocyte
elastase inhibitor) were upregulated in CF compared to HC. IPA identified activated upstream regulators for intestinal
inflammation in CF (interferon gamma, tumour necrosis factor 5 and transglutaminase 2). In CF, mitochondrial
glutathione reductase and lactotransferrin negatively correlated with calprotectin (both r=-0.91, q=0.0012). Xanthine
dehydrogenase/oxidase negatively correlated with height and weight z-scores in CF (q<0.05). The relative abundance of
Escherichia shigella was increased in CF compared to HC (q<0.05).
Conclusions: The human intestinal proteome is altered in CF children with upregulated inflammation, oxidative stress
and immune functions. Investigation into therapeutics for intestinal inflammation including glutathione and
lactotransferrin is warranted.
Understanding self-harm in the very old: A qualitative study with implications for clinical
care and wider society.
Wand APF1,2, Draper B1,2, Brodaty H2,3 and Peisah C1,4
1.Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
2.Department of Aged Care Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
3.Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney,
Australia
4.Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
The population is ageing globally and the highest rate of suicide is in men aged 85+(1). The connection between suicide
and self-harm in older people provides a window into understanding why older people self-harm and die by suicide.
This doctorate qualitatively examined why a cognitively and culturally diverse cohort of very old adults self-harmed
by interviewing the person and their nominated relative/friend, and by questionnaire completion by their General
Practitioner (GP). The older person reported a myriad of biopsychosocial factors contributing to the self-harm,
including relational factors in his/her clinical and familial systems such as perceived rejection, burdensomeness and
helplessness(2). The carer perspective echoed that of the older person, as well as highlighting their own distress(3). GPs
reported helplessness, professional isolation and therapeutic nihilism(4). The original cohort was followed-up one year
after the self-harm. Emergent themes from the three groups were triangulated. Patients and their relatives/friends
described many contributing factors to self-harm persisting at follow-up, whereas GPs felt problems had been resolved
and they understood the underlying reasons for self-harm(5). A conceptual framework for self-harm in late life,
empirically derived, highlighted the relational context of the older adult with family, health professionals and society,
and opportunities for interventions to improve outcomes through prevention and aftercare. The results were combined
in the development and evaluation of an educational intervention for primary care and hospital-based clinicians focused
on understanding, assessing and managing self-harm in late life(6). Significant improvements in attitudes, knowledge
and confidence regarding self-harm in late life were found post-intervention.
1. Shah A, Bhat R, Zarate-Escudero S, De Leo D & Erlangsen A (2016). Suicide rates in five-year age-bands after the age of 60
years: the international landscape. Aging Ment Health, 20, 131-138.
2.Wand APF, Peisah C, Draper B & Brodaty H (2018). Why Do the Very Old Self-Harm? A Qualitative Study. Am J Geriatr
Psychiatry, 26, 862-871.
3.Wand APF, Peisah C, Draper B & Brodaty H (2019). Carer insights into self-harm in the very old: A qualitative study. Int J Geriatr
Psychiatry, 34, 594-600.
4.Wand AP, Peisah C, Draper B & Brodaty H (2018). How do general practitioners conceptualise self-harm in their older patients? A
qualitative study. Aust J Gen Pract, 47, 146-151.
5.Wand APF, Draper B, Brodaty H & Peisah C (2019). Self-harm in the very old one year later. Has anything changed? International
Psychogeriatrics, In Press (accepted 11.4.19).
6.Wand APF, Draper B, Brodaty H & Peisah C (2019). Self harm in late life. How can the GP help? Medicine Today, 20, 33-36.
25
Higher frequency of vertebrate-infecting viruses in the gut of infants born to ENDIA mothers
with type 1 diabetes
S. R. Isaacs1, Ki Wook Kim1, Digby W. Allen1, Thomas Briese2, Jennifer J. Couper3, Simon C. Barry3, Peter G.
Colman4, Andrew M. Cotterill5, Elizabeth A. Davis6, Lynne C. Giles7, Leonard C. Harrison8, Mark Harris5, Aveni
Haynes6, Jessica L. Horton1, Komal Jain2, Walter Ian Lipkin2, Kelly McGorm3, Grant Morahan9, Claire Morbey10,
Ignatius C.N. Pang11, Anthony T. Papenfuss8, Megan A.S. Penno3, Richard O. Sinnott12, Georgia Soldatos13, Rebecca L.
Thomson3, Peter Vuillermin14, John M. Wentworth8, Marc R. Wilkins11, William D. Rawlinson1,15, and Maria E.
Craig1,16 on behalf of the ENDIA STUDY GROUP
1. School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
2. Center for Infection and Immunity and Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University,
New York, USA
3. Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
4. Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
5. Department of Endocrinology, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
6. Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
7. School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
8. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
9. Centre for Diabetes Research, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia
10. Hunter Diabetes Centre, Newcastle, Australia
11. School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
12. Department of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
13. Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University,
Melbourne, Australia
14. School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
15. Serology and Virology Division, SEALS Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
16. Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
Microbial infections in utero and early life can modify the infant microbiome and contribute greatly to disease (1). We
characterised longitudinal changes in the gut virome of 25 healthy infants born to mothers with or without type 1
diabetes (T1D) in the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) prospective cohort study using
virome capture sequencing (VirCapSeq-VERT). Fecal samples collected three-monthly in the first year of life (n=100)
were screened for vertebrate-infecting viruses (2, 3).
Sequencing generated ~14.8 ± 7.8 million reads per sample following filtration. Overall, at least one virus was
detected in 65% of samples and 96% of infants in the first year of life. Positivity for any virus was associated with
older age (OR 1.2, P=0.002), with enterovirus infection additionally associated with maternal smoking (OR 2.8,
P<0.0001), norovirus with low SES (OR 4.0, P=0.02), anellovirus with greater number of siblings (OR 2.4, P=0.03) and
parechovirus with pet ownership (OR 5.5, P=0.02). Of the 26 viral genera detected, noroviruses, enteroviruses,
parechoviruses and anelloviruses were most frequently detected. Amongst the 15 most differentially abundant viruses,
human bocavirus and rotavirus A were more abundant in infants of mothers with T1D, whereas human parechovirus,
coxsackievirus A6, Rhinovirus C and torque teno viruses were less abundant.
We demonstrated a distinct gut virome profile in infants from mothers with T1D, which may impact future health
outcomes. Higher prevalence and virus detection compared to previous studies highlight the potential of VirCapSeq-
VERT as a sensitive method of virome analysis in future studies.
1. Craig, ME, KW Kim, SR Isaacs, MA Penno, EE Hamilton-Williams, JJ Couper, and WD Rawlinson (2019) Early-life factors
contributing to type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia 62, 1823-1834.
2. Kim, KW, JL Horton, CNI Pang, K Jain, P Leung, SR Isaacs, RA Bull, F Luciani, MR Wilkins, J Catteau, WI Lipkin, WD
Rawlinson, T Briese, and ME Craig (2019) Higher abundance of enterovirus A species in the gut of children with islet autoimmunity.
Scientific Reports 9, 1749.
3. Kim, KW, DW Allen, T Briese, JJ Couper, SC Barry, PG Colman, AM Cotterill, EA Davis, LC Giles, LC Harrison, M Harris, A
Haynes, JL Horton, SR Isaacs, K Jain, WI Lipkin, G Morahan, C Morbey, ICN Pang, AT Papenfuss, MAS Penno, RO Sinnott, G
Soldatos, RL Thomson, PJ Vuillermin, JM Wentworth, MR Wilkins, WD Rawlinson, and ME Craig (2019) Distinct Gut Virome
Profile of Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes in the ENDIA Study. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 6.
The role of ROR1 and ROR2 in endometrial cancer
Liu D1, Gunther K1, Daniels B2, Tang K3, O’Mara T4, Australian National Endometrial Cancer Study Group, Ford CE1.
26
1. Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of
Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
2. Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales,
Australia.
3. South Eastern Area Laboratory Services Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
4. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. Australia.
ROR1 and ROR2 are Wnt receptor tyrosine kinases whose expression is altered in a range of cancers. Our group previously
demonstrated both ROR1 and ROR2 were upregulated in ovarian cancer and silencing them decreased metastatic
potential (1, 2).
To investigate the role of ROR1 and ROR2 in endometrial cancer, immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tumour tissue
microarray (TMA) slides from a large endometrial cancer patient cohort (Australia-wide population-based Australian
Endometrial Cancer Study, ANECS) was performed. The intensity of ROR1 and ROR2 staining was scored as 0
(absence), 1 (weak), 2 (moderate) and 3 (strong) and validated by a pathologist. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was
used to analyse the association between ROR1 and ROR2 staining intensity and clinicopathological parameters
including BMI, FIGO stage, grade, subtypes and menopause status. Kaplan Meier curves were produced for five-year
progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) with low versus high ROR1/2 intensity. Cox multivariate
regression was also applied to analyse the impact of selected covariates (age, BMI, FIGO stage, grade and subtypes) on
the PFS and OS.
Out of the 341 cases included in the analysis, ROR1 expression level was significantly associated with grade
(<em>p</em>=0.004) and moderately associated with FIGO stage (<em>p</em>=0.057). A significant decrease in OS
and PFS was observed in patients with high ROR1 expression (p=0.045 and p=0.003, respectively). This correlation
was not lost when filtering against multiple parameters including age, BMI, FIGO stage and tumour grade in COX
regression (<em>p=0.049</em>). No significant correlation was observed for ROR2 expression with OS or PFS,
though high ROR2 showed a trend towards better PFS. This study confirms the role ROR1 plays in endometrial cancer,
which warrants the future application of ROR1-targeting therapies in endometrial cancer patients.
1. Henry, C., et al., Migration and invasion is inhibited by silencing ROR1 and ROR2 in chemoresistant ovarian cancer.
Oncogenesis, 2016. 5(5): p. e226.
2. Henry, C., et al., Targeting the ROR1 and ROR2 receptors in epithelial ovarian cancer inhibits cell migration and invasion.
Oncotarget, 2015. 6(37): p. 40310.
27
Poster Division
Chairpersons: Jane Butler, Samantha McFedries and Charles De Bock
Board number Entrant Poster title
POS1 Louise Sealy The Sensitivity and
Specificity of
Developmental Screening
in New South Wales
POS2 Carylyn Lim A Bi-National Survey of
Early Management of
Tethered Cord Syndrome
in Children
POS3 Sally Boardman Markers of kidney injury
in childhood cancer
patients: The role of
glomerular hyperfiltration
and urinary biomarkers
POS4 Daria Di Filippo
Continuous glucose
monitoring for the
diagnosis of gestational
diabetes mellitus: a pilot
study
POS5 Gregory Walker Development of a point-
of-care diagnostic test for
respiratory viruses
POS6 Emma Stradling The use of Expiratory
Muscle Strength Training
(EMST) in the
management of chronic
dysphagia and aspiration
in the head and neck
(H&N) population at
Prince of Wales Hospital -
A pilot feasibility study
POS7 Marina Pavanello Identification of two new
candidate susceptibility
genes for non-high-grade
serous ovarian cancer
POS8 Nicole Yuwono Deciphering the Origins
of Circulating Cell-free
DNA and its Alterations
During Menstruation
POS9 Tiffany Tang Novel chimeric antigen
receptor (CAR) T-cell
therapies for cancer
POS10 Vishal Saddi Nasal mask Average
Volume-Assured Pressure
Support versus
Conventional Bilevel
Respiratory Support in a
28
10-month-old infant with
Congenital Central
Hypoventilation
Syndrome: A case report
POS11 Vishal Saddi Average Volume Assured
Pressure support
(AVAPS) versus
Conventional Bi-level
Pressure Support in
Paediatric Nocturnal
Hypoventilation
POS12 So-Jung Shim The uptake and
effectiveness of
oseltamivir in treatment
of influenza illness in
children with chronic lung
diseases
POS13 Alice Salib An oncogenic role for
splicing associated
proteins in MYCN-driven
neuroblastoma
POS14 Kiet Peter Truong Identifying Azacytidine
Resistant Signatures in
Myelodysplastic
Syndromes
POS15 Brittany McGill Investigating the
experiences of clinicians
and scientists in the first
year of PRISM - a
precision medicine trial
for high-risk childhood
cancer
POS16 Anya Jensen Understanding the role of
Extracellular Vesicles in
Regulating
Medulloblastoma Cell
Growth
POS17 Bridgid Connolly Multiparametric MR and
PET imaging of
Intratumoural biological
heterogeneity in patients
with carcinoma of the
cervix
POS18 Mei Ling Lim Development and Initial
Validation of the Falls
Health Literacy Scale
(FHLS)
POS19 Ivy Jiang Evaluating the efficacy of
a Diabetic Retinopathy
Screening Service in rural
and remote primary health
care clinics (PHCs) in
29
Australia
POS20 Claire Smyth Adherence to best care
practice for managing
infants with Bronchiolitis:
Opportunities and
Barriers
POS21 Katelin Allan Personalised mini-lung
models of patients with
cystic fibrosis (CF)
predict functional
outcomes of rare CFTR
mutation
POS22 Victor So Targeting transcriptional
elongation in MYCN-
amplified neuroblastoma
POS23 Sally Laing A Speech Pathology
Model of Care in Head
and Neck Cancer at
Prince of Wales Hospital
(POWH)
POS23 Miya John Bioinformatic meta-
analysis identifies ROR1
as a novel putative
druggable target in low-
grade glioma
POS24 Fiona Lau Use of immediate dual
antiplatelet therapy in
carotid stenting for
tandem occlusion stroke
is associated with
acceptable symptomatic
intracranial haemorrhage
rates
POS25* Ece Egilmezer A mechanism for virus-
induced fetal injury -
Human cytomegalovirus
dysregulates cellular dual-
specificity tyrosine
phosphorylation-regulated
kinases and sonic
hedgehog proteins in
Astrocytes
POS26*
.
Eleanor Wei Ming Ng The evaluation of an
educational video
counselling key messages
for doctors and families
following a first afebrile
seizure
POS27* Jessica Huang Angiotensin II Receptor
Blockers and Angiotensin
Converting Enzyme
Inhibitors Increase the
30
Severity of
Dihydropyridine Calcium
Channel Blocker
Poisoning
