Bulletin #0097
WINTER 2019
Do school breakfasts hit their target? The effectiveness of providing breakfast at school was the focus of research recently published by Dr Kylie Smith and Dr Kim Jose from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. This study investigated the perceived benefits and challenges of running school breakfast programs (SBPs) and how schools have responded to the growing expectation that they provide breakfast for students. “In recent years, state governments throughout Australia have provided significant funding to support the expansion of school breakfast programs, in response to concerns about children arriving at school hungry,” Dr Kim Jose said. “The expectation that
schools provide breakfast has created some challenges and tensions that haven’t been fully resolved.” The research found that while making breakfast available to all students had reduced the stigma associated with attendance it had resulted in concerns about the resources used by the programs and over-consumption of breakfast by some students. “The research also found that concerns about shifting responsibility and overconsumption could be addressed if schools were given more advice on program
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH THE FOCUS OF THIS YEAR’S MENZIES WINTER APPEAL The recent bushfires in Tasmania brought into sharp focus the adverse health effects that smoke can have on individuals and our community. By donating to our Winter Appeal, you can help to make a difference to people who suffer from respiratory allergies or asthma related to pollen, smoke or other airborne hazards.
Every year, millions of Australians suffer from respiratory conditions made worse by environmental conditions. Yet our knowledge of these airborne triggers remains incomplete. With population rates of respiratory allergies rising and climate change set to increase airborne pollutants and pollen levels, these conditions and their impacts on the community are also set to increase.
Important meal: The study looked at five Australian primary schools operating school breakfast programs.
We want to ascertain whether school breakfast programs are adequately reaching the students in greatest need
At Menzies, our established team of environmental change and health researchers, the AirHub, is leading the world in developing and delivering knowledge that will keep populations healthy and thriving during times of changing air quality. The AirHub’s mission is to provide information and to manage the effects of air quality on
HOW TO DONATE
management by government and non-government funding bodies.” Dr Jose said. The study looked at five Australian primary schools operating SBPs. Dr Jose said further research would now focus on how many schools were offering SBPs, the resources available to support their delivery and the nutritional quality of food provided. “Most importantly we want to ascertain whether school breakfast programs are adequately reaching the students in greatest need,” she said.
health. AirHub was involved in the introduction of the AirRater app which combines real-time data on local air quality from a range of different sources, to help people build up a picture of their own respiratory triggers and help reduce their exposure to airborne hazards. Your support can help us further protect our community’s health.
To donate to our Winter Appeal either go to the Donate tab at Menzies.utas.edu.au, return the donation slip in this Bulletin or call 1800 638 124 or (03) 6226 7700.
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Director’s message Welcome to the Winter Bulletin for 2019 While we at Menzies often hear that our work is appreciated by the Tasmanian community, recent independent market research confirmed that we are well recognised and valued across the State and showed the drive we share with our community to see a better health future for everyone.
We are committed to being a locally connected and globally significant institute, working side by side with our community
Our reach also extends nationally and internationally through extensive networks of collaborations and research to address health issues affecting people worldwide. Our Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH) study, for example, has involved more than 5,000 participants across Australia who in 1985 were part of the Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey. The study is investigating how the risk of heart disease and diabetes develops from childhood to midlife and has just finished the
third follow-up of participants more than 30 years on. The follow-up for CDAH contributes to a larger international effort to understand the early origins of cardiovascular disease with follow-up of 40,000 people over three countries – the United States, Finland and Australia. Menzies recently developed and launched the free Understanding Multiple Sclerosis Massive Open Online Course which has had international reach with more than 3,500 enrolments in more than 80 countries. Strong interest is already being
shown in the second offering of the course which opens on September 16. At Menzies we are committed to being a locally connected and globally significant institute, working side by side with our community to carry out internationally impactful medical research leading to healthier, longer and better lives for Tasmanians and people everywhere. We appreciate the contributions of all our supporters, locally and beyond our shores.
Kind Regards,
Professor Alison Venn Director
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING FRONT OF MIND FOR RESEARCH GROUP Improving wellbeing and reducing the burden of mental health problems is the primary focus of a broad body of research being carried out by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group. Formed earlier this year, the group has been researching the profile of mental health and wellbeing and its impacts in a variety of settings including workplaces, families of emergency service workers and the health system. The group’s most recent work, led by group founder Dr Amanda Neil, was a study of mental health presentations in hospital emergency departments published
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Menzies Bulletin Winter 2019
in Emergency Medicine Australasia 2019. The paper is intended as the first in a series of publications to examine trends in presentations to emergency departments, particularly mental health presentations nationally, and is the first paper from Menzies’ PhD candidate Quang Nhat Tran. “Based on national data, this paper looked at longterm trends of mental health
The group has been researching the profile of mental health and wellbeing and its impacts in a variety of settings
Mind matters: The Menzies Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group.
presentations and found there had been an increase [in rates of presentations and the proportion of all ED presentations with a mental health diagnosis] across every single age group – with the highest being [in] children,” Dr Neil said. “Across the board presentations have increased as have general ED rates
so the overall burden on emergency departments is increasing too.” Dr Neil said the group, which was recently boosted by the addition and the experience of Professor Angela Martin, brought a strong multidisciplinary base of expertise to the Menzies Institute in mental health and wellbeing research.
FORUM Brainstorm: The 2019 MS Symposium was held in Hobart with the theme ‘My Invisible MS’.
image lores Menzies MS Symposium a great success Experts from the Menzies Institute came together with community members to brainstorm and share the latest multiple sclerosis (MS) research advancements, as part of the 2019 MS Symposium. Held in Hobart, the symposium marked World MS Day (May 30) which this year carried ‘My Invisible MS’ as its theme. This visibility theme draws attention to the invisible symptoms of MS and the often unseen implications these can have on day to day life. Tasmania has the highest prevalence of people living with MS in Australia.
Joan Clough – More than 20 years of service Joan Clough worked at Menzies Institute for Medical Research from 1999 until very recently. Joan had already retired after a long working life when she returned to work, initially for Menzies at the Royal Hobart Hospital before relocating to the Medical Sciences Precinct, entering data for the areas of genealogy and musculoskeletal research. Colleagues remember Joan as caring, generous,
MS currently has no cure, and the symptoms can include fatigue, bladder and bowel changes, difficulty concentrating, difficulties with walking and balance, and a sensitivity to heat and cold. Menzies Director Professor Alison Venn said a focus of Menzies’ research was on improving the lives of people with the disease.
meticulous, pedantic, reliable, observant, elegant, and knowledgeable. Joan was the caretaker of the stationery cupboard ensuring each piece of stationery never had an expiry date. She had a dry humour with a twinkle in the eye. A keen historian, she donated her comprehensive collection of Menzies memorabilia to the University. Joan was always going over and above what was expected of her and was the perfect fit for the job. The University of Tasmania would like to honour Joan’s dedication, perseverance and attention to detail. You knew that if Joan was on the job then
“The public symposium was a powerful way for us to connect with the MS community, and share our latest research while also hearing from them about their challenges,” she said. Professor Venn spoke about the recently launched Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) which is a free course on MS, developed in collaboration with MS Limited. “By working together on initiatives like today’s symposium and the online course, we can have a significantly positive impact on the lives of people with MS,”she said. The symposium was part of the Menzies MS Flagship Program, which was recently awarded $10 million in Federal Government funding for its collaborative research working with the wider MS community, nationally and internationally, towards better prevention, treatment and ultimately a cure for the disease.
I am the diamond glints on snow – Mary Elizabeth Frye
it would be done properly. We are all a bit poorer after Joan’s passing and will greatly miss her contribution to the research at Menzies and to the wider community.
‘Understanding MS’ course helps demystify MS The Menzies ‘Understanding Multiple Sclerosis’ (MS) free online course, developed in partnership with MS Limited and the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, has been an outstanding success. The first public course ran from May to June 2019 and had more than 3800 people enrol from 87 countries. The course also received a five-star rating from about 90 per cent of reviewers – the highest rating that can be given. Some of the excellent feedback from course participants included: “Absolutely brilliant online course. MS is such an unknown quantity with the symptoms being so different in each person… It has helped me support my son with a greater understanding of what he is going through.” “The course is really well designed and scattered throughout the course are interviews with a range of very different people who have MS which helps put it in context as to the lived experience.” Thank you to everyone who participated in the development of the MOOC, the pilot and first public course. The next iteration of the course will begin in September. It is aimed at anyone worldwide with an interest in MS, from people living with the disease and their carers and support networks, to medical and nursing professionals, advocates and support workers. For more details, visit ms.mooc.utas.edu.au
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COMMUNITY
Getting out and about Despite the wintery conditions Menzies was supported with a great turnout at its July public talk on kidney disease which focused on living with chronic kidney disease in Tasmania and a holistic approach to care. For those of you who couldn’t make the event, the talk is now available online at https://livestream.com/ UniversityofTasmania/ events/8752207
Menzies staff and volunteers had another successful appearance at Agfest this year. Agfest is a fantastic opportunity for staff and researchers to reach out to a broad range of Tasmanians and let them know about the work of the Institute. The event attracts about 60,000 people every year and we had conversations with at least 1500 people over the three-day event.
Raising our profile: Menzies staff and volunteers at this year’s Agfest.
Thank you to boating workmates who raised $19,000 towards Menzies’ prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease research through their four-hour fishing competition, Dribble and Shake. The competition was established to support research into prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease and send out a positive message of encouragement to those affected.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND EVENTS OFFICER We are pleased to announce the introduction of a dedicated community engagement position within the Menzies Institute, with Fiona Ewing joining our team as a part time Community Engagement and Events Officer.
Fiona is responsible for managing our regular public talks and the Menzies Debate along with our community engagement schedule. If your community group would like to arrange a talk from one of
our researchers, or even have Fiona come along and talk to you about the breadth of work we do, then please contact her on phone (03) 6226 8213 email Fiona.Ewing@utas.edu.au
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DONORS FOR YOUR ONGOING FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO MENZIES Listed below are our Everyday Angels, who make regular gifts to Menzies. Mr Timothy Albion Ms Juliet Allen Ms Anita Allie Ms Kylie Anderson Mrs Teisha Archer Mrs Jennifer & Mr Lionel Banks Ms Jess Bannister Mrs Larissa & Mr David Bartlett Ms Janet Beadle Mrs Kathleen Bevis Mrs Pamela Blunt Ms Jess Bradley Ms Kathleen Brient Ms Beverley Brown Mrs Jane Burrell & Mr Lloyd Sokvitne Ms Jill M Cassidy Dr Susan R Cherry Mrs Emma & Mr Timothy Claridge Mrs Anita & Mr Michael Clarkson Mr Peter Cochrane & Ms Miranda Harman Mr A M Cornish AO Mr Robert D M
Cotgrove Mrs Diane & Mr Jonothan Davis Ms Moya T Deigan Ms Carolyn Dunnewijk Mrs Patricia & Mr Donald Edwards Mr Josh & Mrs Felicity Ey Mrs Elaine & Mr Dennis Fairfield Dr Derek & Mrs Elizabeth Findlay Mr Peter Fountain Mrs Beverley Geard Mr Don W Goff Mrs Judy & Mr Trevor Grant Mrs Susan Haigh Mr Philip Hand Ms Judith Hastie Mrs Shirley & Mr Frederick Heath Ms Judy Hebblethwaite Ms Alison Hennessy Mrs Susan L Hinds Ms Di Hodel
The following individual and community supporters donated for the first time. Mr Brian A Hortle Mr John W Hudson Ms Shelley Hunter Ms Carol Hurst Mr Darrin Irvine Mr Gary & Mrs Susan Jacobson Mrs Wendy Jefferies Mr Raymond & Ms Dianne Jones Mrs Margaret & Mr Alan Keogh Ms Margaret Knight Ms Sabina Lane Mrs Terry & Mr Ian Law Ms Anne & Mr Anthony Le Clerc Ms Rebecca C Lipscombe Mrs Jane & Mr Nicholas Lovibond Mr David T MacLeod Mrs Marie Magill Mrs Betty M Marshall Mr Dugald McDougall Mr Marcus McEwan Mrs Helen McKibben Mrs Frances Joan
Boat Harbour Tourism Association Ms Danielle Bresnehan Building Services Tasmania Pty Ltd Mr Gary Clark Mrs Ann Doble Mr Mark Dodds
Dr Jacqui Triffitt Pty Ltd Dailyn Ertler Mr R & Mrs L Giddings Mrs Sue Harvey Mr John Hayres Mrs Olwen Hedditch Island Art Group Lindisfarne Masonic Centre
Monaro & GM Club of Tasmania Ms Helen Rockliff Senior Citizens at Latrobe Mrs Christine Sutton Mr Rick Tyack
McKinlay Ms Kate McQuaid Mrs Philippa Micklem Dr Kenneth & Mrs Yvonne Milton Mr Sam Mollard Ms Wendy Noye Mrs Anita Nutting Mrs Astrid A O’Toole Mrs Sally Oakley Miss Alison Parsons Mrs Jennifer A Parsons Kim Paterson Mrs Glenda Paton Mr Andrew J Pitt Mr Nathan & Mrs Christabel Porter
Mrs Pamela Rabbidge Ms Jillian Reade Mr Alan & Mrs Jancis Rees Mrs Margaret & Mr Brian Richardson Ms Hannah Richardson Mrs Jill & Mr Eric Robinson Mrs Frances M Russon Mrs Susan Sluce Mr Richard Sperring Mr Alex Stanelos Ms Skye Stowe Miss Amber C Sturges Ms Carmel Taylor
Mrs Cynthia Tennant Ms Karen TwynamPerkins Mrs Rosemary Van den Berk Mr Walter & Mrs Robin Verth Mrs Anne Warren Mr Peter Weldon Ms Caroline Wells Mr John & Mrs Kathlyn Wheatley Mrs Kathryn Whitchurch Ms Barbara White Ms Mandy J Williams Ms Janice Wilson Mrs Elizabeth Woolley
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RESEARCHER PROFILE
Kirsten Fairfax
Functional Haematology Research Fellow What were you doing before you joined us at Menzies as a staff member earlier this year? I am originally from Launceston but have studied in Melbourne at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Monash University, and in Cambridge at the Babraham Institute of Medical Research. I am thrilled to be back in Tasmania now working at the Menzies Institute. What is the current focus of your research?
I have held a long interest in the mechanisms that underpin the way that cells are generated to make up the blood, and how the body makes sure we have the right number of cells to carry oxygen, fight infection and clot the blood where there is an injury. I have now returned to Tasmania to take up the Alex Godamski Fellowship administered through Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, through which I will be researching bone marrow failure, and graft
versus host disease and trying to find new therapies and markers for bone marrow failure. This work will build upon work already underway, made possible via seed funding previously provided by Maddie’s Vision to the Menzies Institute, which aims to identify mutations that vary in their functional effect on the observable characteristics (phenotypes) of blood cells. What are some of the recent findings from your work? I have been working on the importance of the protein that binds DNA (transcription factor) called Myb. Specifically, we have been looking at the role of Myb in blood cells defending the body against infections. We found that Myb is
really important for the function of some of these defenders. What is the biggest challenge in your area of research? In the world of bone marrow failure research one of the biggest challenges is access to samples. Bone marrow failure is a rare disease, which has many challenges. In addition to this in many cases as the marrow fails it has far fewer cells, however it is these remaining cells that we need to use to try to understand what is going on.
I am thrilled to be back in Tasmania now working at the Menzies Institute
What is the most interesting aspect of your work? I think fundamentally understanding how the blood cell system is put together is absolutely fascinating. The myriad of signals that come into a stem cell, how these are processed and ultimately direct the outcome of a cell, is just so intriguing. Working on a disease like bone marrow failure is also fundamentally captivating, with the dire need for new therapies and the urgency of trying to find solutions to help families in need. What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time I like to go camping and hiking. I am also rather fond of gathering wild berries and fruit.
MENZIES PHD BLOOD PRESSURE RESEARCH RECOGNISED WITH STATE AWARDS Two talented Menzies Institute PhD students recently had their research recognised with 2019 Tasmanian ASMR Medical Research Week Student Awards. Niamh Chapman, who received first prize for her work on improving the consent process for clinical research participants, said she was thrilled to receive the award. “My work was a completely new project and to see it
grow from the get-go development phase to receiving this recognition from my peers and seniors has been an exciting opportunity for me,” she said. Ms Chapman’s research project focused on the effectiveness of the sign-up process as part of a new health service she is testing, with a focus on helping participants understand what they were consenting to. Matt Armstrong received the runner-up ASMR 2019
Keep up with our news
Recognised: Niamh Chapman and Matt Armstrong.
To see [my work] grow from the development phase to receiving this recognition … has been an exciting opportunity for me
Medical Research Week Student Award for his work with the Cardiology Unit at The Royal Hobart Hospital, testing the difference between blood pressure measured at the upper arm and at the wrist. Both students are part of the Menzies Blood Pressure Research Group.
Would you like to keep up to date with the latest Menzies news? Find us on Facebook and ‘Like’ our page. You can read all our Bulletins and reports electronically at issuu.com.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
STUDIES RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS
JOINT PAIN METHODS: A randomised controlled trial of methotrexate to treat hand osteoarthritis with synovitis is seeking participants aged 40 to 75 with moderate to severe hand joint pain. This study aims to reduce pain and swelling and slow joint damage in people with symptomatic hand osteoarthritis and synovitis. Contact: Kathy Buttigieg on 03 6226 6909 or Kathy.Buttigieg@utas.edu.au DICKENS: A randomised controlled trial of diacerein to treat knee osteoarthritis with effusion-synovitis. Seeking participants aged 45 to 64 with significant knee pain and localised swelling to participate in a 24-week trial to test this anti-inflammatory drug to improve knee pain, reduce swelling and slow down the progression of knee osteoarthritis. Participants must be able to have a knee MRI and have access to email and web browsing. Contact: 03 6226 6909 or Kathy.Buttigieg@utas.edu.au. CARDIOVASCULAR STAREE: STAtins in Reducing Events in the Elderly investigating whether a statin can prolong good health and maintain independence among people aged 70 years and older. Contact: staree@monash.edu or 1800 770 664 QUARTET: A trial to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of ultra-low-dose quadruple
combination therapy (‘LDQT’) in patients with hypertension. Contact: 03 6226 4803 or Helen.Steane@utas.edu.au The Menzies Blood Pressure Clinic is a community service offered to help improve the care of people with problematic blood pressure. The clinic uses the latest methods dedicated to the investigation and management of high blood pressure. People referred to the clinic undergo various blood pressure tests and comprehensive risk assessments. A report is then sent to the referring GP detailing blood pressure measures together with a suggested treatment regimen. All services are bulk-billed. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PPMS: Primary Progressive MS Study into risk factors for the onset and rate of progression of Primary Progressive MS. Contact: Phone Alice Saul on 03 6226 4269, email ppms.study@utas.edu.au or menzies.utas.edu.au/PPMS AMSLS: The Australian MS Longitudinal Study to provide data of practical use for improving the lives of Australians living with MS. Contact: Phone Kirsty Hawkes on 03 6226-4739, email AMSLS.Info@utas.edu.au or visit msra.org.au/AMSLS OTHER DISEASE AREAS Sedentary behaviour in primary care. We are seeking GPs to give their opinion
on sedentary behaviour assessment and management in primary care. This will involve a choice of a 30-minute interview over the phone or in person. Contact: 03 6226 4267 or jen.makin@utas.edu.au Standing Tall – Cognition and Gait: Randomised control trial involving a six-month home balance and cognitive training program is seeking people aged 60 and over who have noticed decline in memory or thinking or have been diagnosed by a health professional with mild cognitive impairment. Must live within 50km of Hobart and not have Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or dementia. Contact: Email Standing.Tall@ menzies.utas.edu.au or phone 03 6226 7766 and please leave contact details. Genetics of Eye Diseases for genetic studies in diabetic retinopathy, keratoconus and advanced glaucoma (participants should have any type of glaucoma with severe vision loss treated by an ophthalmologist). Contact: 03 62264731 or maria.cooper@dhhs.tas.gov.au AirRater is recruiting people in Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory with asthma, hay fever or other lung conditions, or carers of those with these conditions. Contact: 1800 322 102 or air.rater@utas.edu.au
FESTIVAL OF BRIGHT IDEAS Friday, August 9 (for schools) and Saturday, August 10, 10am-5pm Fun hands-on science activities to interest the whole family as well as information about Menzies research. Princes Wharf 1, Hobart Waterfront
MENZIES DEBATE 2019 ‘EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR TASMANIANS’ Thursday, September 19 Complimentary drinks and canapes at 5.30pm; debate from 6pm-7.30pm. Come along to hear our engaging, knowledgeable and highly qualified Tasmanian panel of speakers as they create compelling cases for and against. As the audience, you get to decide which team wins. Our entertaining and energetic moderator, Bernie Hobbs from ABC Science will once again be keeping our panel in check. This year’s debaters include Professor Natalie Brown, the Director of the Peter Underwood Centre and Professor Richard Eccleston, Director of the Institute for the Study of Social Change.
MENZIES LIVING LABORATORY (AS PART OF BEAKERSTREET@TMAG) Friday, August 16 and Saturday, August 17, 6pm til late BeakerStreet@TMAG is an after-hours pop-up science bar that, for the first time, will host the Menzies Living Laboratory. Come and visit the laboratory to try your hand at microscopy and other scientific pursuits. For further details on any of our events, visit our website menzies.utas.edu.au
Exclusive offers for everything you love to do. It’s the best Membership yet, packed with amazing offers for activities, attractions, shopping, travel and tasty treats – from cool cafes to fabulous fine dining. SUPPORT MENZIES INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH! Get your new Entertainment Membership today online at www.entbook.com.au/24036s2 or in person at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research on the corner of Liverpool and Campbell streets. Your support will help medical research in Tasmania.
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Yes, I would like to help the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. I would like to make a one-off donation of $ I would like to have monthly donations of $ deducted from my credit card I would like to donate to the most recent appeal I would like to update my contact details Note: All donations over $2 are tax-deductible Please accept my donation/s in the form of Cash Cheque/Money Order (Payable to the Menzies Institute for Medical Research) Or, please debit my
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More than flowers In Memoriam April 2019 to June 2019
One sentence in your Will can fund life-saving medical research. If you would like more information, please contact the Institute Advancement Manager on 03 6226 4236. Bequests save lives by funding research. Thank you.
We gratefully acknowledge gifts made from the following estates: Estate of the late Molly Louvain McTaggart Estate of the late Neil Ashdown Estate of the late Monica June Lane We gratefully acknowledge gifts made in honour of: Bernard H Carter Lorraine G Clarke Evelyn E Fenton Dawn B Hills Cornelius Mooy Rex S Pears Alfred E Reeman Elizabeth E Reid Leo R Smith Garry Sutton George Thomas Brenda Triffitt Albert E West Warren G Woolley