Higher Degree Research Opportunities
| Area of Research | Supervisor/s | |
|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture for weight loss in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a systematic review and qualitative study | The project will conduct a systematic review on acupuncture for weight loss in PCOS, including search of Chinese databases. Focus groups/interviews of health professionals involved in care of PCOS patients to explore their views on acupuncture as an adjunct to weight loss in PCOS will also be undertaken. | Professor Caroline Smith caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Discovery of new therapeutic agents from Danshen | The project will study the pharmacological actions of bioactive compounds of Danshen and their derivatives. | Associate Professor Chun Guang Li c.li@westernsydney.edu.au Dr Feng Li |
| Anticancer actions of Chinese herbal medicines | The project will investigate the anticancer actions of Chinese herbal medicines in vitro and in vivo. | Associate Professor Chun Guang Li c.li@westernsydney.edu.au Associate Professor Qihan Dong Dr Henry Liang |
| Neuroprotective and angiogenic effects of herbal medicine in zebrafish | This project will assess the neuroprotective and angiogenic effects of herbal medicine and its key bioactive components using the zebrafish model. | Professor Dennis Chang d.chang@westernsydney.edu.au |
| A pilot randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial to evaluate the effects of NXQ for ischemic stroke | There is a lack of pharmaceutic options for ischemic stroke. This pilot trial aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of NXQ in patients with ischemic stroke during the rehabilitation period | Professor Dennis Chang d.chang@westernsydney.edu.au Professor Alan Bensoussan Professor Hosen Kiat |
| In vitro activity of a standardise herbal formula Nao Xin Qing (NXQ) for the treatment of stroke |
| Professor Dennis Chang d.chang@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Effectiveness and safety of a standardised herbal formulation on diabetic kidney disease | Diabetic nephropathy is one of the common causes of renal failure. This clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a standardised herbal formula in patient with diabetic nephropathy. | Professor Dennis Chang d.chang@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Regulation of tight junction proteins claudin and occludin by herbal medicine in endothelial cells | This in vitro study will assess the action of herbal medicine on the expression of tight junction protein critical to the blood brain barrier function. | Professor Dennis Chang d.chang@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Effects and mechanism of actions of herbal medicines in vascular reactivity | This project will investigate the vascular effects of Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of hypertension, stroke and/or diabetes-related vascular complications using both ex vivo and in vivo models. | Dr Sai Wang Seto s.seto@westernsydney.edu.au Professor Dennis Chang Professor Hosen Kiat |
| In silicon modelling to identify potential herb(s) for cardiovascular diseases | This project aims to identify potential herbs which can be used for cardiovascular diseases management using an in silicon model. The effects and toxicity of the identified herbs identified will be evaluated using a pre-clinical assays and clinical trial. | Dr Sai Wang Seto s.seto@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Multi-omics study of the effects of herbal medicine in zebrafish model of chronic ischemia | This project will evaluate the neuro- and cardio- protective effects of herbal medicine using 'omics' approach. | Dr Sai Wang Seto s.seto@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Effects and mechanism of actions of herbal medicines in neurovascular unit (NVU) | This study aims to develop novel herbal formula for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. The effects and mechanisms of action of herbal preparations will be assessed using a co-culture model of neurovascular unit. | Dr Sai Wang Seto s.seto@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Leaf extract versus olive oil supplementation on biomarkers associated with cardiometabolic risk and glycaemic control and serum antioxidant levels | This clinical study will investigate the effect of supplementation of Olive leaf extract versus Oilve oil on metabolic risk factors BP, BSL, HBA1c, LDL-, HDL & T-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting insulin and insulin growth factors, inflammatory markers, and glutathione peroxidase and various extracellular antioxidant proteins | Dr Kellie Bilinski k.bilinski@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Effects of supplementation of Omega Quant Krill oil on cardiovascular risk factors and/or type II diabetes | This clinical study is designed to investigate the effects of a novel high-phospholipid krill oil supplement versus traditional omega-3 fatty acid supplements or placebo on biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease and fatty acid profile, biomarkers associated with glycaemic control (HOMA of insulin resistance, fasting insulin, and glucose). | Dr Kellie Bilinski k.bilinski@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Association between vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids with cognition assessed by a computerised battery | To determine the association between vitamin D and omega-3 status and cognition as assessed by a computerised battery and EEG testing. Serum vitamin D and fatty acid status will be measured and vitamin D and omega-3 intake from foods will be assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire. | Dr Kellie Bilinski k.bilinski@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Nutrient supplementation and complementary medicine use in people with type II diabetes | This project will assess the use of nutritional supplements and complementary medicine practices by people living with type II diabetes. | Dr Kellie Bilinski k.bilinski@westernsydney.edu.au |
Clinical / Translational | ||
| The role of acupuncture with achieving weight loss prior to gynaecology surgery | The aim of the project is to undertake a feasibility randomised controlled trial of acupuncture compared with a wait list control. | Professor Caroline Smith caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Development of a treatment protocol for pre birth treatment | The aim of the project is to:
| Professor Caroline Smith caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au |
| The role of acupuncture and complementary therapies in weight loss in breast cancer survivors | The aim of the project is to:
| Professor Caroline Smith caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Complementary therapies to assist with anxiety disorders in young women |
| Professor Caroline Smith caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Provision of health information to women on CM | To examine health literacy and decision making regarding women's health | Professor Caroline Smith caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Developing, implementing and evaluating a model of care for integrative women's health in an academic clinic |
| Dr Carolyn Ee carolyn.ee@westernsydney.edu.au |
| The impact of the menstrual cycle on professional and semi-professional female athletes: a mixed methods study |
| Dr Mike Armour mike.armour@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Barriers to healthcare in women with chronic pelvic pain |
| Dr Mike Armour mike.armour@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Functional connectivity in older adults | Neuroplasticity is thought to be one of the mechanisms behind cognitive reserve – the reason why cognition declines in some people and not others as we age. This project will identify neuroplastic mechanisms by exploring how task and resting-state brain networks change with age. | Dr Genevieve Steiner g.steiner@westernsydney.edu.au Dr Siobhan Schabrun |
| Electrophysiological correlates of decision-making strategies in older adults | Older adults tend to use strategies that emphasise task accuracy over speed, where young adults, typically do the reverse, emphasising speed over accuracy. There are distinct changes in brain function with age, but it is unknown whether any of these changes are actually due to the task strategy, rather than age-related pathology. This project will explore this important question by assessing differences in the brain function that underpins decision-making strategies in young and older adults. | Dr Genevieve Steiner g.steiner@westernsydney.edu.au Dr Phoebe Bailey |
| Complementary medicine use by people living with dementia | When conventional therapies are limited people living with chronic diseases such as dementia use a wide range of complementary medicines. The aim of this project is to assess the global prevalence of complementary medicine use by people living with dementia. | Dr Genevieve Steiner g.steiner@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Electrophysiological biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease | This project will triangulate data from a range of sources in order to identify novel, inexpensive, yet widely available biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. Applicants with a background in neuroscience, anatomy and physiology, medical science, or computer science would have a distinct advantage. | Dr Genevieve Steiner g.steiner@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Using plasma concentrations of a standardised multi-herb formula to assess trial medication compliance | Assessing drug plasma concentrations provides an objective measure of compliance in clinical trials. This pharmacokinetic project will assess the plasma concentrations of a multi-herb formula in samples collected from people with mild cognitive impairment participating in a clinical trial. | Dr Genevieve Steiner g.steiner@westernsydney.edu.au |
| A multimodal mind-body exercise program for people living with dementia and their carers: The Tai Chi Challenge | Dementia is the leading cause of disability in older adults, and second leading cause of death in Australia – currently there is no cure. Non-pharmacological therapies that may slow disease progression offer the greatest chance of reducing disease burden. Tai Chi is a multimodal mind-body exercise that has been shown to improve cognition, physical function, activities of daily living, and reduce falls in older adults at risk of cognitive decline, and may be beneficial for people with dementia. This Australia-first project will assess the feasibility and efficacy of a Tai Chi program designed specifically for people with dementia and their carers. | Dr Genevieve Steiner g.steiner@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Working to integrate Australian Indigenous medicines in to local healthcare | Working with specific Aboriginal communities and knowledge holders to explore ways of integration of local medicinal knowledge and culture into local healthcare practices. | Dr Emilie Ens |
| Chinese herbal medicine for hot flushes in breast cancer survivors: A randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over, multi-central clinical trial | This project will explore evidence of effectiveness and safety in the area | Associate Professor Xiaoshu Zhu x.zhu@westernsydney.edu.au Professor Alan Bensoussan Professor Paul de Souza |
| Chinese herbal medicine for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy: A randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-central clinical trial | This project will explore evidence of effectiveness and safety in the area | Associate Professor Xiaoshu Zhu x.zhu@westernsydney.edu.au Professor Alan Bensoussan Professor Caroline Smith Professor Paul de Souza |
