Molecular pathways for skin formation

Michael Cangkrama, who has recently
completed his PhD on skin formation

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It forms in utero and is maintained throughout adult life. However, the womb is a more stable and regulated place than the more complex terrestrial environment, and skin function in an embryo and an adult is very different.

What are the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development, regulation and maintenance of the skin structure in utero and post-natally? Why are they different? It comes down to highly conserved genes, largely unchanged from fruit fly to human. These three genes (in mammals) are members of a family of transcription factors known as the Grainy head-like (Grhl) transcription factors that play a role in organ (including skin) development and barrier repair after tissue damage. Grhl1 and 3 are both highly expressed in skin.

Measurement of disability-free survival after surgery

Dr Mark Shulman, lead author

Dr Mark Shulman is an Alfred anaesthetist and lead author of a new study which followed up more than 500 patients for one year after surgery to track their recovery using a World Health Organization (WHO) measure of disability. The ultimate goal of their research and follow-on studies is to give patients more personally tailored information regarding not only immediate risks and benefits of the surgery, but how well they might recover from surgery in the longer term.

Alfred HealthLink newsletter 2015 Autumn issue: TBI, Asthma, Anaesthesia, Bipolar & more

Alfred Health produces a regular newsletter, back issues of which are housed at: www.alfred.org.au/News.aspx?ID=469.

The current issue's highlights include:

• Asthma breakthrough (Prof Bruce Thompson, Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory medicine)
• Monitoring healthy recovery after surgery (Dr Mark Shulman, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine)
• Brain imaging, bipolar and family (Dr Tamsyn van Rheenen, MAPrc)
• Global effort in brain injury research (Prof Jamie Cooper)

Enquiries to Public Affairs team at Alfred Health on 03 9076 2266 or publicaffairs@alfred.org.au

Monash University Low FODMAP Diet: Are all spelt products low in FODMAPs?

Spelt is an ancient form of wheat. The Monash University FODMAP analysis of spelt has revealed that spelt flour tends to be lower in total FODMAPs than modern wheat. See the entire article by Dr Jane Muir at:

Monash University Low FODMAP Diet: Are all spelt products low in FODMAPs?

Congratulations to Prof Robyn O'Hehir FThorSoc, new Fellow of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

Congratulations to Professor Robyn O'Hehir FThorSoc, who has been awarded the Fellow status of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand on 28 March 2015 . The status is awarded to Thoracic Society members who demonstrate exceptional contributions to the field of respiratory health in Australia or New Zealand. Professor O'Hehir's outstanding clinical and research achievements in the field has earned her the Fellow status.

Professor Jayashri Kulkarni selected for top women’s mental health presidency

Congratulations to Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, who has been elected the next President of the International Association for Women’s Mental Health (IAWMH). Established in 2001, the association’s aim is to improve the mental health of women throughout the world. Prof Kulkarni will be advocating for women’s mental health globally and will have influence in making policy recommendations to the United Nations.
See more: monash.edu/news/show/professor-selected-for-top-womens-mental-health-presidency

Healthy participants sought: Linking sensory and social difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience difficulties in processing social information, such as complex facial expressions. In addition, individuals with ASD demonstrate abnormal processing of sensory information, often reporting hypo- and/or hyper-reactivity to sensory stimuli. This study aims to explore the relationship between these social and sensory processing difficulties in ASD.

We are looking for healthy volunteers, aged 18-50 years, to act as controls. Volunteers will be required to attend the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (located on St Kilda Rd) for a single four-hour session. During the session, activities designed to assess sensory processing and empathy will be completed.

Contact: kimberley.meates@monash.edu
See more: ccs-clin-trials.med.monash.edu.au/trials/linking-sensory-and-social-difficulties-autism-spectrum-disorder