Summer Scholarship Projects for 2013-2014

Establish protocol for preparing canine blood samples for flow cytometry.

i) compare commercial ‘Pharm Lyse’ with distilled H2O and lab prepared ammonium chloride solution; assess optimal contact time, temperature and pH of solutions for optimal RBC lysis. Assess effective lysis by visual microscopy and Advia analysis

ii) assess viability of leukocytes using visual and flow cytometry methods, with trypan blue stains and propidium iodide stains, respectively

Solubilities of Substances Relevant to Human Health, Life Sciences and the Environment

Kidney stones, painful gout attacks, arsenic-contaminated soils, lead in drinking water, formation of toxic secondary minerals in (bio-)leaching processes, and many more pathological conditions and environmental problems are related to the solubilities of sparingly soluble ionic substances. The reliability of computer codes for the modelling of these solubilities in physiological, environmental and geochemical contexts crucially depends on the quality of the underlying physicochemical measurements and data. Students interested in these areas are welcome to take up a well-tailored Summer Project that will contribute to obtaining such data. The objectives of the project will be to measure the solubilities of the relevant substances (by employing accurate pH measurements and appropriate chemical analysis) and to evaluate thermodynamic data such as equilibrium constants. It is important to note that these measurements of thermodynamic quantities for equilibria in aqueous media can be applied to various systems. Therefore the specific scientific question will depend on the chemical system, which will be selected according to the student’s area of interest. For instance, it is not very well known how the composition of urine affects the formation of kidney stones, or under which conditions toxic metals can be immobilised in soils or precipitated from leach solutions, etc. Whatever the path the students come from (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, etc.) and will go to (i.e. joining workforce with a Bachelor of Science degree or proceeding to a research degree), this Summer Project will give them insights and skills that are beneficial to their future career. Particularly students will learn (i) how to collect, analyse and assess their experimental data then (ii) how to relate them to previously reported literature values on similar systems. This means, besides the experimental skills, students will also learn how to effectively perform a literature search and to sum up their experimental work in a brief scientific report.
For more information contact:
Dr Erich Königsberger, E.Koenigsberger@murdoch.edu.au;
Dr LanChi Königsberger, L.Koenigsberger@murdoch.edu.au

Quokka diet and biodiversity in Western Australia.

The Earth receives around 1.9 x 106 EJ of energy in visible light each year and only a fraction of this light energy is being converted to biomass (chemical energy) via the process of photosynthesis. Out of all photosynthetic organisms, microalgae, due to their fast growth rates, have been identified as potential source of raw material for chemical energy production. Solar panels have also been used worldwide for electrical energy production. Here we explore and introduce a novel methodology on combining solar panels with microalgae cultivation systems. These two methods of energy production would appear to compete for use of the same energy resource (sunlight) to produce either chemical or electrical energy. However, some groups of microalgae (i.e. Chlorophyta) only require the blue and red portions of the spectrum whereas certain types of solar cells absorb strongly in the green part of the solar spectrum but not as much in the red or blue portion of the spectrum. This suggests that a combination of the two energy production systems would allow for a full utilization of the solar spectrum allowing both the production of chemical and electrical energy from the one facility making efficient use of available land and solar energy. In this study we propose to introduce a solar panel as a filter above the algae culture to modify the spectrum of light received by the algae and utilize the unused parts of the spectrum to generate electricity. This summer project is a part of a larger on going project at Algae R&D Centre. The project will mostly involve growth of potential microalgae using different light wave length. The student will also be involved with our engineering team in designing a novel cultivation system. The outcome of project will allow us to further develop our methodology.

Contact details: Navid Moheimani,  n.moheimani@murdoch.edu.au

Investigation of the Stability of Chromium(III) based Anti-diabetic compounds.

The biological role of chromium(III) remains highly contentious with some research suggesting that this metal ion is an essential element in human nutrition and has a role in glucose metabolism, while other reports reject this pointing to potential toxic effects. The aim of this research is to use experimental and theoretical techniques to investigate the stability of common chromium(III) supplements. The project will involve synthesizing these compounds then measuring their stability and isomerism at different pHs using a range of analytical techniques (NMR, Raman, UV-Vis spectroscopy) and using state-of-the-art computational chemistry techniques to validate the spectral assignments. This work has important implications for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and in understanding the potential toxicity of chromium based dietary supplements.

For further information contact: Dr. David Henry (d.henry@murdoch.edu.au)

Rapid identification of chemical warfare agent degradants

Alkylphosphonic acids are degradation products of the organophosphate chemical warfare agents, such as sarin. These polar, non-volatile compounds cannot be analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), the method recommended by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW suggests derivatisation of alkylphosphonic acids to form a volatile compound that can be analysed by GCMS. The development of techniques for rapid derivatisation of alkylphosphonic acids that circumvent lengthy sample preparation procedures used in the current methods is an important area of research. The methods recommended by the OPCW include the time-consuming process of removing all water from aqueous extracts and samples prior to derivatisation. The aim of the research is the application of phase transfer catalysis to the development of a rapid method for derivatisation of alkylphosphonic acids without removal of water. Such a method would enhance the capability of field laboratories in the rapid detection of alkylphosphonic acids and verification of chemical warfare agent usage.

For further information contact:
Dr Kate Rowen, Ph 9360 2090, k.rowen@murdoch.edu.au

Budd-Chiari syndrome in a dog

The case report will describe a case of Budd-Chiari syndrome caused by a tumour originating in the thoracic caudal vena cava of a dog. The research student will use data derived from the patient’s clinical record and the patient’s histopathological materials. Initially, the research student will demonstrate understanding of the case and knowledge of the relevant literature via a written literature review and short oral presentation. Subsequently, the research student will prepare a manuscript for publication in a refereed Veterinary Pathology journal.

Supervisors: Ms Sue Bennett, 9360 2641, Sue.Bennett@murdoch.edu.au and Dr Nahiid Stephens, 93602666, N.Stephens@murdoch.edu.au

LGAL and IBD in cats: a comparative study

The paper will describe and compare the similarities and differences in presenting signs between cats with a confirmed diagnosis of Low Grade Alimentary Lymphoma and cats with a confirmed diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The research student will use data derived from clinical records and pathological tests. Initially, the research student will analyse the data, demonstrating understanding via a short oral presentation. Subsequently, the research student will determine the statistical tests required to prove the findings and prepare a manuscript for publication in a refereed clinical veterinary journal.

Supervisors: Ms Sue Bennett, 9360 2641, Sue.Bennett@murdoch.edu.au and Dr Nahiid Stephens, 93602666, N.Stephens@murdoch.edu.au

Studies in reproductive technology in horses

Opportunities exist for students interested in assisted reproductive technologies in horses to develop their skills and knowledge in several aspects of laboratory based work on equine gametes. These include semen processing, evaluation and freezing, and collection and in vitro work on oocytes.

For more information contact:
Associate Professor Anne Barnes, a.barnes@murdoch.edu.au 9360 2643

Vector-borne disease in Australia

Would you like to contribute to a project that is studying tick-borne infections in Australia? Tick-borne diseases are of major importance worldwide, causing illness in people, domestic animals and sometimes wildlife. In Australia, piroplasmosis affects cattle and dogs, caused by red blood cell protozoan parasites (Babesia and/or Theileria), and transmitted to these mammalian species by ticks. Much less is known about piroplasmosis in wildlife in Australia and the recent discovery of Babesia microti in Australia causing human babesiosis, has raised the possibility of other as yet undiscovered tick-borne pathogens in this country, some of which may be zoonotic. Our research is directed towards discovering protozoal, bacterial and rickettsial organisms in ticks collected from companion animals and various wildlife species. We are also investigating the use of tick blood meal analysis as a means of biodiversity audit in field-collected ticks. These projects will provide you with experience in the use of molecular tools to detect pathogen and mammalian DNA.

Supervisors: A/Prof Peter Irwin, Charlotte Oskram, Prof Una Ryan and Dr Mike Bunce

For more information contact:
A/Prof Peter Irwin, P.Irwin@murdoch.edu.au Telephone: 9360 2590

Inanition in sheep

Summer studentships are available as part of a larger project investigating shy feeding in sheep held at a feedlot. Various aspects of this project are available for summer work, honours projects, or higher degrees. Initial work will track several thousands of sheep to detect those that do not eat, and determine some of the underlying reasons that may be involved. Aspects of this project available for study include pathology and diagnosis of disease, epidemiology and identification of risk factors for shy feeding, pathophysiology of the problem, biostatistics.

For more information contact:
Associate Professor Anne Barnes, a.barnes@murdoch.edu.au, 9360 2643

A novel animal model of neuromuscular junction development: australian marsupials

Neuromuscular dysfunction is observed in a range of debilitating human disorders e.g. myasthenia gravis, the muscular dystrophies.  the processes of neuromuscular synapse formation are central to our understanding of normal motor development and human peripheral nerve repair after injury.  Marsupials give birth to very immature young; for example, bandicoot babies are born after less than 15 days in utero and immediately crawl unaided from the opening of the birth canal to the teat with coordinated movement of the forelimbs.  This project will use electron microscopy to document the pattern and timing of neuromuscular development required to facilitate this astonishing feat.

For further information please contact:

Dr Sarah Etherington, S.Etherington@murdoch.edu.au, 9360 6708 or Dr Natalie Warburton, N.Warburton@murdoch.edu.au, 9360 7658

Fish Blood Work Project

Blood work parameters are very established for human and companion animal medicine. It is often used as an indicator of health and to screen for early signs of disease or health disorders. Some blood work has been done in goldfish and kois, and there is much interest on establishing normal blood parameters in fish species of growing importance in the aquaculture of marine food fish, among them Lates calcarifer (aka barramundi or Asian seabass) and Seriola lalandi ( aka yellow tail kingfish). This project aims to establish normal blood parameters such as differential blood counts in these species, and compare them with known values in other fish species.

For further information please contact:
Susan Gibson-Kueh BVSc, MSc (Aquatic Vet. Studies) S.Kueh@murdoch.edu.au
OR A/Prof Philip Nicholls P.Nicholls@murdoch.edu.au 9360 2599

Bone biology: a paradigm for biomedical science training

Several projects in the broad field of bone biology are available through a collaboration between The Bone and Mineral Research Group (UWA, SCGH) and Murdoch University. This group has a variety of foci ranging from basic science to health promotion.

Osteoporosis is a common complex disease – with a major dietary, genetic and lifestyle components and is characterised by a decrease in bone quantity or strength leading to the development of non-traumatic fractures, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist. The burden of disease is predominantly in postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures occurring in one in three women leading to a 9% 1-year mortality in women with hip fracture and 24% mortality five years post hip fracture. The estimated cost of osteoporotic fractures in the Australia is in excess of $7.4 billion per annum. Although there are a number of existing therapies with proven efficacy in fracture reduction, these are not suitable for all patients and the effect is far from optimal. Consequently, there continues to be a strong demand for improved knowledge on the biology of bone, new therapeutic alternatives and preventative strategies. Several specific projects exist in the areas of genetics (genome variation and osteoarthritis), regulation of stem cell differentiation and environmental and genetic causes of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disease.

For more information contact:
Dr Sarah Etherington, 9360 6708, s.etherington@murdoch.edu.au
Dr Joshua Lewis (UWA, SCGH)
Professor Richard Prince (UWA, SCGH)

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in mussels

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are parasites that cause diarrhoea in humans and animals. They are transmitted via the faecal-oral route primarily by contaminated food or water and infect the gastrointestinal tract. Although the severity of infection can vary greatly, cryptosporidiosis can be life threatening in immunocompromised patients and there is no effective treatment.

Water is increasingly recognised as an important vehicle for transmission of Cryptosporidium and Giardia. The (oo)cyst is environmentally stable and resistant to inactivation by chlorine at doses commonly used in drinking water treatment.

Bivalves filter large volumes of water and can concentrate Giardia and Cryptosporidium and both parasites have been recovered from numerous species of shellfish. Little is known about the prevalence, geographical distribution of species of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infecting mussels in Western Australia and what the potential health implications are.

The objective of this study is to analyse freshwater mussels from a range of environments (pristine to highly disturbed) in the south west of Western Australia in order to determine (a) the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in these mussels using microscopy and PCR and (b) whether human-infectious genotypes of Cryptosporidium and Giardia are found in mussels using PCR and sequencing techniques. This study will therefore provide important information on not only the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium infecting mussels, but will give an indication of the levels of water contamination and will also identify what the public health implications are.

For more information contact:
A/Prof. Una Ryan, Ph 9360 2482, Una.Ryan@murdoch.edu.au
A/Prof. Alan Lymbery, Ph 9360 2729, a.lymbery@murdoch.edu.au

Development and validation of a cell-free culture system for Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is an enteric parasite that infects a wide range of hosts including humans, domestic and wild animals. The resistant oocyst stage of the organism's life cycle is excreted in the feces of infected animals and can contaminate sources of drinking water. Although the disease is usually self-limiting in otherwise healthy humans, persistent infection can contribute to mortality in individuals with weakened immune systems. The parasite is resistant to conventional disinfectants used by the water industry to disinfect water, including chlorine and has been responsible for numerous water-borne outbreaks of disease. Cryptosporidium currently represents the major public health concern of water utilities in developed nations.

Recent developments in in vitro cultivation have revealed that Cryptosporidium can complete its life cycle in media devoid of host cells, contradicting current beliefs that Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular parasite and highlights the deficiency of our knowledge about the biology of this parasite.

This project will focus on using reverse-transcription (RT)-PCR of genes expressed as different time points in the life cycle and the analysis of life cycle stages using electron microscopy. The outcomes of this project will be an improved and validated cell-free culture system for Cryptosporidium that will have broad scale application in evolutionary, microarray, viability and pathogenesis studies.

For more information contact:
A/Prof. Una Ryan, Ph 9360 2482 Una.Ryan.@murdoch.edu.au

Describing new species of Cryptosporidium in Fish

Water is increasingly recognised as an important vehicle for transmission of Cryptosporidium. The oocyst is environmentally stable and resistant to inactivation by chlorine at doses commonly used in drinking water treatment. Cryptosporidium can survive for long periods in both freshwater and saltwater and viable human-infectious oocysts have been recovered from several bivalve species. Little is known about the prevalence, geographical distribution of species of Cryptosporidium infecting fish and what the potential health implications are. Preliminary analysis has identified human-infectious genotypes as well as several novel species. This project will focus on the use of microscopy, PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to characterise these novel genotypes as valid species.

For more information contact:
A/Prof. Una Ryan, Ph 9360 2482, Una.Ryan@murdoch.edu.au
A/Prof. Alan Lymbery, Ph 9360 2729, a.lymbery@murdoch.edu.au

Predicting climate change impacts on human-infectious parasitic disease in marsupials and the public health implications.

In Australia, it is predicted that climate change will extend the seasonal window for parasite transmission and lead to amplification of parasite populations, disease outbreaks in host populations and spread of disease into naïve populations. Climate change in Australia will also result in heavier and less frequent rainfall leading to greater extremes of wetness and dryness resulting in more variable numbers of parasites and greater nutritional stress on native marsupials with consequent reduced resistance to parasites of all types.

Climate changes will also benefit insects that transmit these parasites. For example, insect vectors such as ticks, mosquitoes and flies will be able to complete more generations/year and tropical insect vectors and the parasites they carry will expand their ranges southwards. There is also a risk that the impact of climate change will increase the likelihood of exotic parasitic diseases entering Australia.

While there has been extensive research into macroparasites in marsupials, only limited studies have been conducted on protozoan parasites. The construction of predictive computer models for the effect of climate change on zoonotic parasitic disease in marsupial hosts requires baseline data on protozoans that is currently lacking.

Two projects are available as part of this study:

1. Prevalence and genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in marsupials

Cryptosporidium and Giardia are enteric parasites that infect a wide range of hosts and are transmitted by the faecal-oral route and by contamination of water supplies. Their environmental stages (oo/cysts) can be shed in very large numbers, are extremely hardy and easily spread by water. Symptoms vary from mild to severe diarrhoea and even death (Fayer et al. 2004). There is no effective therapy for Cryptosporidium infection (Carey et al. 2004) and both parasites are considered potential bioterrorist agents in the US (http://www.niaid.nih.gov/biodefense/bandc_priority.htm). Little is known about the occurrence and impact of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in native marsupials, however a recent study revealed the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in 3,557 fecal samples from wild eastern grey kangaroos in NSW was between 0.32% to 28.5% over a 2-year period. A study of Giardia in Tasmanian native marsupials over a 3-yr period revealed a prevalence of 21% in the 295 animals tested. Research in WA suggests that the prevalence of infection with Giardia in a range of marsupials was 12.4%. Both host adapted and zoonotic species of Cryptosporidium and Giardia have been detected in marsupials, highlighting the potential public health risk via transmission to humans.

The objective of this study is to screen marsupial fecal samples using molecular tools from areas of high and low human interaction in order to determine (a) the prevalence of Cryptosporidium/Giardia in marsupials by PCR and (b) to determine whether human-infectious genotypes of Cryptosporidium/Giardia are found in marsupials using PCR and sequencing techniques. This study will therefore provide important information on not only the biology of Cryptosporidium/Giardia infecting marsupials as well as the transmission dynamics of Giardia and will also identify if there are any public health implications.

2. Prevalence and genetic characterization of blood-parasites in marsupial

Theileria, Babesia and Trypanosoma are haemoprotozoa (blood parasites) transmitted by insect vectors. There has been no systematic study of native Australian haemoprotozoa and little is known of their epidemiology and impact.

The objective of this study is to screen marsupial blood samples using molecular tools from areas of high and low human interaction in order to determine (a) the prevalence of haemoprotozoa in marsupials by PCR and (b) to determine whether human-infectious species of haemoprotozoa are found in marsupials using PCR and sequencing techniques. This study will therefore provide important information on not only the biology of haemoprotozoa infecting marsupials as well as the transmission dynamics of haemoprotozoa and will also identify if there are any public health implications.

Data generated from both these studies will be used to conduct climate change modelling to predict the future impacts of climate change on the emergence of zoonotic disease caused by protozoan parasites on their marsupial hosts.

For more information contact:
A/Prof. Una Ryan, Ph 9360 2482, Una.Ryan@murdoch.edu.au
A/Prof. Alan Lymbery, Ph 9360 2729, a.lymbery@murdoch.edu.au

Biological Characterisation of a new species of Cryptosporidium in pigs

Ever want to be involved in the naming of a new species? A new species of Cryptosporidium has recently been detected in pigs, which is genetically very distinct. In order for this species to be formally described in the literature, more information on its biological characteristics is required. This project aims to characterise both the biological characteristics of this species and to further characterise its molecular characteristics. It is anticipated that the results of this project will contribute greatly to our understanding of cryptosporidiosis in pigs and will also result of the formal naming of this species in the scientific literature.

For more information on the above projects contact:
A/Prof. Una Ryan
Room 3.55
Ph 9360 2482
Una.Ryan@murdoch.edu.au