Westmead Hospital Research Centres
The Westmead Millennium Institute is associated with clinical, public health and bio-medical research undertaken at Westmead Hospital:
Australian Centre for Addiction Research
The Australian Centre for Addiction Research (ACAR) is an interdisciplinary network of scientists, clinicians, academic professionals and officials engaged in promoting applied research aimed at prevention and clinical management of addictive behaviours. |
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We are committed to conducting innovative research, and applying the knowledge and policies to improve the health status of the community.
Our Mission
The Australian Centre for Addiction Research (ACAR) is dedicated to promoting the science and practice of preventing and treating addictive behaviours.
The Aims and Objectives of ACAR
To advance the knowledge of brain and behaviour relationship in understanding addictive behaviours.
To assist clinical investigators in identifying decisive research opportunities, and to facilitate the research process by providing a forum for interdisciplinary discussions among clinical and basic scientists.
To promote clinical research that focuses on applied issues related to the nature of addictive behaviours, the prevention and treatment of these disorders and other coexisting psychiatric and medical disorders. In particular, ACAR will focus on research activities on the diagnosis and heterogeneity of addictive behaviours, controlled clinical trials, and clinical services evaluation.
To provide consultation and advisory services to the Government, private, and non-government organisations.
To provide specialist training programmes in the prevention and management of addictive behaviours.
Areas of Expertise
- Developing innovative clinical programmes
- Evaluating and disseminating clinical research
- Developing policy and clinical practice guidelines
- Promoting best practice models of care
- Training
Innovative Contributions of ACAR
First treatment project to provide participants with alcohol (priming doses) as part of a training programme to drink in moderation
First treatment programme to offer a psychological intervention via correspondence (mail) to assist people from all over Australia to reduce their alcohol consumption and manage alcohol-related problems
First opportunistic treatment programme to detect and treat psychiatric patients who misuse alcohol and/or other substances
First opportunistic treatment programme to reduce suicide risk among alcohol and other substance misusers presenting to Hospital Emergency Departments
First treatment programme to offer psychological interventions via mail to assist people, from all over Australia, to manage their depression, anxiety, and alcohol problems.
For more information visit the ACAR website : http://www.acar.net.au/ACAR/index.asp.
Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology Research
Our research group has two major areas of interest:
- how pregnancy factors influence the subsequent development of diabetes.
- the effects of hyperglycaemia and insulin during critical illness.
In general, our goal is to examine the same fundamental research questions in epidemiological, clinical and basic science models.
Pregnancy Factors and the Development of Diabetes We have combined the resources of Westmead, Blacktown,
Nepean and Auburn Hospitals, to study the relationship between pregnancy factors and the development of diabetes. A number of studies are underway, in the area of gestational diabetes (GDM) and in pregnancies where the mother has pre-existing diabetes.
We have been studying the risk factors for GDM and its effects on the mother and child, and the risk of the mother developing subsequent type 2 diabetes. In collaboration with the Centre for Physical Activity
and Health, University of Sydney , we have piloted a lifestyle program for women with past GDM, with the goal of reducing the risk of developing diabetes.
There is also evidence that low birth weight increases the development of cardiac risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. We are currently conducting studies to confirm this risk, and examine the possible endocrine mechanisms, in neonates, adults, and rodent models. |
Our Staff |
Co-Directors
Research Fellows
- Dr Sue-Mei Lau
- Dr Nirusha Arnold
- Dr Carmen Wong
Research Assistants and
Trials
Co-ordinators
- Ms Malindi Greenwood
- Ms Nancy Cinnadaio
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Hyperglycaemia and Critical Illness
We have performed several studies examining the association between hyperglycaemia and morbidity and mortality in hospital patients. We have previously conducted a NHMRC supported multicentre trial (The HI-5 Study) studying the effect of intravenous insulin administration to diabetic subjects during the acute stages of a heart attack, and are currently examining the potential benefit of glucose lowering interventions amongst hospital patients.
Psychiatric Research
Psychiatry provides mental health services to people who present at Westmead's Emergency Department or outpatients and also to inpatients of the wards. |
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Its work covers such diverse areas including, support after a suicide attempt and assessing confusion after an operation. It also works to definitive treatment of depression after a heart attack. It is concerned with the interface between mind and body and aims to holistically improve the care provided to mental health patients.
It offers a 12 month psychotherapy program for people suffering from symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. This is a serious mental illness affecting 2% of the population. This disorder is generally first experienced in the late teens but be experienced as late as mid 50's. Our research unit is monitoring the success of treatment programs with a view to reversing the disabling effects of BPD and depression.
Rheumatology
The Department of Rheumatology is involved in basic and clinical research looking into the causes and treatment of inflammatory and musculo-skeletal conditions.
Basic research is into the development and use of peptides for the treatment of arthritis. The focus of the laboratory is based on the idea that disorganization of proteins on the T-cell surface that collectively function as a unit (receptor) can render the cell incompetent to perform its normal functions.
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In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes and lupus, the ability to prevent pathogenic cells causing tissue damage, and subsequently disease, can be seen as therapy.
Clinical research involves investigating the genetic causes of Lupus and trying to identify genes that predispose to the disease.
For more information visit the Rheumatology website: http://www.wsahs.nsw.gov.au/services/Rheumatology/INDEX.HTM.
Vascular Biology Research Centre
"Cardiovascular disease claims almost 28,000 Australians a year- It is the largest single cause of death in Australia of both men and women"
The Vascular Biology Research Centre is within the Department of Surgery at Westmead Hospital. It is headed by Professor John Fletcher, the head of Surgery for the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital.
We are at the cutting edge of vascular research, recently identifying the presence and role of progenitor cells in the development of atherosclerosis.
Our success comes from the direct interaction between surgeons and scientists enabling our research to span from a basic fundamental level to a clinical research angle.
Research Focus
Our aim is to understand the role of progenitor / stem cells in wound healing so that we can alter its progression to give a better outcome in various disease states. We are focusing in particular on atherosclerosis (heart disease) and the wound healing response (intimal hyperplasia) generated upon its treatment. Our work has attracted interest from other researchers and as such we have established collaborations with several other groups.
Our current research projects are focusing on:
- The role of progenitor cells in atherosclerosis (vascular disease)
We have recently identified the presence and role of a progenitor cell in atherosclerosis. We are currently comparing samples from patients versus controls to determine what factors effect differentiation of progenitor cells in atherosclerosis development.
- The role of progenitor cells in intimal hyperplasia
The surgical treatment for atherosclerosis inflicts a wound on the vessel wall. The wound healing response generated is called intimal hyperplasia. We are determining what role progenitor cells play in this healing response.
- The pluripotent nature of progenitor cells in wound healing
Wound healing involves a range of cells interacting to restore tissue integrity. We are determining what range of cells the progenitor can differentiate into in this process.
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Our Staff |
Group Head
Research Director
Research Manager
Senior Lecturer/ Vascular Surgeon
Scientist / Clincial Epidemiologist
Postgraduate Students
- Our team also includes a range of
postgraduate students
(Honours, Masters and PhD)
from both a science and
medical background.
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Recent Publications
- McEwen, A., Emmanuel, C., Medbury, H. Leick, A., Walker, D.M. and Zoellner, H. 2003. Induction of contact-dependent endothelial apoptosis by osteosarcoma cells suggests a role for endothelial cell apoptosis in blood-borne metastasis." J Pathol 201(3): 395-403.
- Robinson, B.I., and Fletcher, J.P. 2003. Fluoropolymer coated Dacron or polytetrafluoroethylene for femoropopliteal bypass grafting: a multicentre trial. ANZ J Surg 73:95-99.
- Emmanuel, C., Foo, E., Medbury, H.J., Matthews, J., Comis, A., and Zoellner, H. 2002. Synergistic induction of apoptosis in human endothelial cells by tumour necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta. Cytokine 18:237-241.
- Huang, P., Hawthorne, W.J., Ao, P., Angeli, G.L., Medbury, H.J., and Fletcher, J.P. 2002. Perigraft adventitia and intima remodeling after synthetic patch implantation in sheep carotid artery: role of apoptosis and proliferation. J Vasc Surg 36:371-378.
- Hawthorne, W.J., Ao, P.Y., and Fletcher, J.P. 2002. Vascular closure staples reduce intimal hyperplasia in prosthesis implantation. ANZ J Surg 72:862-866.
- Tso, C., Skinner, M.P., Hawthorne, W.J., and Fletcher, J.P. 2002. Matrigel-coated stents reduce intimal thickening in a large animal vascular stent model. Int Angiol 21:244-249.
- Hawthorne, W.J., Ao, P.Y., Vicaretti, M., and Fletcher, J.P. 2002. New methodology for assessment of intimal hyperplasia of vascular prostheses. ANZ J Surg 72:623-627.
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