Neurosciences Research Group

The Stroke and Ageing Research Centre (STARC) is based in the Southern Clinical School, Monash Medical Centre. It consists of internationally recognised experts in clinical, epidemiological and public health aspects of stroke, dementia, and other brain ageing phenotypes.

Contacts:
Associate Professor Velandai Srikanth velandai.srikanth@monash.edu
Associate Professor Thanh Phan thanh.phan@monash.edu

Projects available for potential honours students

1. The role of T-cells in acute stroke

   Associate Professor Velandai Srikanth
   Email: velandai.srikanth@monash.edu
   
   Associate Professor Thanh Phan
   Email: thanh.phan@monash.edu
   
   This is a project examining the role of T-lymphocytes in the evolution of acute ischemic stroke. It is unknown whether certain T-cells (Treg) have a protective role in stroke. This is an area that has generated significant interest in animal experimental models, and we aim to translate the findings from such animal models in human studies. The project involves laboratory measurement of several immune cell types in stroke patients.

2. Measuring ischemic stroke penumbra with high-resolution CT imaging

   Associate Professor Thanh Phan
   Email: thanh.phan@monash.edu
   
   Associate Professor Velandai Srikanth
   Email: velandai.srikanth@monash.edu
   
   Dr Henry Ma
   Email: hkma72@hotmail.com
   
   The ischaemic penumbra is that part of the brain affected by stroke that may be salvaged by acute treatments. Measuring the penumbra is challenging and this project aims to use a state-of-the-art CT scanner to achieve this goal. It involves working in the imaging laboratory.

3. Imaging approach to phenotyping lacunar stroke

   Associate Professor Velandai Srikanth
   Email: velandai.srikanth@monash.edu
   
   Associate Professor Thanh Phan
   Email: thanh.phan@monash.edu
   
   Lacunar stroke has been proposed to be due to small vessel disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate if this stroke mechanism holds true for all ‘lacunar' strokes. This project involves working with stroke physicians and radiologists to phenotype patients.

4. Imaging amyloid angiopathy
   
   Dr John Ly
   Email: jly@netspace.net.au
   
   Associate Professor Thanh Phan
   Email: thanh.phan@monash.edu
   
   As a result of recent adances in ligand development, it is now possible to image amyloid binding in the brain in vivo using PET imaging. We have recently phenotype a TIA like presentation of amyloid angiopathy (the clinical implication is that these patients are treated differently from the typical TIA patients). We are planning to evaluate amyloid binding in a number of other stroke syndromes. This project involves working in the imaging laboratory in Neurosciences and state-of-the-art PET scanner.

5.  What can be learnt from a clinical trial feasibility study?
   
   Professor Amanda Thrift
   Email: amanda.thrift@monash.edu
   
   Associate Professor Dominique Cadilhac
   Email: dominique.cadilhac@monash.edu
   
   This is a project to test the feasibility of undertaking a clinical trial of risk factor management within General Practice. Patients were recruited to this study following admission to hospital for a stroke. The patients were then randomised to an intervention or control group. The intervention comprises developing a management plan for patients so that high quality management is maintained once they return home. There is also an education component so teach patients about their risk factors and how to manage them. The aim of this project is to determine how representative the patients recruited are when compared to the patients that attend hospital. We also aim to see which patients tend to drop out and which patients tend to remain in the longer term. The overall aim is to make recommendations about the patients that should be targeted for such a clinical trial.

6. Introduction to health services research in stroke
   
   Associate Professor Dominique Cadilhac
   Email: dominique.cadilhac@monash.edu
   
   Dr Monique Kilkenny
   Email: monique.kilkenny@monash.edu
   
   In the public health division, there is potential for projects for suitable students based on access to large datasets for undertaking research projects on stroke, as well as studies on blood pressure in the community. This will provide an insight into the usefulness of such work in translating evidence to practice, as well as enable skills in managing large datasets.