Publication: The PICHFORK (Pain in Children Fentanyl or Ketamine) Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Intranasal Ketamine and Fentanyl for the Relief of Moderate to Severe Pain in Children With Limb Injuries

Andis Graudins, Robert Meek, Dianna Egerton-Warburton, Ed Oakley, Robert Seith Annals of Emergency Medicine, Vol. 65, Issue 3, p248–254.e1 Published online: November 17, 2014

Objective

To describe and compare the characteristics of paracetamol poisoning in adolescent and adult patients.

Method

 

Descriptive retrospective case series of adolescent (12–17 years) and adult (>18 years) patients presenting to a metropolitan hospital network ED, diagnosed with paracetamol poi- soning from October 2009 to September 2013.

Results

There were 220 adolescent (median age 16 years, 47% treated with acetylcysteine [NAC]) and 647 adult presentations (median age 27 years, 42% treated with NAC) for pa- racetamol poisoning in the study period. Adolescent patients were more frequently women (89% vs 76%; odds ratio [OR] 2.4; 95% confidence in- terval [CI] 1.5–3.8) and ingested similar amounts of paracetamol (18 g) when requiring NAC treatment. Ado- lescents were more likely to ingest pa- racetamol as a single agent (53% vs 34%; OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.6–3.0) and less likely to ingest compound para- cetamol products than adults (18% vs 29%; OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.36–0.79). Adolescents were less likely to report accidental supratherapeutic ingestion of paracetamol (0.02% vs 10%; OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.09–0.58), or co-ingestion of prescription medica- tions (25% vs 43%; OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.31–0.62). Adolescents had more frequent histamine release reactions to NAC than adults (17% vs 8%; OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2–4.5). No cases required liver transplantation or resulted in death.

Conclusion

Adolescents ingested com- parable amounts of paracetamol to adults, when presenting with deliber- ate self-poisoning. However, there were significant differences in co-ingested medications and the reason for inges- tion of paracetamol. Histamine reac- tions to NAC were more common in adolescents; however, most were mild. Overall, outcome was favourable in both cohorts.

2015 Ride for Research - most successful event yet!

MIMR-PHI's major annual fundraising event the 'Ride for Research (R4R)', was held last month and this year's event was the most successful yet. The current tally sits at almost $34,000 for the purchase of an xCELLigence System for the Institute, an outstanding result in the event's 10th year. 

The success of the event has only been possible thanks to the efforts of the riding team, volunteers, donors, and sponsors BankVic, VicSuper, Davies Collison Cave and Zouki. A very special thanks also goes to Andrew McCallum who, with wife Pat, was instrumental (as always) to the planning and coordination of the event, and CRH's Peter Stanton and his wife Elspeth who were in the support crew for the entire R4R event. 

The R4R Team gave up countless weekends for practice rides and, this year, the bulk of the funds were raised were by the riders themselves through our new fundraising platform. On behalf of everyone at the Institute, we thank the R4R Team for their outstanding fundraising and grueling cycling efforts over the last few months. Having such a dedicated group of supporters is a testament to the importance of MIMR-PHI's research.

We appreciate all the support we have received from MIMR-PHI staff and students during the event. The 2015 R4R received a record number of donations from staff which has been a very important show of support for the riding team and for the Institute.

If you would like to contribute to the event you can still do so in the following ways:

• Volunteer for MIMR-PHI's fundraising Bunnings BBQ on Sat 2 May at the South Oakleigh Bunnings
• 'Like' or 'share' the MIMR-PHI event posts on our Facebook and Twitter
• Make a donation towards the event or a rider at: http://mimr-phi.gofundraise.com.au/ 

To view the R4R pictures visit:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/126594085@N08/sets/72157651188790007/page2/

If you are interested in fundraising for the Institute or have any fundraising suggestions, please email development.office@mimr-phi.org. 

SCS and Monash Health welcome Associate Professor Suresh Sundram

A/Prof Suresh Sundram

Mental Health Program Medical Director, Professor David Clarke is pleased to announce the appointment of Assoc. Professor Suresh Sundram to Unit Head of Adult Psychiatry at Monash Medical Centre (Clayton Sector).

Suresh comes from the Northern Hospital where he was the Director of Clinical Services.  He has also pursued his academic activities with the University of Melbourne and Florey Institute.

Suresh trained in medicine and psychiatry in Melbourne, and has worked all his career at North West Mental Health, as consultant psychiatrist and DCS at Northern.  In addition to this core clinical and leadership experience, he has:

*         pursued research interests in the areas of neuroscience and molecular psychopharmacology.

*         been actively involved in refugee health in Melbourne; he currently sits on the Physical and Mental Health Sub-Committee of the Advisory Committee to the government on Nauruan Regional Processing.

*         been an advocate for the physical health of psychiatric patients and, in 2014, was part of a team from Northern Health who won a Gold Medal at the Victorian Public Health Care Awards for a project "Innovative physical health program in community mental health."

 North West are sorry to see him leave, but we are also delighted that he is coming to work with us.  Suresh will join us on July 27th.   Read Suresh's profile here.

Monash Health Research Week Prizes

Congratulations to the following SCS researchers who collected prizes at the Monash Health Research Week:

Thanh Phan - Neurosciences (Clinical) 1st and 2nd Prizes
Andis Graudins - A&E 1st Prize
Robert Meek - A&E 2nd Prize
Jun Yang - Endocrinology (Basic Science) 1st Prize
Phil Ha - Inflammation and Immunity (Clinical) 1st Prize
Kenneth Lau - Inflammation and Immunity (Clinical) 2nd Prize
Flora Wong - Children's Health & Neonatal Health (Basic Science) 2nd Prize
Arvind Sehgal - Children's Health & Neonatal Health (Clinical) 2nd Prize
Hamid Hosseini  - Cardiovascular (Basic Science) 2nd Prize
Robert Gooley - Cardiovascular (Research) 1st Prize
Ravi Kiran Munnur - Cardiovascular (Research) 2nd Prize

Centre of Inflammatory Diseases (CID) Seminar- TODAY at 12pm

"Role of monocytes in acute glomerulonephritis" presented by Dr. Michaela Finsterbusch  in the Medicine Seminar Room, Level 5, Block E, MMC.

MIMR-PHI seminar: Parkinson’s disease: from symptomatic to neuroprotective therapies

Thursday 16 April 4pm-5pm, Lecture Theatre 3, Monash Medical Centre

Dr Joohyung Lee
Co-Head: Brain and Gender Lab,  MIMR-PHI Institute

Details here.

Revised closure date for FMNHS Equity Travel Support Grants - extended to 20 April

The FMNHS Social Inclusion Equity Travel Support Grants were advertised in the Faculty Bulletin however to date there has been a limited response.

The revised closing date has been extended to the 20th April 2015.  Completed applications are to be sent to Cornelia Szeszeran.

  

Read guidelines here.  Application form here.

Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme

Applications opened 9 April 2015 for the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme, a joint initiative of Universities Australia and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The former Go8-DAAD scheme has been  replaced by this scheme.  

This scheme will support exchanges for Australian researchers to spend time at partner institutions  in Germany and for collaborating German researchers to spend time at Australian universities. The support of early career researchers and junior scholars is a significant focus of this scheme. The scheme is open to Monash researchers in all academic fields involved in a collaborative project with German research partners.   Researchers from the Humanities and Social Sciences are encouraged to apply.

Meet our ECRs: Qiang (Colin) Cheng

Can you explain your research? 

My research focuses on the recruitment of white blood cells from blood stream to the inflamed tissues. I am particularly interested in the analysis of these processes using human tissues. I hope the outcome of our research can facilitate the identification of new disease markers and develop personalized medicine for individual patients.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
                                    To be a biochemist.

What do you enjoy doing outside work?
Reading, running and gardening.

Something your work colleagues probably don’t know about you?
My first degree was in Chemical Engineering.

REMINDER: 2015 Victorian Premier's Award for Health & Medical Research - Applications close THIS WEEK

The 21st Victorian Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research [PAHMR] recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of Victoria’s early-career health and medical researchers.

The recipient of the Award receives a trophy and certificate plus $16,000 to further develop their career in health or medical research. Three additional prizes, worth $8,000 each, are presented to applicants who are highly commended by the judging panel.

Applications close at 2pm on Thursday 16 April.

Please visit the VESKI website for further information.
Assistance with preparation and editing of applications is available by contacting Christina Majoinen, Portfolio Manager, Prizes and Awards at Mind Your Way (christina@mindyourway.com.au).

GRANT ALERT - AMP's Tomorrow Fund

AMP's Tomorrow Fund is offering $1 million in grants to help amazing Australians who are doing great things.
AMP is looking for Australians who are working hard to make a difference in their chosen field. Inspiring individuals of all ages, abilities and walks of life who are trying to create a better tomorrow but need help to make it happen can apply. Artists, inventors, social innovators, musicians and more can apply. In 2014 a number of grants were made to support health and medical research- three examples are provided below.

For your chance to share in $1 million in grants, apply before 14 May. 
https://www.ampstomorrowfund.com.au

Submit your abstract for ASN Kidney Week 2015

SHARE YOUR RESEARCH WITH 13,000 COLLEAGUES

Share your cutting-edge research with the nephrology world. ASN is now accepting abstracts for Kidney Week 2015. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your work to more than 13,000 colleagues in San Diego, CA this November.  The submission deadline is 2:00 p.m. EDT on June 3, 2015. This year, nonmembers can submit abstracts without ASN member sponsorship. ASN will also accept an abstract submission if the abstract has been submitted for publication but not yet accepted for publication by June 3, 2015. SUBMIT HERE.

Call for Abstracts: 4th Annual NHMRC Symposium on Research Translation

The National Health and Medical Research Council has opened its Call for Abstracts for its 4th Annual NHMRC Symposium on Research Translation.

The theme for this year is "Policy and Research: Working together to improve the health of Australians". This year the Symposium is being held in collaboration with the Centre for Informing Policy in Health with Evidence from Research (CIPHER).

The Symposium will aim to create more effective working relationships between health and medical researchers and policy makers. Knowledge exchange, better engagement and integration of policy makers with researchers, and the provision of systems to allow this to happen are some key areas that the Symposium will cover.

Professor Chris Ham (CEO, The King's Fund, UK) and Professor John Lavis (McMasters University, Canada), both leaders in health systems and policy, will be two of the Plenary speakers at the Symposium this year.

For all enquiries, please contact abstracts@nhmrc2015.com. The deadline for submissions is 1 May, 2015.

The Naked Presenter: How to present without notes and wow your audience (17 April)

Workshop - This Friday 17 April, 2015   Register here

If you haven't already registered for this workshop there is still time.

Here’s your opportunity to learn how to speak freely and confidently without notes. In this workshop you will master a proven system for remembering and structuring any content for any length of time in a way that engages the whole audience. Get ready for the next level!

Here are some of the comments from people who attended last year:

ECR update

New ECR website for the School of Clinical Sciences launched! Feedback welcome.

Professional Skills for Research Leaders modules are now available on Moodle. These are voluntary training modules for ECRs to develop key management skills.

Research Impact and Publishing - a guide developed by the Library to provide information on publishing, with topics such as journal impact and open access.

AAS Science Pathway 2015: ECR rep for SCS, Dr Clare Westhorpe, has received sponsorship to attend the AAS EMCR forum in Adelaide in April to discuss science communication. With thanks to MIGR and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences. 

Statistical analysis plan (SAP) for Shared Team Approach between Nurses and Doctors For Improved Risk Factor Management (STANDFIRM): a randomised controlled trial

Professor Amanda Thrift

Amanda Thrift, Muideen Olaiya, Thanh Phan, Dominique Cadilhac, Mark Nelson and Velandai Srikanth published in the International Journal of Stroke.

Higher Dietary Calcium Intakes are Associated With Reduced Risks of Fractures, Cardiovascular Events and Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study of Older Men and Women

Peter Ebeling published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.

Read article here.

Regional aortic distensibility and its relationship with age and aortic stenosis: a computed tomography study

Ian Meredith and James Cameron published in The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging.

Read article here.

Push for earlier autism diagnosis in the Medical Journal of Australia

Associate Professor Kylie Gray, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, comments on research which found reducing the age at which children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder will ensure the best outcomes are achieved.

Read article here.

'Toxic': Australian ex-Apple employee accuses tech giant of workplace bullying

Bullied employee Ben Farrell

Dr Lisa Warren, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, says workplace bullying was well defined by the FairWork Ombudsman and included "unreasonable work demands".

Read it here.

Stepping Stones program helps parents of children with disability and behavioural problems in The Age

Professor Bruce Tonge, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, discusses the parenting program called Stepping Stones for children with developmental disabilities aged two to 12.


Read more here.

Update your ROPES profile

Is your ROPES profile up to date?  The University's Researchers' Online Project Enquiry System (ROPES) displays your  current research activity, past outputs and profiling information.    
An up to date ROPES profile is important as it's very frequently read by people searching for you and your research.

ROPES also helps you establish collaborative links by allowing you:

• to select components of your profile for others to browse

• to look for collaborators at Monash University.

It's very easy to update your profile!  Follow this link or you can access it via my.monash.   Please contact Katherine Greenberg if you have any questions or need help.                                                                  

Email SPAM warning

After a recent wave of spam emails, staff are reminded to remain cautious when opening emails. Reports from eSolutions Service Desk show there are two main types of spam email being sent to Monash staff (although others do exist).

Infringement notice spam email

One email claims to be an infringement notice from well-known organisations such as Australia Post and/or Energy Australia. The email directs recipients to a website which attempts to scam the recipient and infect their computer with a virus. 

Official infringement notices are always sent via post, not email. You can verify any emails you receive by contacting the organisation allegedly issuing the notice. Phone numbers, links and contact email addresses included in spam messages are likely to be malicious, so use an alternative method to contact the organisation and never click the links contained in the message.

‘I have shared a file with you’ spam email

Another email being received has the title "I have shared a file with you". It will appear as if you know the sender, as it will be from yourself or from someone in your contacts.  If you click on the sender's name, it will have an unusual email address and is spam. 

Monash University Mentoring Scheme for Women 2015

If you would like to participate in the 2015 Mentoring Scheme for Women as a mentee or mentor, I invite you to submit your Expression of Interest using the link below.

The scheme aims to further the University's commitment to increasing the number of women in senior roles by providing support to female staff in developing their careers, including their personal management and leadership capabilities. It matches eligible female mentees with more senior staff members who will offer on-the-job support, career advice and guidance, to facilitate professional growth.

Entertainment Books: EARLY BIRD OFFERS-support MIMR-PHI Social Club

Here is a fantastic opportunity to help support the MIMR-PHI Social Club by purchasing an Entertainment book for only $65, giving you over $20,000 of value!!  Save while you dine, book accommodation, care hire, head to the movies, plus much much more!! 

Please order and pay by APRIL 15th and receive your BONUS EARLY BIRD OFFERS.

Orders can be made via this link or in person to Valerie Zahra (Level 3 MIMR build. Rm 3.08) or Rod Gillett (MIMR-PHI level 1 Store).  

Please contact me once you have placed your order to collect your BONUS EARLY BIRD OFFERS!!

Day of Immunology (28 April) - call for volunteers!

Wednesday 29 April is The Day of Immunology and this year we will be holding an Immunology Information Booth in the foyer of the Monash Medical Centre on the 28th of April (10 - 2 pm). 

We need volunteers to:

• hand out informative flyers explaining the immune system to patients and their families
• promote the type of immunological research we do 
• answer questions about immunology to the general public

We need your help!! (attention: students and post-docs - this looks great on the CV!) 

Can you please help out for a one hour block during 10am-2pm on 28 April? If you have a good poster or print out you could bring to show off your research that would also be great.

Please email Ali West if you are keen and also indicate what time slot you would like.