Faculty of Health 3

Doctor of Philosophy

AHMED, Tufael

Thesis Title

The Influence of Maternal Diet on Immune Ontogeny and the Immune Response to Environmental Exposures and New Pathogenic Mechanisms of Virus Associated Exacerbation of Asthma

Supervisors

• Dr Paul G Dennis  (External Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Simon Phipps  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Kirsten Michelle Spann  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Acute and chronic respiratory diseases cause significant morbidity. Here, we discovered that the protein IL-33 contributes to virus induced asthma exacerbations. Additionally, we explored the mechanisms that underpin asthma onset. We identified a novel microbial metabolite that when elevated, predisposes to lower respiratory infections and subsequent asthma. Significantly, blocking the production of the metabolite alleviated disease. Thus, the new knowledge generated in this thesis has identified novel, tractable targets that might be developed as preventative or therapeutic interventions to ameliorate the severity of respiratory diseases.

AL QAHTANI, Shaikha Ali

Thesis Title

A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Foot Self-Care Practices Among People with Diabetes Mellitus in Qatar

Supervisors

• Emeritus Professor Helen Ethel Edwards  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Kathleen Joy Finlayson  (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Christina Narelle Parker  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators for foot self-care among people with diabetes in Qatar to prevent complications. Mixed methods research was undertaken through a qualitative study with healthcare professionals and a cross-sectional survey of individuals with diabetes. Findings revealed a moderate level of foot self-care practices, influenced by access to specialist diabetes foot health services, education from health professionals, social support, culture, gender, unemployment, diet treatment, knowledge, confidence, and outcome expectations. The study emphasises a combination of individual, social and health system factors were important in understanding the needs for effective preventive programs.

ALSAIRI, Raniah Amir S

Thesis Title

Young Urban Saudi Women’s Attitudes Towards Healthy Eating and Physical Activity: Applying a Health Belief Model (HBM) Framework

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Patricia Louise Obst  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Marguerite Claire Sendall  (External Supervisor)
• Professor Katherine Marie White  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence rate of overweight and obesity, with young urban women particularly at risk. The current program of research aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for education and policy intervention to prevent overweight and obesity in young urban Saudi women and facilitate their engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviours. Using a Health Beliefs Model framework and mixed methods approach, three studies explored young urban Saudi women aged between 18 and 25 and found self-efficacy, enhanced through education and access to female specific exercise facilities were key predictors of engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviours.

ASIRI, Salihah

Thesis Title

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Technology for Perioperative Anxiety Among Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery

Supervisors

• Professor Amanda Jane Currie  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Jeremy Duff  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Perioperative anxiety is prevalent among adult surgical patients and can have negative consequences. While virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used to manage perioperative anxiety, research in adults is limited. A systematic review supported VR's effectiveness in reducing perioperative anxiety. An observational study conducted in Australia revealed significant preoperative anxiety in almost one-third of patients, more prevalent in women and younger people. Additionally, a randomised controlled trial showed that VR can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety levels. Screening for preoperative anxiety is highly recommended, and VR could serve as an effective intervention for adults undergoing elective surgery.

BENRACHOU, Djamel Eddine

Thesis Title

Use of Social Interaction in Manoeuvre Prediction to Improve Automated Vehicle Safety

Supervisors

• Dr Mohammed Elhenawy  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Sebastien Glaser  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Andry Rakotonirainy  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Next-generation mobility, particularly automated vehicles (AVs), has made significant progress towards public road integration, promising safer and more effective transportation. However, current prototypes must integrate intentions and social interactions within the motion prediction (MP) framework. This thesis addresses these challenges through three key studies: Study 1 establishes a comprehensive methodological framework for MP with a novel categorisation of MP methods; Study 2 develops a deep learning algorithms for vehicle behaviour prediction; Study 3 proposes a graph-based trajectory prediction. These contributions enhance the understanding of social interaction and intention forecasting, optimising AV technology for safer and sustainable transportation.

CHKLOVSKI, Alexei

Thesis Title

Bioinformatic Tool Development and Application to the Human Gut Microbiome

Supervisors

• Professor Gene Tyson  (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Benjamin James Woodcroft  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Metagenomic shotgun sequencing has revolutionised the study of microbiology, However, assessing metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) quality and identifying mobile genetic elements remain key challenges. This thesis developed CheckM2 and RecurM, novel bioinformatic tools that improve microbial genome quality assessment using machine learning and identify novel plasmids and viruses from metagenomic data. The tools were applied to thousands of human gut metagenomes, revealing tremendous plasmid diversity and complex interactions between plasmids and key microbial community members. CheckM2 and RecurM provide key bioinformatic innovations that advance functional characterisation of microbiomes through metagenomic sequencing, enabling further biological analysis of microbial communities.

DA SILVA CHAVES, Juliana Cristina

Thesis Title

Analysis of Transporter Activity in an Alzheimer’s Disease Blood-Brain Barrier Cell Model

Supervisors

• Dr Samantha Joan Dando  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Lotta Emilia Oikari  (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Anthony White  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis investigates blood-brain barrier (BBB) transporter changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using stem cell models. It reviews BBB function in AD and successfully differentiates stem cells into BBB components. Findings suggest dysregulation of certain transporters in AD, potentially contributing to disease onset. This study also explores BBB inflammation's impact on transporter expression and suggests non-invasive modulation of transporter function as a therapeutic avenue. Additionally, it investigates inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exposure in stem cell-derived cells, indicating potential implications for COVID-19 manifestation.

DIVATE, Mayur Dashrath

Thesis Title

Deep Learning Mediated Identification of the Origins of Cancer of Unknown Primary

Supervisors

• Adjunct Associate Professor Harsha Gowda  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Shivashankar Hiriyur Nagaraj  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Derek John Richard  (Mentoring Supervisor)

Citation

Cancers of unknown primary (CUPs) are responsible for a significant percentage of global cancer cases, yet their origins remain a mystery. This lack of information hampers effective treatment. In our research, we harnessed the power of deep learning and pan-cancer gene expression data to predict the tissue of origin for CUPs. Our model identified cancer-specific gene expression signatures and showed promise in primary tumor diagnosis. We also explored critical cell-surface and secreted proteins and unveiled potential proto-oncogenes. Our work opens doors to more reliable diagnostic tools and has implications for early cancer detection. Explore our cloud-based tool at www.deepcap.org.

GHORBANI, Fatemeh

Thesis Title

The Effect of Familiarity, Emotion, Repetition on Neural Activity During Visual Face Perception

Supervisors

• Dr Mohammed Elhenawy  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Andry Rakotonirainy  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This study investigates how familiarity, emotion, and repetition influence neural activity during face perception, employing EEG data analysis. It reveals the temporal dynamics of brain responses, highlighting emotional modulation of marker of N170, and the significance of the N250 component in recognising familiar faces. Additionally, it suggests that neutral facial expressions aid in face categorisation and shows that repetition enhances the amplitude of P100, N170, and N250 in the occipitotemporal brain region.

GLAZEBROOK, Ammanda‑Jane

Thesis Title

Enhancing Posttraumatic Growth Using Neurofeedback

Supervisors

• Dr Brooke Andrew  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Jane Elizabeth Shakespeare‑Finch  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Johan Van Der Meer  (External Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis presents a program of studies advancing scientific understanding of neural mechanisms underpinning post-traumatic growth, and culminates in an evidence-based proof-of-concept trial of a neurofeedback intervention. The intervention trial, which demonstrated significantly increased post-traumatic growth and reduced PTSD symptoms, has the potential to lead to an important new adjunct wellbeing-focused treatment for trauma survivors. The well-tolerated salutogenic neural approach may overcome the high dropout rates, undesirable side effects, tolerance issues, and modest effectiveness plaguing many current trauma interventions. Together, the exploratory encephalogram studies, neurofeedback scoping review, and novel intervention findings advance the fields of wellbeing psychology and trauma treatment.

GOUGH, Katelyn Louise

Thesis Title

The Effect of Diurnal Rhythm on the Gut Metabolome in Inflammation and Diabetes

Supervisors

• Dr Samantha Joan Dando  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Beatrix Feigl  (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Flavia Huygens  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Elise Pelzer  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis investigated the impact of desynchronised diurnal rhythms on the human gut metabolome as a potential contributing factor in diabetic disease. The method involved in vitro and in vivo testing to determine whether environmental factors linked to disrupted exposure to light and dark cycles change the circadian rhythm, causing altered metabolite expression by intestinal microbes leading to metabolic disease.

HAWAS, Sophia Marie

Thesis Title

Investigating Bacterial Persistence in Urinary Tract Infection for the Development of New Therapeutics

Supervisors

• Ashraful Haque  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Jilong Qin  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Makrina Totsika  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This project was an investigation into alternative therapeutic avenues for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It involved exploring combination treatment strategies, evaluating promising drug candidates, and characterising immune responses to UTIs. This project enhances and expands knowledge in the UTI field by identifying new directions for drug development, providing clinically relevant methods for testing new UTI treatments, and deepening understanding of UTI immune responses.

INGOLD, Nathan Craig

Thesis Title

Uncovering the Genetic Drivers of Cutaneous Melanoma and its Risk Factors

Supervisors

• Adjunct Associate Professor Matthew Law  (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Stuart Macgregor  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Dale Robert Nyholt  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

In this thesis, I use genome-wide association analyses to identify areas of the genome associated with increased risk of different melanoma subtypes, namely in-situ and invasive melanoma. I also identify a number of genetic loci associated with variation in melanoma risk factors such as mole count and rate of skin aging, and I compare the genetic driver of different melanoma risk factors to identify associations between risk factors. Finally, I use my results to generate risk scores for people within a large population-based cohort to help stratify people based on their genetic risk of melanoma.

KALUTHARA LIYANAGE, Chamikara Dushmantha

Thesis Title

Androgen Targeted Therapy Induced Proteomic Alterations in Prostate Cancer

Supervisors

• Professor Jyotsna Batra  (Principal Supervisor)
• Distinguished Professor Judith Ann Clements  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Srilakshmi Srinivasan  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

For several decades, therapeutic targeting of the androgen-signalling axis has been fundamental in the management of prostate cancer. Regardless of the recent therapeutic advancements in prostate cancer, there is an urgent need for new strategies to overcome therapy resistance and emergence of metastatic disease. Using RNA-sequencing and mass-spectrometry, the current study profiled therapy-induced gene and protein alterations in prostate cancer cells. The study also revealed two previously unannotated long-noncoding RNA-derived micropeptides, with potential anti-tumour role in prostate cancer. In summary, the study highlighted key molecular alterations in prostate cancer cells and their functional significance in therapy resistance and disease progression.

KORE, Hitesh Ugaram

Thesis Title

Protein-Coding Potential of Non-Coding Regions in the Human Genome

Supervisors

• Adjunct Associate Professor Harsha Gowda  (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Shivashankar Hiriyur Nagaraj  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis focuses on identification of novel protein coding regions in the human genome based on integrated workflow that combines publicly accessible ribosome profiling and proteomics datasets. We identified 4,837 novel open reading frames (ORFs) including 4,023 supported by Ribo-Seq and 825 by proteomics evidence. Systematic studies to investigate the function of these novel proteins and their role in human health and disease are needed.

MALLELA, Sarah Suvidha

Thesis Title

Travel Demand Analytics of Shared E-Scooter Using Econometric Models

Supervisors

• Professor MD. Mazharul Haque  (Mentoring Supervisor)
• Dr Shamsunnahar Yasmin  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

The adoption of Shared E-Scooters presents multifaceted challenges, impacting diverse stakeholders across a wide cross-disciplinary network. Despite its potential, full-scale integration in global cities remains uncertain due to various factors. This thesis focuses on analysing and understanding the travel demand component of Shared E-Scooters within three main objectives: (i) spatial demand, (ii) temporal demand, and (iii) trip duration mechanism. Employing econometric modelling at both aggregate and individual levels, the study utilises a data utilisation algorithm to capture accurate trip information. The findings yield demand-specific insights, highlighting key attributes and extending recommendations to stakeholders involved in Shared E-Scooter research.

MENDOZA RIVERA, Isela Sarahi

Thesis Title

Identification of Multi-Cancer Risk Genes

Supervisors

• Adjunct Professor Louise Marie Bishop  (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Stacey Edwards  (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Juliet French  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Cancer is the second main cause of death in the world, and genetic variation influences a large proportion of its risk. This thesis combined GWAS, 3D chromatin organisation and transcriptomic data to identify candidate hormone-related and skin cancer risk genes. A total of 78 candidate MCR genes were associated with at least two hormone-related cancers, whilst 148 protein-coding and 78 lncRNAs candidate risk genes for skin cancer were identified. The intersection between chromatin features and risk-associated SNPs provide a powerful tool in the identification of new cancer risk genes.

MILLER, Olivia Clare

Thesis Title

The Forgotten Frontline Service: A Mixed Method Exploration of Correctional Officer Wellbeing

Supervisors

• Dr Dagmar Bruenig  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Jane Elizabeth Shakespeare‑Finch  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis used an exploratory sequential mixed method design to explore the health of Australian correctional officers across the health continuum, ranging from symptoms of mental illness to wellbeing. It found that correctional officers could experience wellbeing and post-traumatic growth in addition to symptoms of pathology and highlighted the importance of interpersonal and organisational factors for officer health. The findings extend prior research focused predominantly on officer mental illness and provide evidence-based recommendations for supporting the wellbeing of correctional officers - the forgotten frontline service - who work under potentially dangerous conditions to protect the community and rehabilitate offenders.

NISSEN, Vanda

Thesis Title

How Bilinguals and Monolinguals Understand and Talk About Uncertainty and Risk: An Exploration of Epistemic Modality in Healthcare Contexts

Supervisors

• Adjunct Professor Renata Meuter  (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Michelle Elizabeth Riedlinger  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Uncertainty in healthcare is common, resulting in miscommunication and poor patient outcomes. Miscommunication is more likely when speaking a weaker, second language, and can be generational. Using multi-dimensional scaling three studies explored how adverbs of uncertainty (e.g., probably), often used in healthcare talk, are understood by bilinguals versus monolinguals, and by younger versus older speakers. Differences in understanding emerged, also in a qualitative study of real-life hospital communication. The findings show that mutual understanding of common words cannot be assumed. It is vital to ensure that there is mutual understanding, especially when patients and/or practitioners speak in their non-preferred language.

OGLE, Theodora

Thesis Title

Symptom Management for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Supervisors

• Professor Kimberly Elizabeth Alexander  (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Christine Miaskowski  (External Supervisor)
• Distinguished Professor Patricia Mary Yates  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This program of research explored the symptom self-management experience for cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, also known as CIPN. The research identified that survivors used various self-initiated activities to manage symptoms, and that factors such as symptom severity, functional status, and income were associated with the use and perceived effectiveness of the activities. The study highlighted the importance of healthcare system support to facilitate effective self-management of CIPN symptoms. The findings of this study will inform nursing interventions to support CIPN symptom self-management.

RANTANEN, Laura Maria

Thesis Title

Olfactory Stem Cell Model for Investigating the Causes and Progression of Dementia

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Larisa Margaret Haupt  (Associate Supervisor)
• Katja Kanninen  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Harley Robinson  (External Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Anthony White  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis demonstrated the potential of patient-derived olfactory (nasal) stem cells to provide a cell-based model for Alzheimer’s disease modelling and biomarker discovery. The work presented in this thesis identified numerous differences in Alzheimer’s disease olfactory cells at gene, protein, lipid and inflammatory levels compared to control cells, improving our understanding of potential pathological processes in Alzheimer’s disease. Overall this study has largely benefited future studies of Alzheimer’s disease towards improved and earlier diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies for the disease.

ROSE, Chae Tyler

Thesis Title

Examining Speeding Behaviour: An Application of Situational Action Theory

Supervisors

• Dr Beth Hardie  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Angela Louise Watson  (Associate Supervisor)
• Emeritus Professor Barry Craig Watson  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This program of research applied Situational Action Theory (SAT) to the behaviour of speeding, marking the first such application of the theory in Australia and the first application of it to speeding. In doing so, this research has provided a greater understanding as to why some people are more likely to speed than others. Additionally, this approach has provided greater insight as to when, and for whom, current speeding countermeasures have the desired deterrent effect. As such, this research has provided a strong foundation for the development of targeted and effective interventions to curb speeding on Australian roads.

SHAJIB, Md Shafiullah

Thesis Title

Cryopreservation and Utility of Cancer Organoids and Cartilage Microtissues

Supervisors

• Professor Ross Crawford   (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Michael Doran  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Travis Klein    (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Microtissues, sometimes referred to as organoids or tumour-spheroids, are increasingly common cell culture tools. They can be used as tissue models for drug testing or as building blocks to create larger, more complex tissues. Reproducibility could be improved, and costs reduced, if it were possible to manufacture microtissues at centralised facilities, and then ship this standardised product to laboratories for testing or clinics for use in therapies. The protocols and data described in this thesis offer important insights into how microtissues could be transformed into standardised cryopreserved products.

SHARMA, Sumitra

Thesis Title

Development of a Telehealth Guideline and Evaluation of the Feasibility of a Telehealth Intervention to Facilitate Foot Self-Care Behaviour Among Adults with Type II Diabetes in Nepal

Supervisors

• Professor Clint Douglas  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Kathleen Joy Finlayson  (External Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Niall Seamus Higgins  (External Supervisor)
• Niall Higgins  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Christina Narelle Parker  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Matina Sayami  (External Supervisor)

Citation

This research study developed a telehealth guideline for diabetes care and evaluated a telehealth intervention to facilitate foot self-care behaviour among adults with diabetes in Nepal. This was the first telehealth guideline developed specifically for people with diabetes in Nepal.  The guideline was developed through a comprehensive process, ensuring the incorporation of evidence-based information for diabetes care. The intervention was designed based on the guideline with the aim of improving foot self-care behaviour. The feasibility outcomes of this study concluded that telehealth can increase accessibility and utilisation of diabetes foot care, a neglected area of healthcare in Nepal.

SHU, Danhua

Thesis Title

Genetic Variation in Cervical Invasive and Preinvasive Cancer

Supervisors

• Dr Paul James Leo  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Zhixiu Li  (External Supervisor)
• Professor Erik Walter Thompson  (Mentoring Supervisor)
• Dr Jin‑San Zhang  (External Supervisor)

Citation

This is a comprehensive genetic study of cervical cancer with the largest sample size to date on European majority populations. It employed both genome-wide association study (GWAS) and post-GWAS methods, identified associated genetic loci, pinpointed potential gene targets and provides innovate insights into the role of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in this disease via interaction with high-risk Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV). The result reinforced previously identified genetic associations and uncovered novel ones, offering significant insights into the genetic variants of this disease, involving pathological and physiological activities.

SPRATT, Melanie Claire

Thesis Title

Arrhythmias in Human Heart Failure: Developing a Novel Class of Diastolic Ryanodine Receptor Type 2 Inhibiting Antiarrhythmics

Supervisors

• Dr Andrew Raymond Battle  (Associate Supervisor)
• Haris Haqqani  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Peter Molenaar  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis addressed an urgent need for new medicines to prevent patients with heart failure from dying suddenly due to an arrhythmia. Research carried out in the laboratory reproduced arrhythmias that commonly occur in heart failure patients by utilising human failing heart tissue, generously donated at the time of heart transplant. New medicines were tested to prevent and reverse the dangerous arrhythmias. Evidence was found that supported the development of ryanodine receptor type two antiarrhythmics for heart failure. This research has provided a foundation to repurpose old medicines to propel the generation of novel ryanodine receptor type two antiarrhythmics.

STEINDL, Emma‑Lee Marie

Thesis Title

Lived Experiences of Music Therapy: Journeying with Practitioners and Adolescents in the Context of Stress and Trauma

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Zoe Jessie Hazelwood  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Jane Elizabeth Shakespeare‑Finch  (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Kate Elizabeth Williams  (External Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis explores the lived experiences of clients in group music therapy and those of music therapists providing services. It focuses on people who have endured or are living through potentially traumatic or stressful events such as resettlement and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ethnography and narrative interviewing were implemented with data analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. This research contributes to the music therapy field by understanding practices, processes, and approaches in working with clients in an inclusive and trauma-aware manner which considers connection, coping resources and strategies, and identity as integral for practitioner and client well-being.

SUKHADIA, Shrey Sanjaybhai

Thesis Title

Machine Learning Models for Radiogenomics in Cancer

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Shivashankar Hiriyur Nagaraj  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Derek John Richard  (Mentoring Supervisor)
• Dr Sivakumaran Theru Arumugam  (External Supervisor)

Citation

Shrey's work led to the development of 'ImaGene,' a robust software for conducting radiogenomic analysis of solid tumors, predicting cancer biomarkers using radiographic traits. He demonstrated its utility by testing it on clinical datasets from multiple hospitals, significantly advancing global radiogenomic and clinicopathologic modeling efforts. We envision that ImaGene will become the standard platform for tumor analysis in radiogenomics due to its ease of use, flexibility, and reproducibility. This innovative software promises to serve as a central hub for the emerging radiogenomic knowledge base, marking a leap forward in precision medicine for cancer.

TANG, Thomas Yu Hin

Thesis Title

Investigating the Role of Neuropilin-1 in Claudin-low Breast Cancer

Supervisors

• Dr Brett Hollier  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Colleen Coyne Nelson  (Mentoring Supervisor)
• Dr Marianna Volpert  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) have a relatively poor prognosis and responses to targeted therapies. Between 25% and 39% of TNBCs are claudin-low, a poorly differentiated subtype enriched for mesenchymal, stem cell and mitogen-activated signalling pathways. This thesis investigated the role of the cell surface co-receptor Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) in the biology of claudin-low TNBC. The data generated implicated NRP1 in the oncogenesis and progression of claudin-low breast cancer and provided pre-clinical support for the efficacy of NRP1 inhibition as a targeted therapy for claudin-low tumours.

XU, Xinyi

Thesis Title

Short-Term Muscle Loss After Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Two-Phase Study

Supervisors

• Dr Wei Hong Hong Liu  (Associate Supervisor)
• Distinguished Professor Patricia Mary Yates  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Gastrointestinal cancer remains a substantial health burden in China and skeletal muscle loss following the primary surgical treatment is linked to poor health outcome. This two-phase study identified three distinct patterns of change in skeletal muscle in the first three months following surgery and employed a systematic approach to develop a family-focused, behaviour-based, culturally appropriate intervention program to reduce muscle loss and enhance physical and mental wellbeing among Chinese patients.

ZHAO, Xiaoyuan

Thesis Title

Assessing Pedestrian Decision Making in the Presence of Automated Vehicles: Mitigating Risks for Safer Urban Environment

Supervisors

• Dr Samira Bourgeois‑Bougrine  (External Supervisor)
• Professor Patricia Delhomme  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Xiaomeng Li  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Andry Rakotonirainy  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This project is an in-depth exploration of the pedestrian decision-making process when encountering automated vehicles—a non-human road user in future traffic systems. Utilising a variety of methods, including surveys, interviews, and behavioural experiments, this project uncovered potential risks inherent in the traffic interactions between pedestrians and automated vehicles, stemming from human perceptual, cognitive, and behavioural capabilities and limitations. Insights from this project contribute to defining the design and policy requirements crucial for ensuring the safe and smooth sharing of the road between pedestrians and automated vehicles.

ZIELKE, Thais

Thesis Title

Investigating the Role of Rare and Common Genetic Variants in Migraine Subtypes

Supervisors

• Distinguished Professor Lynette Robyn Griffiths  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Heidi Gillian Edna Sutherland  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition with significant socioeconomic impact. This research identified new genetic variants associated with different types of migraine, offering future insights for improved diagnosis and treatment. Advanced genetic methods identified variants in genes associated with familial hemiplegic, menstrual, and common migraine. Key findings include identification of copy number variants in CACNA1A and PRRT2, and associations with the SYNE1, TRPM, and HFE genes. These results highlight the complex genetic nature of migraine and underscore the need for further research to uncover additional genetic factors and enhance clinical care.