Dr Ross Richards

Dr Ross Richards joined the School of Community Health in January 2000 as a lecturer in biomedical science. He graduated Master of Applied Science in 1992 from Charles Sturt University, his dissertation being on the molecular diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. He was awarded his PhD by the University of Newcastle for a research thesis on the role of erythrocytes in the detoxification of free radicals in 2000. He has held the positions of Discipline Leader in Biomedical Science and Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and received a Faculty research excellence award in 2010. Dr Richards was the Course Director for the School in 2011 and in 2013 took on the role of  Acting Head of School before resuming his role as Course Director. In October 2014 he returned to a role in lecturing. Dr Richards' interests include curriculum design and delivery and most aspects of biomedical science including free radical biology and medicine.

Roles

• Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences and Health and Rehabilitation Science

Teaching

In his capacity as senior lecturer, Dr Richards has been constantly involved in the development of subjects in BMS and improving the content and delivery of subjects that he has coordinated and/or taught. He was also heavily involved in the development of the latest degree in the SCH stable, the Bachelor of Health and Rehabilitation Science. As Courses Director, he is now responsible for the quality of curriculum design and delivery of all subjects and courses provided by the SCH.

Subject Delivery

• BMS263 Pharmacology
• BMS236 Pathophysiology

Innovations in Teaching

As a lecturer, Dr Richards has incorporated a number of innovations into his teaching:

• Virtual pracs – computer-based practical sessions that simulate an actual laboratory experience.
• Recording lectures – Allows students to revisit difficult concepts and listen to lecture material outside scheduled lecture time and is very popular amongst both the internal as well as the external students.
• Podcasting – an extension of the above where recorded lectures are subscribed to by students and are downloaded to their portable media player.
• Chat rooms – These are very useful to provide tutorials to external students.
• Dr Richards has been using a "virtual classroom" to provide tutorials to both internal and external students. The classroom provides a whiteboard, PowerPoint presentation and visual and audio contact with individual students
• Captivate – a program that allows a lecturer to build a teaching tool for lectures that can be voiced-over and a number of other tools to be incorporated. This technology has been replaced by CSU-Replay that allows a number of improvements to be made.
• Skype – A communications tool that allows video calls to anywhere in the world. This is a valuable tool for extending the sense of presence in the student – an important aspect of successful postgraduate student supervision.

In his role of Courses Director, one of Dr Richards' duties is to improve Inter-professional education in the School. He organised a school retreat on the subject and will be coordinating a combined courses review over the next 18 months.

Research & Publications

Dr Richards is published widely in the field of free radical biology and medicine with particular reference to erythrocyte markers of oxidative damage in disease (see publications tab and personal site) with over 40 papers and 15 conference presentations to his name. Dr Richards is a pioneer in establishing the proposition that erythrocytes behave as a sink that serves to remove and detoxify free radicals in vivo. This phenomenon enables them to be employed as markers of oxidative damage by free radicals in disease and provides a link to the ageing process. For more information on this proposition, see Dr Richards' personal site.  Currently his research involves the investigation of evidence for oxidative stress in diabetes and other disorders as well as exercise and ageing. Dr Richards has research collaborations with Professor Isaac Ginsburg in Jerusalem, Israel and Dr Uba Nwose in Darwin, NT, Australia.

Fields of Research Codes:

Current Research Projects

• Richards, Ginsburg   
  The antioxidant properties of erythrocytes.
• Richards, Nwose   
  The use of erythrocyte markers of oxidative damage in disease states, exercise and ageing.
• Richards   
  Reduction in free radical damage through the use of polyphenolic antioxidants, and facilitation of repair of this damage by provision of essential nutrients and applied exercise improves cellular activity in vitro and longevity in laboratory animals.

Publications

• Nwose EU, Richards RS, Bwititi PT, Butkowski EG. (2013) New guidelines for diagnosis of gestational diabetes: pathology-based impact assessment. North American Journal of Medical Science 5(3): 191-194.
• Gyawali P, Richards RS, Hughes D, Tinley P. (2013) Erythrocyte aggregation and metabolic syndrome. Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation. In press.
• Nwose EU, Richards RS, Bwititi P, Butkowski E. (2012)  Serum bilirubin and lipoprotein-a: how are these associated with whole blood viscosity? Redox Report. 17(1):8-13.
• Zerafa P, Solano C, Richards R. (2012) A Study of the relationship between atypical APTT derivative clotting data and TEG V Curve parameters in LA positive citrate plasmas International Journal of Laboratory Haematology In press.
• Chapman K, Seldon M, Richards R (2012) Thrombotic Microangiopathies,  Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP) and ADAMTS-13. Seminars in Thrombosis and Haemostasis 38(1): 47-54
• Nwose EU, Richards RS, Cann NC  (2012) Prevalence of abnormal oral glucose tolerance with concomitant dyslipidaemia: Implications for cardiovascular risk assessment in a prediabetes study. British Journal of Biomedical Science. 69(3) 97-98.
• Gyawali P, Richards RS, Nwose EU. (2012) Erythrocyte morphology in metabolic syndrome. Expert Reviews in Hematology 5(5): 523-531.
• Gyawali P, Richards RS, Nwose EU, Bwititi PT. (2012) Whole blood viscosity in metabolic syndrome. Clinical Lipidology 7(6):709-719.
  Bwititi P, Nwose U, Nielson S, Ruven H, Kalle W, Richards R, Butkowski E. (2012) Serum uric acid and albumin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate: Oxidative stress considerations. Australian Journal of Medical Science 33(3): 82-87
• Xiros N, Brown R, Richards R. (2011) Comparison and validation of a new method for the detection of foeto-maternal transfusion. International Journal of Laboratory Haematology
• Nwose EU. Richards RS. (2011) Whole Blood Viscosity issue VIII: Comparison of extrapolation method with diagnostic digital viscometer. North American Journal of Medical Sciences. 3(7) 333-335.
• Nwose EU, Richards RS. (2011) Blood viscosity extrapolation formula: note on appropriateness of units. North American Journal of Medical Sciences. 3(8): 384-386.
• RS Richards, EU Nwose, P Bwititi (2011) Biochemical basis of circadian rhythms and diseases: With emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical Hypotheses. 77(4): 605-609.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Anthony Chan, Lynn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Helen Holtby, Glen Van Arsdell, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Brian McCrindle (2010) Randomised controlled trial of individualised heparin and protamine management in infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 56(22): 1794-802.
• Richards RS, Nwose EU (2010) Blood viscosity varies with different stages of diabetes pathogenesis. British Journal of Biomedical Science 67(2) 67 - 70.
• Ezekiel U Nwose, Ross S Richards, Simon McDonald, Herbert F Jelinek, Philip G Kerr, Paul Tinley (2010) Assessment of diabetic macrovascular complications: a prediabetes model. British Journal of Biomedical Science 67(2) 59 - 66.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Lyn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Leonardo Brandao, Brian McCrindle, Helen Holtby, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Glen Van Arsdell, Anthony Chan. (2010) Management and monitoring of anticoagulation for children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass in cardiac surgery. Journal of Extracorporeal Technology. 42: 9-19.
• Nwose EU, Richards RS  (2010) Whole blood viscosity: the correlation with leucocytosis and implication on leukapheresis North American Journal of Medical Sciences. 2(12): 576-579.
• Nwose EU, Richards RS, Butkowski E, Nathan Cann (2010) Position paper for health authorities: Archived clinical pathology data: Treasure to revalue and appropriate. African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences. 39: 311-315.
• Nwose, EU, Richards, RS, Cann, NG, Butkowski, E. (2009) Cardiovascular risk assessment in prediabetes: an hypothesis. Medical Hypotheses 72(3): 271 - 275.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek, HF, Richards RS, Tinley, P. Jelinek, H (2009) Atherothrombosis and oxidative stress: the connection and correlation in diabetes. Redox Report 14(2) 55.
• Nwose EU, Richards RS. (2009) Management of stress and stress-related diseases: Emerging computer-based technologies and the rationale for clinical laboratory assessment  N Am J Med Sci 1(6) 288-294.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Lynn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Leonardo Brandao, Brian McCrindle, Helen Holtby, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Glen Van Arsdell, Anthony Chan (2009) Lack of evidence-based protocols on management of anticoagulation in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS, Kerr PG. (2008) The 'vitamin E regeneration system' (VERS) and an algorithm to justify antioxidant supplementation in diabetes – A hypothesis. Medical Hypotheses 70: 1002 - 1008.
• Nwose EU, Richards, RS, Kerr, PG, Tinley, P, Jelinek, H. (2008) Oxidative damage indices for the assessment of subclinical diabetic macrovascular complications. British Journal of Biomedical Science 65(3) 1-6.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Anthony Chan, Lynn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Helen Holtby, Glen Van Arsdell, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Brian McCrindle (2008) Abstract 2598: Individualized Heparin and Protamine Management Protocol in Infants Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Cardiac Surgery Improves Immediate Post-operative Clinical Outcomes. Circulation 118 S 750.
• Richards RS. Wang L, Jelinek H. (2007) Erythrocyte oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome. Archives of  Medical Research. 38:94-98.
• Nwose EU, Richards RS, Jelinek HF, Kerr PG (2007) D-dimer identifies stages in the progression of diabetes mellitus from family history of diabetes to cardiovascular complications Pathology 39(2):1-6
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG. (2007) Erythrocyte oxidative stress in clinical management of diabetes and its cardiovascular complication: A review. British Journal of Biomedical Science 64(1): 35-43.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG. (2006) Changes in erythrocyte glutathione concentration in the course of diabetes mellitus. Redox Report 11(3): 99-104.
• Fletcher LA, Fassett RG, Richards RS, Coombes JS. (2005) Cyclosporine A induced changes to plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant defences. Redox Report 10(1): 2-8.
• Lexis LA, Richards RS, Fassett RG, Coombes JS (2005) Cyclosporine A induced changes to erythrocyte redox balance is time-course dependent. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology. 97: 135-40.
• Coombes JS, Fletcher LA, Richards RS, Fassett RG. (2004) Cyclosporine induced changes to redox balance in plasma and erythrocytes is time dependent. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 15: 233.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, McGregor NR. (2004) Association between oxidative damage markers and self-reported temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 12(3) 45 - 61.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, Mathers D, Dunstan RH, McGregor NR, Butt HL. (2000) Erythrocyte Morphology in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Preliminary Study. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 6, 23-35.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, Dunstan RH, McGregor NR, Butt HL. (2000) Blood parameters indicative of oxidative stress are associated with symptom expression in chronic fatigue syndrome. Redox Report, 5, 35-41.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, Dunstan RH, McGregor NR, Butt HL. (2000) Free Radicals in chronic fatigue syndrome: Cause or effect? Redox Report, 5(2-3):146-7.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, Mathers D, Dunstan RH, McGregor NR, Butt HL. (1999) Investigation of Erythrocyte Oxidative damage in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 6, 37-46.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, McGregor NR, Dunstan RH, Butt HL. (1998) Erythrocyte Antioxidant Systems Protect cultured Endothelial Cells Against Oxidant Damage. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology International, 46(5), 857-865.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, McGregor NR, Dunstan RH, Butt HL. (1998) The Role of Erythrocytes in the Inactivation of Free Radicals. Medical Hypotheses 50, 363-367.
• Richards RS, Roberts TK, McGregor NR, Dunstan RH, Butt HL. (1997) Erythrocytes Protect Cultured Endothelial Cells From Neutrophil-Mediated Damage. Australian Journal of Medical Science 18, 73-77.
• Cox C, Enno A, Deveridge S, Seldon M, Richards R, Martens V, Woodford P. (1997) Remote Electronic Blood Release System. Transfusion 37(9), 960-964.

Conference papers:

• Richards RS, Ginsberg I. (2011) The antioxidant properties of erythrocytes. Société Française de Recherches sur les Radicaux Libres and Oxygen Club of California. 4th Symposium. Nutrition, Oxygen Biology and Medicine. Paris, France.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Anthony K. Chan, Lynn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Helen Holtby, Glen Van Arsdell, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Brian W. McCrindle (2008) response to heparin in infants undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with postoperative antithrombin level: implications of unbound heparin for clinical outcomes (2008) Canadian Cardiovascular Congress.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Anthony K. Chan, Lynn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Helen Holtby, Glen Van Arsdell, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Brian W. McCrindle (2008) Individualized Heparin and Protamine Management Protocol in Infants Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Cardiac Surgery Should Consider the Immaturity of the Coagulation System. Canadian Cardiovascular Society.
• Colleen Gruenwald, Cedric Manlhiot, Anthony K. Chan, Lynn Crawford-Lean, Celeste Foreman, Helen Holtby, Glen Van Arsdell, Ross Richards, Helen Moriarty, Brian W. McCrindle (2008) Individualized Heparin and Protamine Management Protocol in Infants Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Cardiac Surgery Improves Immediate Post-operative Clinical Outcomes. American Heart Association, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG (2006) 'Vitamin E supplementation: A question', 13th Biennial Congress of the SFRRI, Switzerland.  Free Radic Res. 2006; 40(S1): 116.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG (2006) 'D-dimer level in diabetes mellitus is correlated with oxidative stress status 'in vivo',' 13th Biennial Congress of the SFRRI, Switzerland. Free Radic Res. 2006; 40(S1): 137.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG (2006) 'Changes in oxidative stress markers during the progression of diabetes mellitus,' 13th Biennial Congress of the SFRRI, Switzerland. Free Radic Res. 2006; 40(S1): 138.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG (2006) 'Oxidative stress and related cardiovascular events: Biomarkers improve CAD screening in prediabetes,' 13th Biennial Congress of the SFRRI, Switzerland. Free Radic Res. 2006; 40(S1): 142.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG (2006), Erythrocyte oxidant stress and homocysteine in diabetes progression to cardiovascular co-morbidity, Heart Foundation Conference & Scientific Meeting.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS and Kerr PG (2006), Cardiovascular drugs do not significantly alleviate oxidative stress, Heart Foundation Conference & Scientific Meeting.
• G L Lim, A M Takano, R Richards, T Walker and A R Chang (2005) Double Color Immunostaining In The Differential Diagnosis Of Mesothelioma Versus Adenocarcinoma With Paired Antibodies Calretinin-CK5/6 and BerEp4-B72.3 On Cytospins And Cell Blocks, United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology Annual Meeting
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS, Kerr PG. (2005) Changes in erythrocyte glutathione system in the duration of diabetes mellitus, 3rd SFRR A+J Gold Coast Australia.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS, Kerr PG. (2005) Prediction of early cardiovascular events using D-dimer: A case presentation, 2nd NSW Rural Allied Health Conference, Sydney.
  Nwose EU, Jelinek HF and Richards RS (2004) Antioxidant levels in Pre-diabetes, Proceedings of the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, Sydney.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF and Richards RS (2004) Evaluation of D-dimer levels in Diabetes, Proceedings of the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, Sydney.
• Nwose EU, Jelinek HF, Richards RS (2004) Changes in Malondialdehyde Levels in Diabetes, Proceedings of the Australian Health and Medical Research Congress, Sydney.

Professional & Community Engagement

Dr Richards' research has implications for the general health of the community. Most diseases have an inflammatory component that generates free radicals and which causes tissue damage. Increased inflammation and free radical generation over the lifetime causes damage to DNA and essential proteins that decrease longevity in a variety of ways that include the development of cancer. Demonstration through his research that reduction in oxidative damage can improve longevity can only be of benefit to individuals and the community.