Immunogenicity And Safety Of Acellular Pertussis Vaccine At Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,508,927.00
Summary
Currently, the first dose of a vaccine to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) is not given until 2 months of age, and third dose until 6 months. However, more than 80% of the most severe cases of pertussis (resulting in hospitalisation or death) occur before 6 months. This study aims to show that giving the first dose of pertussis vaccine at birth and the second dose at 6 weeks protects babies at the time they are most likely to die or become severely ill from whooping cough
Herpesvirus entry into mammalian hosts. Herpesviruses infect most mammals and cause much chronic disease. Our poor understanding of their host entry pathways limits infection control. The olfactory neuroepithelium has been identified as a key entry portal for both a murid herpesvirus and a human pathogen, Herpes simplex virus, suggesting that many herpesviruses use this route. Virions cross the olfactory mucus on neuronal cilia, then either infect neurons or transfer to glial cells for local spr ....Herpesvirus entry into mammalian hosts. Herpesviruses infect most mammals and cause much chronic disease. Our poor understanding of their host entry pathways limits infection control. The olfactory neuroepithelium has been identified as a key entry portal for both a murid herpesvirus and a human pathogen, Herpes simplex virus, suggesting that many herpesviruses use this route. Virions cross the olfactory mucus on neuronal cilia, then either infect neurons or transfer to glial cells for local spread. This project will identify key receptor interactions and map the extent of invasion. By advancing our basic understanding of these important viruses and their uptake at an abundantly exposed but little explored anatomical site, the project can establish a basis for vaccinating against chronic disease.Read moreRead less
Reducing Falls By Improving Knowledge Translation: A Mixed-methods Study To Incorporate Falls Prevention Best-practice Evidence Into Osteoarthritis Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Over 50% of people with osteoarthritis (OA) will fall. Resources exist to assist clinicians in the management of OA, but give little or no attention to falls.The association between OA and falls supports the need to incorporate falls prevention strategies into routine OA care. This project aims to reduce falls and fall-related harm in people with OA by creating a list of recommendations for preventing falls that can be incorporated into current OA resources and routine OA care.
Better prevention and management of disabling back pain. This project will establish a program of back pain research within an inter-disciplinary research centre focused on the prevention and management of physical disability.
Molecular dissection of the functional regions of genes that encode actinins (ACTN2 and ACTN3) and their contribution to normal variation in skeletal muscle function. The project has discovered a common genetic variant that affects skeletal muscle structure, function and metabolism and influences athletic ability, and response to diet and exercise. The project will study how this gene influences muscle bulk and strength, the metabolic efficiency of muscle and the risk of obesity in the general ....Molecular dissection of the functional regions of genes that encode actinins (ACTN2 and ACTN3) and their contribution to normal variation in skeletal muscle function. The project has discovered a common genetic variant that affects skeletal muscle structure, function and metabolism and influences athletic ability, and response to diet and exercise. The project will study how this gene influences muscle bulk and strength, the metabolic efficiency of muscle and the risk of obesity in the general population.Read moreRead less
A Lifestyle Intervention Program For The Prevention Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among South Asian Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,256,499.00
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common in South Asian women, and many develop lifelong type 2 diabetes (T2DM) soon after delivery. Lifestyle change helps prevent T2DM, but we do not know how to introduce a sustainable service that will change lifestyles of young, busy and often poor women. We will test a unique intervention embedded within local health systems in 1414 women with GDM from 24 hospitals in South Asia, hoping to show that this intervention will prevent T2DM.
Should Australia Introduce A National Chlamydia Testing Program? Evaluation Of A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,510.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it, yet most are unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether annual testing can reduce its spread. Over1 million tests are conducted each year in general practice, costing the government $30 million. This evaluation of a well-established trial of chlamydia testing in young adults will resolve the debate of whether annual t ....Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it, yet most are unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether annual testing can reduce its spread. Over1 million tests are conducted each year in general practice, costing the government $30 million. This evaluation of a well-established trial of chlamydia testing in young adults will resolve the debate of whether annual testing works and is a good use of money.Read moreRead less
Improving Health Outcomes With Ageing And Diabetes: A Focus On Prevention And Management Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
My research combines interventional trials, epidemiology and health services implementation research with a focus on prevention of cardiovascular disease, disability and dementia, including in the elderly and those with diabetes. With direct impact on the routine care of people who succumb to disabling vascular complications, it will evaluate treatment strategies but also influence change in health care and policy through the provision of trial evidence and evidence-based health services.
Examining the complexity of communication processes across transition points from the emergency department to improve medication safety. Problems in communication contribute significantly to adverse events that lead to serious harm for Australian consumers. Recent data show medication errors account for over 25% of all adverse events, while over 50% of consumers who move across transition points have medication errors relating to their treatment regimen. Financial costs from adverse events are e ....Examining the complexity of communication processes across transition points from the emergency department to improve medication safety. Problems in communication contribute significantly to adverse events that lead to serious harm for Australian consumers. Recent data show medication errors account for over 25% of all adverse events, while over 50% of consumers who move across transition points have medication errors relating to their treatment regimen. Financial costs from adverse events are estimated at around $A2billion/year, which are likely to increase with further complexities involving consumer care. This study will result in new knowledge about communication processes to inform the development of reporting methods and strategies, which positively influence the practices of health professionals in managing medications as consumers move across different environments.Read moreRead less