Molecular Basis Of Ca2+-dependent Disruption Of EC-coupling And Weakness In Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$530,976.00
Summary
One major cause of weakness in skeletal muscle appears to stem from damage to the mechanism controlling release of calcium ions from internal stores and consequent contraction. This project examines whether the damage is due to excessive levels of intracellular calcium ions activating enzymes that cut a particular vital molecule controlling calcium release. The findings could identify a major factor in muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy and other conditions and lead to specific therapies.
Manipulating Store-operated Ca2+ Entry To Improve Muscle Function In Dystrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,163.00
Summary
Muscle function is regulated in a complex manner by calcium and is impaired in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Changes in calcium regulation will be investigated in DMD patients and in an animal model using a novel approach. We will use a combination of novel experimental approaches to manipulate muscles in dystrophic mice and test for improvement in function. Results will determine the viability of a potential treatment.
DHPR ? Subunit Binding To A Variably Spliced Region Of RyR1: A Role In EC Coupling And Myotonic Dystrophy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
We have uncovered a communication pathway between two ion channel molecules in muscle cells that underlies human movement. The pathway is critical in normal mobility and is disrupted in myotonic dystrophy. We will study the molecular components of this pathway to understand normal body function and abnormal function in mytotonic dystrophy. The work will facilitate the design of drugs to relieve the mytotonic dystrophy myopathy and form new and much needed class of specific muscle relaxants.
Interactions Between The ? And ? Subunits Of The DHPR - A Missing Link In Skeletal Muscle Excitation-contraction Coupling And A Role In Sarcopenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,832.00
Summary
Calcium signaling is disrupted in muscle diseases, including muscle weakness in the elderly. This is a significant problem as all mobility depends on calcium signaling and its disruption can cause serious disability and death. To alleviate defective calcium signaling, the underlying molecular machinery must be fully understood, yet we have only a broad outline of the processes. We will address this problem to provide a platform for alleviating age-related muscle weakness.
Physiological And Pathological Effects Of Oxidation On Contractile Function In Skeletal Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,311.00
Summary
Reactive oxygen molecules generated within muscle fibres in normal exercise and in pathological conditions, greatly affect muscle function by altering the responsiveness of the contractile proteins. This study investigates how various oxidative stresses affect particular reactive sites on key proteins controlling muscle contraction. The findings should identify key molecular changes involved in normal activity and the role oxidation plays in chronic muscle weakness in particular conditions.
Social And Cultural Resilience And Emotional Wellbeing Of Aboriginal Mothers In Prison (SCREAM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,847.00
Summary
The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the comm ....The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the community.Read moreRead less
Implementation And Sustainability Of Non-surgical Intervention For Dental Caries In General Dental Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,388.00
Summary
Dentists in NSW and the ACT used new protocols to stop the spread of tooth decay. Many decayed teeth were then remineralised without the use of injections or drilling and filling. The process by which the dentists reorganised their practices to implement the protocols and how they explained them to their patients and practice staff will now be investigated to discover how best to promote their use Australia-wide. The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this type of care will be measured.
Peer Counseling To Improve Feeding Practices And Reduce Malnutrition In Children 0-2 Years In Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,929.00
Summary
Bangladesh faces high levels of inappropriate infant feeding leading to young child malnutrition. Effective programs are urgently needed to help reduce this burden of malnutrition. The study in poor urban communities in Dhaka City, Bangladesh will examine the impact of local women educating mothers about appropriate infant feeding. We will assess the impact of these programs on feeding practices and the growth of the infants.
Eating As Treatment (EAT): A Stepped Wedge, Randomised Control Trial Of A Health Behaviour Change Intervention Provided By Dietitians To Improve Nutrition In Head And Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,156,299.00
Summary
Maintaining nutrition in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients is challenging. Radiotherapy and the burden of the cancer make it difficult for HNC patients to maintain sufficient nutrition. HNC patients also have higher levels of mental illness and substance dependence including alcohol misuse. This trial aims to build on promising pilot data to evaluate for the first time a dietitian delivered health behaviour intervention (Eating As Treatment) to improve nutritional status among HNC patients.
Television Advertising To Promote NHMRC Guidelines For Low Risk Alcohol Consumption: Experimental Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,013.00
Summary
This project aims to experimentally assess the impact of television advertising that promotes the 2009 NHMRC Guidelines on alcohol consumption, on adults' (aged 18-64) estimates of drinking levels that incur an increased risk of short and long term harm. The Guidelines advise that adults should limit consumption to 2 standard drinks/day to reduce the risk of lifetime harm, and to 4 standard drinks on any single drinking occasion to reduce the risk of short-term harm from that occasion.