Nanoparticle-based Anti-VEGF Treatment For Ocular Neovascularization
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,921.00
Summary
Diseases like AMD and DR are the leading cause for substantial and irreversible vision loss as a direct effect of pathologic ocular neovascularization and have a significant economic impact on individuals, families, health systems and countries. Nowadays, the treatment requires frequent intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF antibody with all the risks of an invasive intraocular procedure. Nanotechonoly-based drug delivery system will provide a less invasive treatment for this kind of disease.
Understanding the chemical components that influence the flavour and quality of milk under different pasture management systems. The project will preserve and substantially increase the penetration of Australian milk into the Asian import market for dairy products, which stands at $2.1 billion annually, and is expected to grow at 6.6%per annum over the next 5 years. This outcome can potentially counteract the decline in dairy farm numbers in northern NSW, attract new suppliers to the region, an ....Understanding the chemical components that influence the flavour and quality of milk under different pasture management systems. The project will preserve and substantially increase the penetration of Australian milk into the Asian import market for dairy products, which stands at $2.1 billion annually, and is expected to grow at 6.6%per annum over the next 5 years. This outcome can potentially counteract the decline in dairy farm numbers in northern NSW, attract new suppliers to the region, and stimulate rural community growth and prosperity.Read moreRead less
Preliminary Assessment Of The Distribution And Potential Impact Of The Introduced Seastar Asterias Amurensis In Tasmanian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$17,896.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Using available information assess the current and potential impact of the seastar Asterias amurensis on SE Australian fisheries, aquaculture and ecosystems
A Preliminary Assessment Of The Genetic Population Structure Of Asterias Amurensis In Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$38,343.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Determine whether the introduced seastar is the southern sub-species, Japanese and Russian populations of Asterias amurensis versicolor or a northern sub-species 2. Determine whether the Tasmanian populations are derived from one or several introductions 3. Determine whether the invasion of Tasmanian waters has been accompanied by a loss of genetic variation with respect to native populations
Colonisation Of New South Wales By Non-indigenous Marine Species: Baseline Studies At Twofold Bay, NSW
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Provide an inventory of the fauna of Twofold Bay that is subject to regular discharge of ballast water. 2. Ascertain if any exotic species have become established in the Bay
NCCP: Defining Best Practice For Viral Susceptibility Testing Of Non-target Species To Cyprinid Herpesvirus 3 -a Discussion Paper Based On Systematic Quantitative Literature Reviews
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$124,626.00
Summary
The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP), an initiative of the Australian government, aims to reduce common carp numbers in Australian waters. A key aspect of this plan is to use a biological control agent to kill common carp in waters of the Murray-Darling basin. Since 2008 CSIRO researchers have been investigating the potential for Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) to control common carp numbers in this region as well as exploring potential negative outcomes arising from the introduction of this ex ....The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP), an initiative of the Australian government, aims to reduce common carp numbers in Australian waters. A key aspect of this plan is to use a biological control agent to kill common carp in waters of the Murray-Darling basin. Since 2008 CSIRO researchers have been investigating the potential for Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) to control common carp numbers in this region as well as exploring potential negative outcomes arising from the introduction of this exotic virus. One critical issue is the potential for non-target species (NTS) to be infected and negatively affected by CyHV-3. Susceptibility studies performed in vitro and in vivo were undertaken and used to predict in situ outcomes. These studies indicated that NTS tested were not susceptible to CyHV-3. However, since the publication of these results, stakeholder groups have raised several concerns. These concerns must be resolved to mitigate against the infection of NTS by CyHV-3 and to ensure continued stakeholder engagement. Six areas of concern have been raised by stakeholders. 1. Immune-competency status of fish was not considered in susceptibility studies 2. Techniques used to determine viral infection were perceived to be unreliable 3. Undiagnosed mortalities of NTS were not adequately addressed 4. Positive PCR test results observed in NTS were not adequately explained 5. Only mature or advanced juvenile fish were assessed for susceptibility to CyHV-3 6. The range of NTS investigated for susceptibility was limited and did not include a number of species that may be exposed to CyHV-3 It is proposed that a discussion paper be prepared to examine these issues. This paper would determine if previous susceptibility testing for CyHV-3 in the NCCP adequately addressed those issues detailed above. Using the information collected, recommendations for susceptibility testing of NTS to CyHV-3 in the context of the NCCP would be presented. The current understanding of what constitutes best practice for viral susceptibility testing at the time of the review would also be discussed. This would include a commentary on the predictive capacity of in vitro and in vivo studies when translated to the in situ environment.
Objectives: 1. The overarching objective of this project is to investigate potential problems, limitations and concerns related to viral susceptibility testing of NTS to CyHV-3 in the context of the NCCP and to define what constitutes best practice in viral susceptibility testing. 2. Review and discuss the implications of immune-competency status in pathogen susceptibility testing of aquatic organisms. 3. Review the range of techniques for assessing viral infection in aquatic animals and evaluate their accuracy and reliability. 4. Discuss the occurrence and implications of undiagnosed mortalities and ‘false positives’ in pathogen susceptibility studies. 5. Determine, based on existing literature, potential differences in the susceptibility of larval, juvenile and mature fish to viruses. 6. Investigate, based on existing literature, the potential for fish and other aquatic organisms beyond those previously investigated by the NCCP to become infected by CyHV-3 as a result of actions of the NCCP. Read moreRead less
Rebuilding Ecosystem Resilience: Assessment Of Management Options To Minimise Formation Of ‘barrens’ Habitat By The Long-spined Sea Urchin (Centrostephanus Rodgersii) In Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$828,551.00
Summary
There is clearly potential for C. rodgersii barrens to cover ~50% of nearshore reefs on the east coast of Tasmania, as is already the case in NSW and the Kent Group in Bass Strait. This would reduce both the Tasmanian abalone and rock lobster fisheries by ~15%, with a loss of value totalling ~$25M (before processing). The need for a management response is self evident.
Large rock lobsters (=135 mm CL) are the key predators of C. rodgersii in Tasmania, and experiments have shown clearly ....There is clearly potential for C. rodgersii barrens to cover ~50% of nearshore reefs on the east coast of Tasmania, as is already the case in NSW and the Kent Group in Bass Strait. This would reduce both the Tasmanian abalone and rock lobster fisheries by ~15%, with a loss of value totalling ~$25M (before processing). The need for a management response is self evident.
Large rock lobsters (=135 mm CL) are the key predators of C. rodgersii in Tasmania, and experiments have shown clearly they can prevent sea urchin populations from building to the point where overgrazing occurs. There is urgent need to assess the viability of controlling C. rodgersii populations through changing current management of the rock lobster fishery, and through targeted removal by divers as a tactical response on small scales.
However, before management instruments are invoked in an attempt to minimise the risk of further development of barrens habitat or rehabilitate existing barrens, it is imperative to carefully evaluate the effectiveness of potential management strategies. The proposed research will provide the necessary information and knowledge base to enable robust management decisions.
The proposed work has strong support from managers and the fishing industry in Tasmania, is acknowledged as a high priority by the relevant RAGs, and addresses several high priorities on both the State and TAFI strategic research plans. Objectives: 1. To assess the effectiveness of translocating large rock lobsters (=135 mm CL) en masse as means of preventing formation of incipient barrens and rehabilitating incipient and extensive barrens. 2. To assess the effectiveness of a range of management options (e.g. imposing upper size limits and spatial management) in building the biomass of large (=135 mm CL) rock lobsters to levels sufficient to limit C. rodgersii populations. 3. To assess the effectiveness of killing or removing sea urchins by abalone divers during the conduct of their fishing activity, as a means of preventing formation of incipient barrens and rehabilitating incipient and extensive barrens. Read moreRead less
Outcomes Of The Arterial Switch Operation: A Multi-centre Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,733.00
Summary
The arterial switch operation is the surgery of choice for children born with transposition of the great arteries, a congenital heart defect where the main two vessels of the heart arise from wrong pumping chambers of the heart. There are very few studies looking at adults after this operation. We aim to study all patients who have had an arterial switch. The results of this study will further increase our knowledge of the long term consequences of having the arterial switch operation.
New Membrane Methods to Extract Lactose From Waste Dairy Streams. Dairy processors throughout the world produce about 145,000,000 t of liquid whey per year. Lactose, the principle component in cheese whey, contributes a significant pollution problem for dairy processors. The aim of this Linkage Award application is to develop membranes that selectively extract the lactose. This requires the preparation of membrane carriers that transport the lactose through the membrane. The development of new a ....New Membrane Methods to Extract Lactose From Waste Dairy Streams. Dairy processors throughout the world produce about 145,000,000 t of liquid whey per year. Lactose, the principle component in cheese whey, contributes a significant pollution problem for dairy processors. The aim of this Linkage Award application is to develop membranes that selectively extract the lactose. This requires the preparation of membrane carriers that transport the lactose through the membrane. The development of new approaches and technologies for the isolation and purification of lactose from feed streams may lead to improved processes for manufacture of purified lactose or new lactose products.Read moreRead less