Development And Evaluation Of Statistical Methods And Software For Analysis Of Complex Genetic Disease Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,250,371.00
Summary
What are the major factors underpinning complex genetic diseases like diabetes, bipolar disorder or cancer? To answer this question new tools are needed, including software for mining the human genome with interactions between the genome and environment being incorporated. This is our focus. It will form the basis of a superior understanding of the overall process leading to disease and hence better predictions with important ramifications for new treatments and health care planning.
Goodness-of-fit Testing Of Log-link Models For Categorical Outcome Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,863.00
Summary
Information about the health consequences of exposure to causal factors is obtained from mathematical models of observed data. Incorrect inferences are possible if the model does not adequately represent the data. Relative risk models are recommended for observations over time on a cohort of subjects, but it is not known how best to assess the adequacy of such models. This project will assess the performance of summary measures of goodness-of-fit when applied to relative risk models.
Fragility Fractures: The Neglected Role Of Cortical Porosity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$865,474.00
Summary
We just discovered that bone lost with age occurs mostly from pores within the cortex (outer shell) of the bone; These pores become larger (porosity) making bones fragile. This process is poorly detected by bone density (currently used tool) so that most people with weak bones are missed. To address this issue, we have for the first time, develop a technology to accurately quantify porosity in living peoples. With teams around the world, we aim here to fill this gap in the diagnosis.
Interrogation Of Two Novel Genetic Susceptibility Loci For Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$840,615.00
Summary
This proposal, from the Australia and New Zealand multiple sclerosis (MS) Genetics Consortium, aims to interrogate two new genes that it recently identified as predisposing for the development of MS. Both of the genes underlying these findings are also associated with risk of developing other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Graves' disease.
Diagnostics For Mixture Regression Models: Applications To Public Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,250.00
Summary
In many public health studies, finite mixture regression models are often used to analyse data arising from heterogeneous populations. It is important to assess the stability of parameter estimates and the validity of statistical inferences when the underlying assumptions appear to be violated, but appropriate diagnostics are lacking in the literature. This research aims to develop effective diagnostic methods for assessing the adequacy of mixture regression models and the sensitivity of accompa ....In many public health studies, finite mixture regression models are often used to analyse data arising from heterogeneous populations. It is important to assess the stability of parameter estimates and the validity of statistical inferences when the underlying assumptions appear to be violated, but appropriate diagnostics are lacking in the literature. This research aims to develop effective diagnostic methods for assessing the adequacy of mixture regression models and the sensitivity of accompanying test statistics. The methodology developed will enable health care professionals to focus on substantive issues and to draw accurate and valid conclusions inferred from correlated and over-dispersed outcomes. In the presence of anomalous observations, the influence diagnostics can provide insights into the source of heterogeneity and the apparent over-dispersion, while accommodating the inherent correlation due to the longitudinal study design or nested data structure. Significance of the research lies in its scientific novelty and the breadth of its practical applications. The benefits to public health will accrue both nationally and internationally. For the empirical studies that motivated and are linked to this research, evaluation of health outcomes has significant implications in the prevention and control of recurrent urinary tract infections, hospital strategic planning, and post-stroke care and rehabilitation management. Moreover, appropriate assessment of a physical activity intervention for older adults is pertinent to falls prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal disorders among sedentary seniors.Read moreRead less