Inhibition Of IFN-?/? By Human Metapneumovirus And The Induction Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
The newly isolated human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants, young children and the elderly. The virus can persist long-term and may predispose individuals to chronic lung disease. This proposal aims to determine the mechanisms by which hMPV infection causes respiratory disease, with a view to improving treatments and preventing disease.
Ocular Motility In Autism And Asperger S Disorder: Dissociation Of Motor Deficits.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$131,235.00
Summary
We will use ocular motor technology to investigate motor dysfunction in autism and Asperger's disorder, to advance our understanding of the neurobiological bases of these disorders. This will help clarify whether neural networks are differentially disrupted in these disorders, as our previous clinical research suggests. This dissociation and the subsequent development of an ocular motor clincal screen may improve diagnosis, and potentially treatment, of these devastating conditions.
Clinical Review Of A Cohort Aged 22-33 Years Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$946,454.00
Summary
In a recent study, using telephone-interviews, we compared the health and wellbeing of 547 singleton young adults born following assisted reproductive technologies (ART), with 549 matched controls. Reviewing their health when they are 22-33 years is possible because of their ongoing interest. We have a protocol in place to measure their cardiac and respiratory function and other aspects of growth and development. Our findings will fill a major knowledge gap about the longer term safety of ART.
Motor Functioning In Autism And Asperger's Disorder: Furthering Current Neurobehavioural And Clinical Definitions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,932.00
Summary
While it is well known that autism and Asperger's disorder are associated with social, communicative, and behavioural symptoms, it is less well known that affected individuals also have considerable movement and coordination difficulties. For example, these children often have problems with hand writing, walking, hopping, skipping, catching, and running. These skills are very important for success at school; for example, if children are unable to participate in school sports they often feel isol ....While it is well known that autism and Asperger's disorder are associated with social, communicative, and behavioural symptoms, it is less well known that affected individuals also have considerable movement and coordination difficulties. For example, these children often have problems with hand writing, walking, hopping, skipping, catching, and running. These skills are very important for success at school; for example, if children are unable to participate in school sports they often feel isolated and rejected from the peer group. Also, hand writing problems have a significant impact on children's academic performance. Our previous research has suggested that there may be particular patterns of motor problems that characterise individuals with autism and Asperger's disorder. Our proposed research aims to use the kinds of 3D motion analysis technology used in the movie industry to capture exactly how people affected by these conditions move and respond to the environment. This study will enable us to highlight particular parts of the brain-motor circuitry that are affected by these disorders and will also enable us to more clearly distinguish how autism is different from Asperger's disorder. Ultimately, it is hoped that our motor investigations will lead to improved assessment and interventions for these disorders.Read moreRead less
Prevalence report by the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) estimated that 1 child in every 160 children in the 6-12 year-old age group is affected by ASD. There is no cure for ASD and the causes are not understood. We propose that sex hormones may play a role in the development of these disorders. We will test this hypothesis using knockout and transgenic mouse models which have social interaction deficits and brain structure reminiscent of these disorders.
Chronic Disease Outcomes And Enhanced Primary Care In Seniors: A Cross-Jurisdictional Linkage Project
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,077,766.00
Summary
This project will provide evidence on how best to use the efforts of Australian GPs to obtain better outcomes in patients aged 65+ years who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, asthma and emphysema, seizures and stomach disorders. It will also examine the best way that GP visits can promote healthier ageing in all older seniors, aged 75+ years. For each disease and in older seniors, the study will be able to detect which of the following factors ....This project will provide evidence on how best to use the efforts of Australian GPs to obtain better outcomes in patients aged 65+ years who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, asthma and emphysema, seizures and stomach disorders. It will also examine the best way that GP visits can promote healthier ageing in all older seniors, aged 75+ years. For each disease and in older seniors, the study will be able to detect which of the following factors are the most important for better patient health: (i) seeing a GP more times, (ii) seeing a GP at more even intervals, (iii) seeing the same GP, or (iv) seeing a GP with a lot of experience in chronic diseases. Separate investigations will be made in older people living in hostels and nursing homes, because their needs may be different. The study will also evaluate the benefits of a major change that occurred to Medicare in 1999, when GPs were paid to perform health assessments and to prepare health plans (with other health workers) for patients with chronic health problems. The results will enable this important initiative to be further improved. The study will use a unique and new Australian research facility, which has brought together health data on the entire population of WA from both the State and Commonwealth levels, including information on Medicare use, pharmaceuticals, hospital stays and deaths. The facility works in such a way as to preserve patient and GP privacy. A strong feature of this research will be the degree of involvement of a representative and voluntary group of older Australian patients who attend GP clinics, and the GPs themselves, in advising the researchers on what's important to consumers and GPs.Read moreRead less
Structure and function of heterodimeric amino acid transporters. Recently a new family of amino acid transporters has been identified, the members of which are involved in the delivery of amino acids between cells and tissues. All members display a rather unusual structure in that they require two subunits to be functional. The main aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between large and small subunits. The study will give insight how membrane proteins form complexes in the membran ....Structure and function of heterodimeric amino acid transporters. Recently a new family of amino acid transporters has been identified, the members of which are involved in the delivery of amino acids between cells and tissues. All members display a rather unusual structure in that they require two subunits to be functional. The main aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between large and small subunits. The study will give insight how membrane proteins form complexes in the membrane and how these interactions affect the function of a complex membrane protein.Read moreRead less
Thai Health-Risk Transition: A National Cohort Study - Phase II
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,662,829.00
Summary
We are conducting a pioneering collaborative longitudinal study of population health in Thailand, following over time more than 80,000 adults living throughout the country. We repeatedly measure a wide array of health risks and outcomes. We capture information on the health-risk transition underway in Thailand as the population experiences the new burden of disease associated with economic development and modernisation. We team up with policy makers for national responses to lower the burden.
Bioreactors for manufacture of human platelets. Blood cell transfusion is a critical part of medicine that is supported by volunteer donors. Unfortunately, the demand for blood cells for transfusion far outstrips supply and therefore new strategies are required for manufacture of blood cells. This project will lead to the development of technology for manufacture of human platelets from stem cells. The systems devised will be applicable to a broad range of other blood cell types.
Amino acids as nutrients - the molecular basis of amino acid absorption in kidney and intestine. Nutrition is a critical factor for well being and health. This is highlighted by the increase in frequency of type II diabetes and the obesity problem that all societies with a western diet face. Most studies in nutrition focus on fat and carbohydrates because of their direct involvement in obesity and diabetes. Proteins and the resulting peptides and amino acids, however, form 10-15% of our nutritio ....Amino acids as nutrients - the molecular basis of amino acid absorption in kidney and intestine. Nutrition is a critical factor for well being and health. This is highlighted by the increase in frequency of type II diabetes and the obesity problem that all societies with a western diet face. Most studies in nutrition focus on fat and carbohydrates because of their direct involvement in obesity and diabetes. Proteins and the resulting peptides and amino acids, however, form 10-15% of our nutrition. At a time where protein-rich diets are recommended to fight obesity and diabetes, it is important to understand the basis of protein absorption and metabolism. This project investigates the mechanism and mediators of amino acid absorption in kidney and intestine. Read moreRead less