Periconceptional Alcohol Exposure: Effects On The Embryo And Fetus And Disease Risk In Adulthood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,780.00
Summary
It is known that consuming large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can have deleterious effects on fetal growth and development. Less is known about the effects of consumption of alcohol just around the time of conception. This project will use animal models to explore if alcohol can alter development of the very early embryo and whether this has long term consequences for the health of offspring after birth.
Psychosocial Predictors Of Developing Breast Cancer In Women From High Risk Breast Cancer Families
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,109,214.00
Summary
Over the past 20 years, studies have highlighted the possible roles of stressful life events and distress, possibly mediated by social support and personality, in causing or speeding up the development of breast cancer. This possibility is of strong concern to consumers. To date, there have been few well designed, prospective studies of this issue. Furthermore, no previous studies have specifically targeted women at increased risk because of their family history. In recent years, it has become p ....Over the past 20 years, studies have highlighted the possible roles of stressful life events and distress, possibly mediated by social support and personality, in causing or speeding up the development of breast cancer. This possibility is of strong concern to consumers. To date, there have been few well designed, prospective studies of this issue. Furthermore, no previous studies have specifically targeted women at increased risk because of their family history. In recent years, it has become possible to identify 2 breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2). Female carriers of mutations in these genes with a strong family history have an estimated lifetime risk of between 35% and 85%. The Kathleen Cuningham Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer (kConFab) was established 11 years ago to coordinate the collection of genetic, epidemiological and clinical data in Australian and New Zealand families with a dominantly inherited predisposition to breast cancer. Due to the high rate of breast cancer diagnoses in this group, and the systematic recruitment of large numbers of high risk women by kConFab, there is a unique and temporary opportunity to conduct a rigorous study to resolve this question, with sufficient numbers involved. The study is a world first, and will provide the best data to date in this area. If the study demonstrates a relationship between psychosocial factors and the development of breast cancer in women from high risk breast cancer families, subsequent identification of vulnerable individuals and the implementation of appropriate interventions may have a real impact on reducing morbidity and mortality in this population. Furthermore, the results may have implications for all women in reducing breast cancer incidence.Read moreRead less
Retargeting The Antibiotic Azithromycin As An Antimalarial With Dual Modality.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,613.00
Summary
Malaria parasites resistant to first-line treatments continue to spread in South East Asia. New drugs need to be developed urgently to ensure alternative treatment strategies are available. We will retarget the safe and widely used antibiotic azithromycin as an antimalarial with dual modalities against parasite invasion and growth inside the host red blood cell. This strategy has significant potential to increase drug efficacy while reducing the chances for the development of resistance.
Understanding And Targeting Coenzyme A Biosynthesis And Utilisation In Plasmodium Falciparum.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$556,114.00
Summary
This grant describes a series of studies designed to understand how the human malaria parasite P. falciparum metabolises vitamin B5, an essential molecule for the parasite. We will also carry out experiments to determine how a new series of vitamin B5 analogues we have developed kill the parasite and aim to start developing these compounds into new and much needed antimalarial medications.
Consequences Of Elevated Maternal Glucocorticoids For Early Childhood Renal Development And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,190.00
Summary
A growing body of evidence links maternal stress, such as that precipitated by financial problems or relationship issues (marriage break-up, physical or emotional abuse), with preterm birth and low-birth weight, which in turn has been linked to increased risk of adult disease. Our studies examine how maternal stress impacts on kidney development in childhood and sets the child on the path to cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
The Contribution Of Home Language Exposure To Intergenerational Transmission Of Inequality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,281,706.00
Summary
The amount of language stimulation from parent to child could be the key driver behind intergenerational inequality. Children learn language through social interaction and this study will significantly enhance our current understanding of exposure to language in the child's home environment. The study will demonstrate how inequalities in the early years have far reaching consequences for later health and development.
Targeting A Novel Long Non-coding RNA That Is Dysregulated In Skeletal And Cardiac Muscle Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$621,557.00
Summary
Recently, evidence suggests that cellular pathways that promote disease in skeletal and cardiac muscle, may be significantly influenced by a new class of molecules known as lncRNAs. Indeed a handful of studies have shown that therapies which target lncRNAs, can reduce disease severity. Thus, the identification of new lncRNAs that influence muscle health may present new therapeutic options to treat muscle diseases, where very few treatments currently exist. Here, we describe one such lncRNA.
Does A Health In All Policies Approach Improve Health, Well-being And Equity?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$968,325.00
Summary
This project will develop understanding of complex policy initiatives for health & well being which operate across government departments. It will do this through a case study of the SA Government’s Health in All Policies approach which aims to get government departments to develop policies which build a healthier population and reduce health inequities. This research will assess that process, report on what helps and hinders and develop research methods suitable for complex policy evaluation.
Early Antecedents Of Food Allergy: Defining The Pathways Underlying Very Early Sensitisation To Foods.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,193.00
Summary
With such a dramatic rise in food allergy, and many infants now showing established food-sensitization before starting complimentary foods at 4-6 months, there is a pressing need to define events around much earlier allergen encounter. This project addresses critical questions that form an essential platform for earlier strategies to prevent the rising burden of food allergy and other allergic diseases.
Turning Points: Breaking Intergenerational Cycles Of Intimate Partner Abuse And Social Adversity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,328,354.00
Summary
Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is estimated to affect one in four women at some stage in their lives, and to impact on the lives of at least one million Australian children annually. This study will investigate the extent to which exposure to intimate partner abuse during pregnancy and in the first 12 months postpartum predicts child outcomes in middle childhood. The study will provide foundations for better targeting and tailoring of early intervention strategies to support children at risk of ad ....Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is estimated to affect one in four women at some stage in their lives, and to impact on the lives of at least one million Australian children annually. This study will investigate the extent to which exposure to intimate partner abuse during pregnancy and in the first 12 months postpartum predicts child outcomes in middle childhood. The study will provide foundations for better targeting and tailoring of early intervention strategies to support children at risk of adverse outcomes.Read moreRead less