Improving The Neonatal Transition In Infants With A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,644.00
Summary
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a common congenital abnormality and occurs when the diaphragm fails to separate the abdominal and thoracic compartments before birth. This prevents the lung from growing properly and so at birth, the lung is unable to take over the role of gas exchange without considerable assistance. As a result, these infants are at high risk of death or significant disability and this application is focused on improving care and reducing morbidity in these infants.
Genetic Autopsy Of Perinatal Death: Diagnosis And Discovery By Genome Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$989,332.00
Summary
Stillbirth, miscarriage and genetic termination of pregnancy are common and traumatic events. Despite medical investigation, many of the causes of these events are unexplained. This project plans to employ the latest in whole genome sequencing and functional modelling to explain these occurrences as well as lead to an increase in knowledge of genetics and development.
Asking QUestions About Alcohol In Pregnancy (AQUA): Longitudinal Cohort Study Of The Effects Of Low And Moderate Doses Of Alcohol Exposure On The Fetus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,368,294.00
Summary
National alcohol guidelines advise women to have no alcohol in pregnancy. However, many find they are unexpectedly pregnant and have been drinking, leading to considerable anxiety. While evidence is clear that heavy drinking is bad for the unborn baby, no-one knows for sure if low or even moderate levels of alcohol in pregnancy are harmful. We will study this important public health problem, following a group of pregnant women through their pregnancy and until their child is two years.
Stress-induced Disease Risk For Pregnant Mothers Born Small
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,124.00
Summary
This proposal addresses the likelihood that mothers born small and exposed to stress during pregnancy will develop adverse physiological adaptations to pregnancy, slowing placental and fetal growth, programming intergenerational disease and compromising maternal health later in life. The outcomes from our human and rat studies will enable development of diagnostic tests to identify pregnancies at greater risk and lead to therapies to reduce adverse intergenerational and long-term health effects.
Preclinical Development Of TLR Signalling Inhibitors For Prevention Of Preterm Labour And Fetal Inflammatory Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,821.00
Summary
Preterm birth affects 8% of Australian births and is a major cause of infant and child health problems. Therapies to prevent or delay prematurity are urgently required. This study will investigate new drugs that suppress the triggers of preterm labour. We will evaluate drug effects in mice and human placental tissue, to demonstrate safety and fetal protection from inflammatory injury that occurs with prematurity. Successful completion of the study is expected to lead to clinical trials in women.
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.
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 Alert Program: An Evidence Based Treatment Program For Aboriginal Children Living With FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,196,940.00
Summary
This study will research the effectiveness of the Alert Program to improve self-regulation and executive functioning skills in primary school aged children in the Fitzroy Valley, a vast area located within the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The project also aims to document a sustainable and culturally appropriate method of implementing a theraputic intervention that supports the improvement of skills in children living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders within these communities.
Development Of Human Sensory Receptors Of The Inner Ear
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,281.00
Summary
Normal development of our special sense organs is crucial for sight, taste, hearing, and balance. The balance system mediates important postural and eye reflexes that are essential for movement and vision. Abnormal development of the balance system results in dizziness, vertigo, gait deficits, and impaired learning and reading ability in children. This study will investigate how the organs of balance mature and connect with nerve fibres of the inner ear during human development.
The Lililwan Project: Prevalence Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders In The Fitzroy Valley
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,758.00
Summary
Alcohol use in pregnancy is widespread in Australia. Alchohol may cause physical and developmental problems in the developing child including the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This collaborative project, initiated and led by Aboriginal leaders in the Fitzroy Valley in the remote East Kimberley, WA, will establish the prevalence of FASD, health and developmental problems in a population of primary school-aged, predominantly Aboriginal children and develop strategies for service deliver ....Alcohol use in pregnancy is widespread in Australia. Alchohol may cause physical and developmental problems in the developing child including the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This collaborative project, initiated and led by Aboriginal leaders in the Fitzroy Valley in the remote East Kimberley, WA, will establish the prevalence of FASD, health and developmental problems in a population of primary school-aged, predominantly Aboriginal children and develop strategies for service delivery, prevention and education.Read moreRead less