Longitudinal Communication Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,171.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in young Australians. The condition frequently manifests in impaired verbal communication. Communication is essential to successful rehabilitation, and return to society. However, the critical time for delivery of optimal treatment for communication remains unknown. This prospective longitudinal study will examine communication recovery following (TBI) to identify predictors of recovery and the best time to offer treatment.
Evaluating “Standing Tall” – An Engaging Home-based Exercise Program Using Mobile Technology For Maximizing Long-term Adherence And Preventing Falls In Older People: Randomized Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,081.00
Summary
Current evidence suggests that older people have to exercise for two hours per week for six months to prevent falls, with a strong focus on balance exercises. We have developed and tested an engaging home-based balance training program delivered through mobile (tablet) technology, called ‘Standing Tall’. We propose a randomised controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of our program for preventing falls in 500 community-dwelling older people, in addition to adherence- and cost-analyses.
Implementing Multiple Imputation With Sensitivity Analysis In Large-scale Longitudinal Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,507.00
Summary
Missing data arise in most research studies and if not handled appropriately can mean the study results are not correct. With researchers now conducting larger and longer studies the challenges posed by missing data are increasing. In this grant we study a powerful technique for handling missing data, which in its current form often cannot be applied effectively in large studies. By developing this approach we will improve the accuracy of results from large-scale epidemiological studies.
Towards Reducing The Susceptibility Of “high Risk” Infants To Allergic Asthma By Therapeutic Modulation Of Immunoregulatory Functions In The Pregnant Mother.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,681.00
Summary
This project will deliver information in relation to the potential use and underlying modes of action of a therapeutic agent fed to pregnant mothers at high risk for atopic children, to protect against allergic asthma development in their offspring. Furthermore, the project will address the benefits of this therapeutic agent in relation to protection against inflammation induced preterm birth.
A Prospective, Open-label, Single-centre/multi-site, Randomized Clinical Trial Of A Novel Maternal Microbiological “screen & Treat” Program Compared With Normal Care For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,708,561.00
Summary
In 2014, our team launched the world-unique Western Australian Preterm Birth (PTB) Prevention Initiative and reduced the rate of PTB state-wide by 8%. Our next step is to trial a “screen & treat” program to detect women in mid-pregnancy at high risk of infection-driven PTB and treat them with antimicrobial medications. The study will involve more than 6000 women and aims to lower the rate of spontaneous PTB rate by 30%, which if applied nationally, may prevent 4500 PTBs each year.
Maternal Recognition Of Fetal Sex In The Regulation Of Labour
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,821.00
Summary
Preterm birth is the largest cause of death in infants and males are more likely to be born preterm than females. We propose that the intrauterine renin-angiotensin system, the activity of which is regulated in a sex-specific manner, plays a critical role in protecting against preterm labour. Our study will further our understanding of the mechanisms of preterm labour and provide new insight into the sex-specific differences in the prevalence of preterm birth.
Inflammatory Pathways For Novel Therapeutic Interventions In Preterm Delivery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,006.00
Summary
Preterm birth is common and carries severe risks for the child. Existing therapies are not very successful in arresting preterm labour or improving outcomes for the fetus. We have discovered that blocking inflammatory ‘sensor’ molecules can slow labour progression. This project will (1) increase our knowledge of the inflammatory pathways that initiate early labour, and (2) define the mechanism of action and safety of a new drug that has potential for delaying preterm birth in women.
Effect Of High Dose Infant Fish Oil Supplementation And FADS 1 & 2 Genetic Polymorphisms On Cognitive Development And School Giftedness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$325,938.00
Summary
This project will investigate the influence of fish oil supplementation during the first six months of life on intelligence, language, behaviour and school performance at age six. We will also investigate how genetic differences in fish oil metabolism can impact upon these relationships. The findings will enhance our knowledge pertaining to the potential benefits of fish oil on cognitive development, and will inform future practice regarding the high dose fortification of infant formula.