Antagonist Of Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone As Therapeutic Agents For The Prevention Of Premature Birth In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,650.00
Summary
In developed countries the most common cause of the death of a newborn baby is premature delivery. Pre-term delivery remains the greatest cause of neonatal mortality in the western world and a major consumer of health dollars (approx. $5-7B per year in the US alone). However, a delay in the onset of labour from 20 to 25 weeks has been shown to result in a 55% greater probability of infant survival (550 fewer deaths per 1000). This project will allow: The development of new drugs that will allow ....In developed countries the most common cause of the death of a newborn baby is premature delivery. Pre-term delivery remains the greatest cause of neonatal mortality in the western world and a major consumer of health dollars (approx. $5-7B per year in the US alone). However, a delay in the onset of labour from 20 to 25 weeks has been shown to result in a 55% greater probability of infant survival (550 fewer deaths per 1000). This project will allow: The development of new drugs that will allow the extension of pregnancy term The development of protocols that will in turn reduce neonatal mortality. Additionally we believe that these new agents will be useful in preventing the onset of labour after fetal surgery. Currently there are no effective treatments capable of substantially changing delivery dates. Available therapeutics delay the onset of labour, at best, 24 hours. However, recent exciting results from our laboratories show that rising concentrations of the placental peptide Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) are associated with the onset of labour. Further, we have also delayed the onset of labour in pregnant sheep by infusing a relatively insoluble CRH antagonist into the sheep fetus. Labour commenced ONLY AFTER the drug was withdrawn from the mother. This project builds upon an interdisciplinary team: medicinal chemists, molecular modellers, pharmacologists and endocrinologists, to further develop an exciting Australian discovery. Successful completeion of this research will, for the first time, allow the control of pregnancy duration MAXIMISING the benefits to mother and child, reducing mortality and later life morbidities typically associated with premature birth.Read moreRead less
Mental Health Across Generations: Pre-and Post Conception Predicators Of Early Life Risks
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$666,231.00
Summary
In 2003, mental illnesses were among the ten leading causes of disease burden in Australia, accounting for 13% of the total burden of disease, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Mental health problems and mental illness are among the greatest causes of disability, diminished quality of life, and reduced productivity. People affected by mental health problems often have high levels of morbidity and mortality, experiencing poorer general health and higher rates of death f ....In 2003, mental illnesses were among the ten leading causes of disease burden in Australia, accounting for 13% of the total burden of disease, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Mental health problems and mental illness are among the greatest causes of disability, diminished quality of life, and reduced productivity. People affected by mental health problems often have high levels of morbidity and mortality, experiencing poorer general health and higher rates of death from a range of causes, including suicide. These conditions are significant in terms of prevalence and disease burden, and have far-reaching impacts for families, carers and others in the community. Mental health problems commonly cluster in families. However, few studies have previously been able to investigate the range of ways in which mental disorders may pass from one generation to another. Further, evidence suggests that influences that arise prior to conception may have major effects on early life risks such as development in utero, birth outcomes and early maternal infant bonding. Mental Health across Generations: Pre- and post-conception predictors of early life risks is a unique study that will examine antenatal maternal mental health and risk behaviours during pregnancy. The study will also examine the links between prior maternal mental health and later birth outcomes, and post natal maternal infant bonding. The risk processes to be tested will include genetic, epigenetic (changes in gene expression), physiological and psycho-social parameters.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Epigenetic Mechanisms Determining Responses To Therapies In Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$22,677.00
Summary
Lung cancer results in more cancer related deaths than any other cancer. The aim of this study is to identify prognostic and predictive markers for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with chemotherapy, palliative radiotherapy and also novel targeted agents. This will help to better utilise these treatments and hopefully improve outcomes in patients with NSCLC.
Epidemiology Of Unexplained Antepartum Fetal Death In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,350.00
Summary
The death of a baby before birth is a devastating event for the parents and families. In the vast number of these deaths, no cause can be found leaving no clues for parents and care providers struggling with decisions about future pregnancies and how the risk may be reduced for all women in pregnancy. Fetal death before the onset of labour without an apparent cause (Unexplained Antepartum Fetal Death (UAFD) constitutes the most common cause of fetal death. In Australia, the rate of UAFD is appro ....The death of a baby before birth is a devastating event for the parents and families. In the vast number of these deaths, no cause can be found leaving no clues for parents and care providers struggling with decisions about future pregnancies and how the risk may be reduced for all women in pregnancy. Fetal death before the onset of labour without an apparent cause (Unexplained Antepartum Fetal Death (UAFD) constitutes the most common cause of fetal death. In Australia, the rate of UAFD is approximately 2 per 1 000 births, contributing 30% to all fetal deaths. The rate of UAFD is over three times the current rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Australia. Despite this, little research has been undertaken in this area. The research which has been undertaken suggests that factors which are present during pregnancy may identify women who are at risk. However, the results of these studies are not consistent, largely due to the problems with study design, and therefore the available information is not sufficiently reliable to assist in identification of women at risk. Well designed, large scale studies are urgently needed to determine, from the reported list of risk factors, those factors which truly identify a woman at increased risk in the antenatal period where appropriate care can be provided to decrease the likelihood of fetal death. Recently, a collaborative effort involving clinicians and consumers in Australia has commenced to support and undertake research and related activities and to collaborate with international groups in reducing the risk of UAFD (ANZ Fetal Death Collaborative Group). This study forms the basis for this work within Australia. This study is designed to identify women who are at risk of unexplained antepartum fetal death. The study involves a review of 800 unexplained antepartum fetal deaths in three States of Australia and an analysis of information on all births in Australia which is routinely collected by Health Departments.Read moreRead less
Development And Assessment Of Methods To Reduce The Predation Of Pot-caught Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus Edwardsii) By Maori Octopus (Octopus Maorum)
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$205,592.00
Summary
The predation of 'pot caught' rock lobsters by octopus is the major cause of direct loss to fishermen in South Australia. In the Southern Zone Fishery it is estimated that on average 10% of all pots are predated by octopus. Octopus kill between 200-250,000 legal sized lobsters each year which represents and annual loss to the industry of between $5-10 million.
In the Northern Zone Fishery (input regulated) predation results in direct financial cost to fishermen associated with the lo ....The predation of 'pot caught' rock lobsters by octopus is the major cause of direct loss to fishermen in South Australia. In the Southern Zone Fishery it is estimated that on average 10% of all pots are predated by octopus. Octopus kill between 200-250,000 legal sized lobsters each year which represents and annual loss to the industry of between $5-10 million.
In the Northern Zone Fishery (input regulated) predation results in direct financial cost to fishermen associated with the loss of saleable lobsters. In the Southern Zone Fishery (output regulated) predation results in indirect costs associated with increased time and effort expended to catch quota.
Prevention of octopus predation would generate greater income to fishermen in the Northern Zone and reduce costs and number of days required to catch quota in the Southern Zone.
In addition to the economic costs, a significant consequence of octopus predation is its impact on rock lobster stocks and the sustainability of the fishery. The loss of lobsters to octopus results in increased fishing pressure on stocks. Fishermen catch more lobsters than required to compensate for those killed by octopus. A reduction in the number of lobsters killed by octopus would enable fishermen to catch less lobsters without affecting existing income levels resulting in reduced pressure on an already heavily exploited resource. Elimination of predation may provide an important buffer against the threat of overfishing and significantly enhance the sustainability of the industry by reducing harvest levels by 200,000+ lobsters each year. Objectives: 1. Describe the spatial and temporal changes that have occurred in octopus predation level over the last 15 years. 2. Determine how environmental factors influence octopus predation levels over a fishing season. 3. Identify pot modifications that have the potential to prevent/reduce octopus predation of pot caught Southern Rock Lobster. 4. Trial pot designs to prevent/reduce octopus predation under laboratory conditions. 5. Develop a pot that under commercial fishing conditions, prevents/reduces octopus predation, maintains lobster catch rates and is cost effective to implement. 6. Ensure industry participation and consultation at all stages of the project. 7. Ensure adoption of the modified pot(s) by industry where appropriate. Read moreRead less
Mortality And Survival Among Clients Of The Aboriginal Medical Service At Redfern
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$483,290.00
Summary
The aims of the mortality study are to: (a) document current age-sex specific and cause-specific Indigenous mortality; (b) establish trends in age-sex specific and cause-specific Indigenous mortality over time; (c) compare age-sex-cause specific mortality in the AMS Redfern cohort with patterns documented in other Aboriginal populations, and in the general Australian population. The null hypotheses for general and cause-specific mortality (age-adjusted) are that: (a) there has been no decline in ....The aims of the mortality study are to: (a) document current age-sex specific and cause-specific Indigenous mortality; (b) establish trends in age-sex specific and cause-specific Indigenous mortality over time; (c) compare age-sex-cause specific mortality in the AMS Redfern cohort with patterns documented in other Aboriginal populations, and in the general Australian population. The null hypotheses for general and cause-specific mortality (age-adjusted) are that: (a) there has been no decline in mortality in Aboriginal people attending AMS Redfern over 30 years covering 1972-2001; (b) survival in the AMS cohort is similar to that recorded in Aboriginal people from NT and WA (mostly rural) for similar time periods; (c) comparisons of the AMS cohort mortality with overall NSW mortality are similar to previously published comparisons of NT-WA Aboriginal mortality compared to overall Australian mortality data. Major causes of mortality will centre on endocrine (mainly diabetes), cardio- and cerebro-vascular diseases, and on external causes, including suicide-violence and accidental death. The mortality study will be extended back to the inception of the AMS, and will rely on computerisation of name(s), sex, date of birth and date of first and last AMS attendance for the whole AMS patient data base, to provide information for matching of patient records with the National Death Index (for deaths from 1980) and for matching with the NSW mortality data for 1971-79 (as there is no nationwide mortality data available from a single source prior to 1980).Read moreRead less
ESTIMATION OF INDIGENOUS MORTALITY WHERE DESIGNATION OF INDIGENOUS STATUS ON DEATH CERTIFICATES IS UNRELIABLE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$158,840.00
Summary
Mortality of indigenous Australians is regarded as unacceptably high compared to other Australians and compared to indigenous minorities in other similar countries. Indigenous mortality is based on data from WA, SA and NT, although some of the data are unreliable. There are few reliable data available in Qld, NSW, Vic or Tas because Indigenous status is significantly under-recorded on the death certificate. The objective of the research is to devise and validate indirect methods for estimating i ....Mortality of indigenous Australians is regarded as unacceptably high compared to other Australians and compared to indigenous minorities in other similar countries. Indigenous mortality is based on data from WA, SA and NT, although some of the data are unreliable. There are few reliable data available in Qld, NSW, Vic or Tas because Indigenous status is significantly under-recorded on the death certificate. The objective of the research is to devise and validate indirect methods for estimating indigenous mortality in sub-populations where there are significant proportions of indigenous people, and where designation of indigenous status on death certificate is unreliable. This would permit assessment of mortality differentials and trends in a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Qld, NSW, Vic and possibly Tas and provide new perspectives in the study of determinants of mortality in indigenous populations through comparisons of communities with relatively high and relatively low mortality, and allow population-based evaluation of the effectiveness of services and programs through surveillence of mortality trends and differentials. The methods rely on the basic premise that the total mortality of a population is contributed to by the mortality of its components in relation to their proportion of the total population. The units of analyses will be mainly municipalities. Mortality and proportion indigenous will be used in the comparison of municipalities with similar socio-economic and geographic characteristics, and mortality by municipality will be statistically modelled using various characteristics of these populations, including proportion indigenous (using ABS data). Methods will be validated by employing them on selected WA, SA and NT mortality data where designation of indigenous staus is considered reliable. Mortality estimates will then be made for indigenous communities in NSW, Qld, and other states.Read moreRead less
Molecular Analysis Of The Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$185,135.00
Summary
A group of human disorders arise from abnormal metabolic function of peroxisomes, small organelles found in the cells of most tissues. These abnormalities are caused by defects in the processes by which peroxisomes are formed in cells, and now known to be due to mutations in peroxisome biogenesis, or PEX, genes. In this project we will identify and assess PEX gene mutations in Australasian patients with these disorders to assist with future clinical diagnosis. In addition, because the mechanisms ....A group of human disorders arise from abnormal metabolic function of peroxisomes, small organelles found in the cells of most tissues. These abnormalities are caused by defects in the processes by which peroxisomes are formed in cells, and now known to be due to mutations in peroxisome biogenesis, or PEX, genes. In this project we will identify and assess PEX gene mutations in Australasian patients with these disorders to assist with future clinical diagnosis. In addition, because the mechanisms of disease formation, or pathogenesis, are poorly understood, we will develop animal models of the PBDs that may provide more detailed information about these corresponding processes in humans.Read moreRead less
Application Of ELISA/PCR Tests Developed In Japan To The Detection Of A Barramundi Picorna-like Virus In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$9,812.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. Using techniques developed in Japan for the detection of a virus lethal to striped jack and a very similar one that occurs in barramundi, examine the various material from Lates calcarifer 2. Objectives as stated in B4 of the application.