Genome-wide Association Studies To Identify Major Genetic Determinants Of 5 Blinding Eye Diseases Using Pooled DNA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,193.00
Summary
This project aims to find important genes for 5 diseases that can lead to blindness. We will use a cost-effective approach where samples from a large number of individuals with a given disorder are pooled (mixed together) and then compared on gene chips covering the whole genome to a pool of people who do not have the disease. Differences identified between the groups will point to genes causing that disease. We will identify any major genes for the 5 diseases being studied.
Safety And Efficacy Of A Surgically Implanted Suprachoroidal Retinal Prosthesis (Bionic Eye)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,233,826.00
Summary
A bionic eye is a electronic device which can stimulate the remaining visual pathway in a person who is blind, to restore some basic vision. Our team have previously shown that our novel bionic eye device can be safely implanted in a patient, and can give improvements in vision when tested in a laboratory environment. The next stage of the research is to provide patients with a more advanced device, which will contain more electrodes and also be able to be taken home.
Pathogenic Role Of Changes In The Extracellular Environment Of Retinal Ganglion Cells In Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,979.00
Summary
There are an estimated 60 million glaucoma sufferers worldwide. Glaucoma is associated with elevated pressure within the eye but the mechanisms by which this leads to vision loss are not clear. We propose to test a new hypothesis that it is tissue stress that is responsible for the ganglion cell death in glaucoma. We propose to measure key parameters of the cellular environment in an animal model of raised intraocular pressure and determine if elevated intraocular pressure induced changes in the ....There are an estimated 60 million glaucoma sufferers worldwide. Glaucoma is associated with elevated pressure within the eye but the mechanisms by which this leads to vision loss are not clear. We propose to test a new hypothesis that it is tissue stress that is responsible for the ganglion cell death in glaucoma. We propose to measure key parameters of the cellular environment in an animal model of raised intraocular pressure and determine if elevated intraocular pressure induced changes in the cellular environment can be identified.Read moreRead less
Links2HealthierBubs: Influenza And Pertussis Vaccine Effectiveness And Safety In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$676,333.00
Summary
Vaccination during pregnancy can offer protection against severe respiratory disease for infants in the first six months of life. For this reason, influenza and pertussis vaccines are routinely recommended during each pregnancy. Unfortunately, little is known about the ‘real world’ effect of both vaccines. We plan to conduct the largest and most comprehensive study to date to evaluate all vaccines routinely recommended in pregnancy in Australia.
Evolution Of Pertussis Epidemics And Effect Of Genotypes On Infection Outcomes And Immunisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,781.00
Summary
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite high vaccine coverage, the incidence of pertussis has increased substantially in recent years in Australia. One of the contributing factors is changes in the pertussis strains. This project will determine the genetic composition and virulence characteristics of epidemic strains in Australia and investigate the effect of these strains on disease severity and vulnerability of vaccinated individuals to infection.
Imaging The Human Fundus To Simultaneously Generate An Oxygenation And Blood Flow Map
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,944.00
Summary
This project aims to exploit a novel solution to a problem which has previously limited the potential for clinical diagnosis and monitoring of ischemic retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. We have devised a method of simultaneously recording blood flow and oxygen saturation level using scanning laser techniques that are readily applicable clinically.
Dissecting The Great Ophthalmic Masquerade: The Global Giant Cell Arteritis Genomics Consortium.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,269.00
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in people over 50 years of age. If untreated it can cause catastrophic complications including blindness, though this can be prevented if treated early. Although there is clear evidence for a role of genetic factors in GCA, these have been little studied. We have established an Australian-led International consortium, with clinical, basic science and statistical expertise to thoroughly investigate this devastating disease.
Characterisation Of Rotavirus Vaccine Escape - Potential For Significant Impact On Vaccination Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,689.00
Summary
The introduction of rotavirus vaccines have had enormous impact on improving the health of children worldwide. However, the emergence of vaccine escape strains has the potential to significantly reduce the vaccine effectiveness. This study proposes to characterise strains able to escape vaccine protection.
Economic Evaluation Of Alternative Pneumococcal Vaccination Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,894.00
Summary
Pneumococcal vaccination is a readily available preventive strategy that can offer substantial protection to the elderly but it is important that we carefully evaluate the different potential strategies to ensure the most (cost-) effective approach to prevention is identified. This grant will explore alternative strategies to control pneumococcal-related disease in elderly Australians using the available vaccines.
PlaTFORM: PrevenTing Falls In A High Risk, Vision Impaired Population Through Specialist ORientation And Mobility Services: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,768.00
Summary
While many older people fall causing injury and loss of confidence, people with vision impairment and blindness have a dramatically increased risk of falls. In the PlaTFORM study we will deliver and comprehensively evaluate a falls prevention program through instructors with specialised training in orientation and mobility. This fills a gap in services and if effective will prevent injury in this vulnerable population and promote mobility.