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Health And Fertility Of Young Men Conceived Using Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$362,570.00
Summary
The injection of a single sperm into the egg (ICSI) has been the main IVF treatment for men with poor sperm quality since 1993 but is now often used for other types of infertility. Concern has been raised about the health of the children. We will approach >800 parents and their adult sons conceived using ICSI and will assess his general health and development, and fertility. This work will improve patient counselling and practice guidelines, and direct research into the safety of ICSI.
The ecological dynamics of secreted bacteriocins and the evolution of multiple bacteriocin production in Escherichia coli. Bacteria produce compounds known as bacteriocins that are toxic to other microorganisms. The success of bacteria as bio-control agents and in probiotic formulations for the control microbial pathogens is, in part, due to bacteriocins. Bacteriocins may also have a role as replacements for traditional antibiotics and as natural food preservatives. The potential usefulness of b ....The ecological dynamics of secreted bacteriocins and the evolution of multiple bacteriocin production in Escherichia coli. Bacteria produce compounds known as bacteriocins that are toxic to other microorganisms. The success of bacteria as bio-control agents and in probiotic formulations for the control microbial pathogens is, in part, due to bacteriocins. Bacteriocins may also have a role as replacements for traditional antibiotics and as natural food preservatives. The potential usefulness of bacteriocins as the active agent in bio-control agents, as antibiotic replacements, as food preservatives, and as part of the repertoire of traits in probiotic formulations requires a sound understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of bacteriocins. Understanding the ecology and evolution of bacteriocins is the goal of the proposed research.Read moreRead less
The Development Of A Model Of The Spread Of The Pilchard Fish Kill Events In Southern Australian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$46,251.00
Summary
The mass mortality events are very economically and ecologically damaging. Economic damage occurs acutely in the short-term due to the need to close the fishery during events and damage also occurs in the longer term owing to the removal of large numbers of fish during the event.
No model exists of the spatial propogation of a viral epidemic in an exploited fish population, we will derive such a model. This model will be aimed less at predicting the spread of a particular mass morta ....The mass mortality events are very economically and ecologically damaging. Economic damage occurs acutely in the short-term due to the need to close the fishery during events and damage also occurs in the longer term owing to the removal of large numbers of fish during the event.
No model exists of the spatial propogation of a viral epidemic in an exploited fish population, we will derive such a model. This model will be aimed less at predicting the spread of a particular mass mortality event and more at the understanding of the dynamics of the event. Using the model we will be able to assess hypothesises concerning the factors which control the mass mortality and hence focus future study on the most sensitive processes. The model will also show the conditions under which these events may recur. We will also be able to assess the potential for management intervation to halt an ongoing epidemic or prevent further outbreaks. The model will also integrate all the aspects of the spread of the mass mortality events, showing linkages within the existing data and showing those areas for which adaquate data is lacking.
It should also be noted that damaging epidemics among wild caught and farmed marine fisheries are not infrequent and that modified versions of the model may have future applications to other fisheries. Objectives: 1. We will construct a 1-D SIR (Susceptible, Infected, Removed) model of the spread of the pilchard mass mortality events of 1995 and 1998/9 2. We will analyse the effect of different modes of local transmission on the mass mortality's dynamics. 3. We will produce a literature review of similar mass mortalities and the modelling approaches used to analyse them. 4. We will refine the SIR model to include different transmission process functions and data obtained by other pilchard mortality study projects, in particular the Fisheries WA lead study on viral transmission. 5. We will review the observations, including those obtained in concurrent studies, to provide the tightest possible constraints on the ranges of model parameters. 6. We will analyse the effects of fisheries management strategies on pathogen transmission, in particular we will test the viability of a 'fire break' policy. 7. We will construct a simple model of the recovery of the fishery to investigate the period required for the stocks to become vulnerable to renewed mortality. 8. We will develop a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to display the local and geographical spread of pathogens. 9. We will produce an initial report detailing the approaches used both by us and other modellers of epidemics. 10. We will produce a final report detailing the final form of the model produced and incorporating analysis of model structure, parameters and results. 11. We will present this work at a nationally significant scientific meeting in 2000. Read moreRead less
Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram: Investigations Into The Genetic Basis Of Resistance To Infection Of Abalone By The Abalone Herpes-like Virus
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$107,439.00
Summary
Of particular interest to both the aquaculture and wild capture industries is whether there are sub-populations of abalone that demonstrate some innate resistance to infection/disease or that are capable of developing resistance. Identification of these sub-populations could prove useful to both the farming and the wild-capture sector. In a controlled culture population it may be possible to breed for a more AVG-resistant population that would be able to respond better s ....Of particular interest to both the aquaculture and wild capture industries is whether there are sub-populations of abalone that demonstrate some innate resistance to infection/disease or that are capable of developing resistance. Identification of these sub-populations could prove useful to both the farming and the wild-capture sector. In a controlled culture population it may be possible to breed for a more AVG-resistant population that would be able to respond better should a disease outbreak occur. Potential AVG resistance between different wild populations could also be inferred since the parents of the farmed bred lines have come from different wild sources and we will be able to use knowledge of their ancestry to determine if there is any evidence for population differences. In addition, should any zones of the natural population be at low densities such that re-stocking either from cultured seed or by movement of natural stock from other zones be required, it will be critical to know if there is innate resistance prior to translocation of any stocks. If sub-populations in the wild are found to be more resistant and others more susceptible, this may influence management of these zones and restrict movement of stock within and between zones. If genetic resistance is identified in greenlips, the next step would be to confirm this in blacklips and hybrids, and then search for genetic markers associated with resistance/susceptibility to be able to identify individuals and sub-populations that are more resistant or susceptible. Moreover, this study will be the first examination of virus resistance in a gastropod and might provide us with information on future events. Identification of mechanisms of resistance to infection/disease was identified as a priority in the draft national abalone health work plan. Identification of resistant family line(s) would allow further research on mechanisms of resistance (future proposal). Objectives: 1. Determine whether there is genetic variation in susceptibility to abalone viral ganglioneuritis in abalone family lines. (If genetic resistance is identified in specific family line(s), a subsequent proposal will be submitted.) Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101259
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,000.00
Summary
The impact of urbanisation on viral diversity and disease emergence. Urbanisation increases the risk of infectious disease emergence by rapidly altering contact rates between humans and other species. Fortunately, many consequences of urbanisation appear to be universal, suggesting that it is possible to identify factors likely to increase the risk of viral disease emergence and predict their impacts. This project aims to examine the viral response to changes in host and vector population struct ....The impact of urbanisation on viral diversity and disease emergence. Urbanisation increases the risk of infectious disease emergence by rapidly altering contact rates between humans and other species. Fortunately, many consequences of urbanisation appear to be universal, suggesting that it is possible to identify factors likely to increase the risk of viral disease emergence and predict their impacts. This project aims to examine the viral response to changes in host and vector population structure and dynamics that occur as a result of urbanisation, and identify viral characteristics that are associated with survival in an urban environment. This novel fusion of urban and viral ecology will have unprecedented impact on the development of predictive models of viral emergence for risk assessment and management.Read moreRead less
Future Oysters CRC-P: Species Diversification To Provide Alternatives For Commercial Production
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$243,426.00
Summary
The establishment of a new native oyster and/or western rock oyster aquaculture sectors in SA and the former in Tasmania will not only diversify the business risk of the existing Pacific oyster sector, but has the potential to become a multi-million dollar industry itself. As native oysters would be more suited to subtidal or low intertidal culture while western rock oysters are an ideal alternative species to mitigate POMS, the successful development of these aquaculture sectors will strengthen ....The establishment of a new native oyster and/or western rock oyster aquaculture sectors in SA and the former in Tasmania will not only diversify the business risk of the existing Pacific oyster sector, but has the potential to become a multi-million dollar industry itself. As native oysters would be more suited to subtidal or low intertidal culture while western rock oysters are an ideal alternative species to mitigate POMS, the successful development of these aquaculture sectors will strengthen the confidence of existing/new growers and investors in Pacific, western rock and native oysters; thereby encouraging further expansion of the industry. In addition, supporting species diversification is one of the high strategic priorities in the Oysters Australia Strategic Plan 2014-2019. Objectives: 1. To develop Native Oyster on-farm growing methods that maximise survival and growth in South Australia and Tasmania 2. To compare the performance between Pacific Oysters and Native Oysters in South Australia 3. To establish a Native Oyster farmers network to share new techniques and knowledge 4. To develop translocation protocols for the safe translocation of Western Rock Oysters to South Australia 5. Trial Western Rock Oysters in the field in South Australia to assess their performance and viability of a potential industry if agreed by industry and regulators Read moreRead less
SCRC: Alleviation Of Summer Gut Syndrome (SGS) In Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
The prevalence of SGS and other gut-related diseases is a primary cause of economic losses related to the farming of Atlantic Salmon with AGD being more significant. Maricultured Atlantic salmon in Tasmanian south-eastern waters have been frequently noted to exhibit an increased mortality during summer due to SGS. The problem is of concern to the Tasmanian aquaculture industry due to reduction in production efficiency. The aetiology of the SGS is unidentified but the fact that antibiotics can r ....The prevalence of SGS and other gut-related diseases is a primary cause of economic losses related to the farming of Atlantic Salmon with AGD being more significant. Maricultured Atlantic salmon in Tasmanian south-eastern waters have been frequently noted to exhibit an increased mortality during summer due to SGS. The problem is of concern to the Tasmanian aquaculture industry due to reduction in production efficiency. The aetiology of the SGS is unidentified but the fact that antibiotics can resolve the problem temporarily suggests that SGS is induced by a bacterial agent or agents. Identification of the aetiology of the disease is therefore a priority to resolve the problem. This however, requires a detailed investigation of the dynamics of microbial communities in the gut and their response to environmental factors such as temperature and diet over time as well as investigating their interaction with the gut epithelium. This has to be done not only in salmon afflicted with SGS but also in healthy salmon to determine how the protective effect of normal microflora in salmon is compromised during warm seasons allowing overgrowth of certain species of bacteria. Previous research suggests SGS may be caused by the proliferation of apparently non-pathogenic species of Vibrios or Aliivibrios. This needs to be verified and we plan to investigate this as well as investigating pathogenic potential of all bacteria that establish a close contact with the gut epithelium of salmon over time. And finally the importance of probiotic strains with potential to competitively exclude pathogenic strains in salmon’s gut and their population dynamics requires investigation as these bacteria may have an important role in prevention of the SGS.Read moreRead less
NCCP: Population Dynamics And Carp Biomass Estimates
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$240,000.00
Summary
FRDC is leading a National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) to ensure maximum success of the CyHV-3 virus. The objective of the present proposal is to inform resource allocation for CyHV-3 release planning, clean-up and management of potential ecological impacts, and provide a robust estimate of carp abundance and biomass in a broad range of aquatic habitats, reaches and river basins in eastern Australia. As part of this program it is underrating an assessment of Carp biomasses (NCCP: Preparing for ca ....FRDC is leading a National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) to ensure maximum success of the CyHV-3 virus. The objective of the present proposal is to inform resource allocation for CyHV-3 release planning, clean-up and management of potential ecological impacts, and provide a robust estimate of carp abundance and biomass in a broad range of aquatic habitats, reaches and river basins in eastern Australia. As part of this program it is underrating an assessment of Carp biomasses (NCCP: Preparing for carp herpesvirus: a carp biomass estimate for eastern Australia) based on data collected at various points in time.
Carp are highly fecund and adaptable and therefore their populations are extremely dynamic. This means that any static population estimate at any particular point in time can quickly change, and therefore must be used cautiously. It also means that overall populations can vary widely: data from river surveys in the mid-Murray (relatively stable habitats) varied by about 200% pre-, during and post drought. Less stable habitats would be likely to have higher levels of population variability. By their very nature, population assessments can only be undertaken at individual sites at particular points in time and there is the need for adjustments to this data to provide more accurate estimates of populations for any other point in time. Carp population dynamics are driven by very large recruitment events and there are three factors that influence recruitment events: 1. flows (hydrology); and 2. access to habitats (often also dictated by flows) 3. existing population structure Carp populations are particularly responsive to conditions conducive to recruitment, especially when there are successive events that cumulatively drive populations. Therefore, these aspects need to be taken into account to guide management and allow predictions to be made as to actions and likely outcomes. The carp biomass estimate currently being undertaken will give a point-in-time estimate for July 2018. This will need to be adjusted for any release date beyond 2018. Data collected should allow for examination of the existing population structure, which can then be added into the model for future predictions.
Objectives: 1. Conceptual combination of SMDB, NMDB and coastal model components (work with biomass staff) Reconfigure SMDB model Addition of extra habitat components and model for the NMDB and coastal rivers 2. Examination and inclusion of existing population structures (biomass data) 3. Determination of the timeframes and scenarios to be run from the biomass estimates 4. Data collation and modelling 5. Results interpretation and report writing Read moreRead less
The Effect Of Barramundi Nodavirus On Important Freshwater Fishes
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$149,525.00
Summary
Susceptibility of freshwater fishes to barramundi nodavirus.
- There is a need to address concerns about the risk of possible lethal transmission of barramundi nodavirus to freshwater fishes already under threat in their natural habitat. - Important freshwater fishes will be exposed to the nodavirus from cell cultures to determine their susceptibility. - By using the OVL isolation facility in Townsville, well outside the Murray-Darling region, there is minimal risk to the na ....Susceptibility of freshwater fishes to barramundi nodavirus.
- There is a need to address concerns about the risk of possible lethal transmission of barramundi nodavirus to freshwater fishes already under threat in their natural habitat. - Important freshwater fishes will be exposed to the nodavirus from cell cultures to determine their susceptibility. - By using the OVL isolation facility in Townsville, well outside the Murray-Darling region, there is minimal risk to the natural fish populations. - Confirmation that barramundi nodavirus can cause lethal infections in freshwater fishes will strengthen the application of strict licence conditions on barramundi farming in southern Australia. - Confirmation that barramundi nodavirus does not affect freshwater fishes will possibly allow expansion of the barramundi farming into regions needing new sustainable economic development.
A barramundi infection model.
- To establish a realistic virus dose and route of infection for the challenge trials, an infection model using barramundi will be developed. - OVL has ready access to barramundi larvae and fry of all ages. - The model is also necessary to help quantify the effect of virus exposure to disinfectants and different environmental conditions.
What is the viability of barramundi nodavirus?
- Fish health management requires good information on how to effectively decontaminate facilities following outbreaks of VNN. - Knowledge of the persistence of barramundi nodavirus in the environment will allow fisheries managers to decide on effective conditions for barramundi farming licences that minimise the risk of transferring virus outside the culture facility.
Sensitivity of the cell culture isolation system.
- While sensitive detection tests are available, the barramundi cell line offers a more practical diagnostic method that can be used by any laboratory with cell culture/ virology capability. - An evaluation of the cell culture isolation system’s ability to detect virus in carrier (no disease) fish, and standardization of the cell culture presentation, is required before the method can be recommended. Objectives: 1. To establish a standard infection model for barramundi nodavirus in barramundi larvae and fry. 2. To more accurately define the range of fish species that can actually be infected by barramundi nodavirus, the effect of the virus on these fishes and the infectious dose. 3. To determine the sensitivity of the barramundi nodavirus to a range of environmental conditions and to disinfectants. 4. To evaluate the cell culture isolation system as a method of detecting nodavirus in asymptomatic carrier fish. Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL200100068
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,328,974.00
Summary
Australian wild animals: environmental change and quantitative genomics. This project aims to determine the effects of changing environments on wild animal populations across Australia. By combining recent advances in genomic technology with a consortium of fourteen long-term studies of mammals, birds and reptiles, it aims to quantify the genetic basis of life-history variation and the potential for evolutionary adaptation in the wild. The project will generate a comprehensive understanding of t ....Australian wild animals: environmental change and quantitative genomics. This project aims to determine the effects of changing environments on wild animal populations across Australia. By combining recent advances in genomic technology with a consortium of fourteen long-term studies of mammals, birds and reptiles, it aims to quantify the genetic basis of life-history variation and the potential for evolutionary adaptation in the wild. The project will generate a comprehensive understanding of the genetic consequences of environmental change, population decline, inbreeding and disease in natural environments. The expected benefits include a coordinated network for long-term wild animal studies in Australia, advanced quantitative skills training, and knowledge transfer for wildlife management and conservation.Read moreRead less