Psychosocial and economic impacts of rare diseases on Australian children, families and health professionals. Rare childhood diseases have enormous impacts on children and families; health services, and health professionals. This project will enable Australia to lead the international research effort by using a coordinated approach to study the impacts of rare diseases in order to improve psychosocial, health and economic outcomes for children and families.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101921
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,000.00
Summary
Effects of reducing sitting on toddlers’ executive functions: Cluster RCT. The levels of sedentary behaviour are now alarmingly high in toddlers, yet little is known about the effect of this behaviour on cognitive development and executive functions during early childhood. This 15 month cluster randomised controlled trial will examine the effects of reduced sitting time on cognitive development and executive functions in Australian toddlers from low socio-economic families. This project aims to ....Effects of reducing sitting on toddlers’ executive functions: Cluster RCT. The levels of sedentary behaviour are now alarmingly high in toddlers, yet little is known about the effect of this behaviour on cognitive development and executive functions during early childhood. This 15 month cluster randomised controlled trial will examine the effects of reduced sitting time on cognitive development and executive functions in Australian toddlers from low socio-economic families. This project aims to develop and implement evidence-based strategies and policies designed to optimise developmental and health outcomes in young children, specifically in those from a low socio-economic status, thus giving young children the best start in life.Read moreRead less
The Relationship Between Maternal And Infant Dietary Intake Of Fermentable Fibre, Gut Microbiota, Short Chain Fatty Acids And Allergic Disease And Asthma: A Population-derived Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$871,700.00
Summary
The proposed study will involve the Barwon Infant Study (BIS) cohort of 1074 infants to provide the first systematic investigation of the hypotheses that the epidemic of allergic disease and asthma in many parts of the world relates to the paucity of fermentable fibre in the modern diet, and that the protective effect of fermentable fibre is mediated by changes in the organisms that colonise the gut and the metabolites that they produce.
Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.
Motor problems, ranging from clumsiness to cerebral palsy, are one of the most common adverse outcomes in children born early. This study will investigate the motor development of children born <30 weeks’ gestation compared with peers born at term from birth to 5 years. We will determine whether early clinical evaluations or neuroimaging in the newborn period can predict later motor impairment at 5 years to be able to identify those who will benefit most from early intervention.
A Centre For Research Excellence In Cerebral Palsy (CRE-CP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,622,042.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Our objective is to bring about a radical improvement in the treatment of individuals with cerebral palsy, both children and adults, and to determine better ways to assist their families. Emphasis will be placed on early detection of health issues and rigorous evaluation of management options. We will train more researchers and ensure that all the knowledge generated is made available to families and health care professionals.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Enhanced Parenting Capacity To Improve Developmental Outcomes In Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,045,141.00
Summary
In Australia there are 2, 600 very preterm survivors each year. 50% will have education/behavioural difficulties and 10% major disability. We aim to optimise the development of infants born very preterm through a tailored Positive Parenting Program. We predict reductions in child behavioural and emotional problems at 2 years corrected age.
Understanding The Causes Of Childhood Congenital Anomalies Of The Kidney And Urinary Tract
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,748.00
Summary
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified ....Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is a common cause of renal failure in children. The majority of patients with CAKUT do not know the underlying cause of their renal anomalies. In this proposal we will characterise the developmental events that are perturbed in three mouse models of CAKUT and identify the causal gene responsible in each mouse model. We will translate this information to the clinic by screening patients with CAKUT for mutations in these newly identified genes.Read moreRead less
Centre Of Research Excellence (CRE) In Newborn Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,622,320.00
Summary
Problems around birth are common and can have long-term implications, including into adulthood. Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all newborn babies and their families by determining factors that enhance outcome and assessing the benefits and consequences of new treatments for mothers and babies. We are world leaders in this field and are dedicated to training the next generation of health professionals in the care of newborn babies, in Australia and the rest of the world.
Stuttering in childhood: Patterns of recovery and persistence. This project will benefit the 1 in 20 Australian children who stutter and their families. We will learn for the first time how stuttering impacts on child development in the early school years and document the relationship between stuttering and other childhood conditions. The study will produce much needed information about recovery from stuttering and stuttering persistence. Therefore new knowledge will result to inform the scienti ....Stuttering in childhood: Patterns of recovery and persistence. This project will benefit the 1 in 20 Australian children who stutter and their families. We will learn for the first time how stuttering impacts on child development in the early school years and document the relationship between stuttering and other childhood conditions. The study will produce much needed information about recovery from stuttering and stuttering persistence. Therefore new knowledge will result to inform the scientific community and provide professionals and families with much needed evidence-based information about stuttering progression. Together this information will inform intervention approaches and help direct resources to those children who need them most. Read moreRead less