Prospective Study Of Birth Defects From Fetotoxic Agents In The Public Water Supply
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$732,036.00
Summary
Recent research in Australia & internationally shows that birth defects are more common in areas where mothers are exposed to poor quality drinking water, particularly when treatment chemicals known as trihalomethanes (THMs) are present. We will determine the risk that high THM levels pose to unborn babies by accurately measuring individual exposures to THMs & correlating these with adverse birth outcomes. The study will be in Perth where THM levels are very high in a number of suburbs.
Occupational And Environmental Exposures Associated With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$287,388.00
Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scarring lung disease of unknown cause with little effective treatment from which most patients die within 2-3 years. Although relatively rare, the public health impact is similar to many cancers. We will undertake a nationwide case-control study to identify jobs and exposures associated with the development of IPF. The results will influence policy to control exposures and over time reduce the occurrence of this devastating lung disease.
Climate Change Impacts On Workplace Heat Extremes: Health Risk Estimates And Adaptive Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$741,938.00
Summary
Global warming will bring more hot (and extremely hot) days as Australia warms within the projected range of 2-4oC by 2070. Working in the heat is uncomfortable and requires rest breaks, yet pressure to keep working risks overheating and serious health problems. We will study the current effects on health and productivity on heat exposed workers, and model future trends in likely impacts under climate change in 8 (urban and rural) regions, with and without adaptive health protection strategies.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption And Metabolic Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$626,018.00
Summary
Shiftwork is an under-researched risk factor for obesity and diabetes. Because shiftwork disrupts hormonal and sleep rhythmicity, eating patterns and light exposure, abnormal rhythmicity may be a causal factor in metabolic disease. Direct evidence for the link is lacking and the underlying mechanisms responsible are unknown. This project aims to understand how shiftwork may lead to diabetes and obesity, knowledge essential for the design and testing of potential interventions.
The Role Of Bisphenol A In The Development Of Chronic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,549.00
Summary
There is accumulating evidence to suggest that the environment we live in may be important in the development of chronic disease. This project examines a key environmental toxin Bisphenol A (BPA) and explores the role it has in the development of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this project, we will explore whether there is an independent relationship between BPA and the development of diabetes, CVD and obesity in humans in a prospective setting.
Risk Stratification Of Older People In Hospital: Validation And Influence On Clinical Decision Making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,067.00
Summary
Older people in hospital are at high risk of adverse outcomes, a vulnerability commonly referred to as frailty. In community-dwelling older people, frailty status can be measured precisely with a Frailty Index score. This research aims to develop a Frailty Index from a standardised comprehensive geriatric assessment instrument used in the routine care of many patients in hospital. This would assist clinicians to identify vulnerable older inpatients, improving their care in the acute setting.
Air Pollution And Mortality And Morbidity In Adult Australians (APMMA Study): A Large Population Based Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,410.00
Summary
This study will investigate the link between respiratory and cardiovascular disease and mortality and exposure to long-term air pollution. We will use cutting edge methods to assign neighbourhood air pollution levels to a large cohort of NSW adults (n>265,000) previously recruited in the 45 and Up Study. The study results will be of utmost importance in setting outdoor air pollution standards and informing cost benefit analyses of air pollution control strategies.
ASPREE- NEURO; Aspirin And Cerebral Microhaemorrhages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$989,195.00
Summary
Cerebral Microhaemorrhages (CMH) are tiny areas of blood vessel breakdown commonly found on brain MRIs in the elderly. Their clinical significance is not clear- prior studies have linked them to use of blood thinning medications, cognitive decline and risk of stroke. This randomised controlled trial will determine whether low dose aspirin increases the number of CMH on brain MRI in the healthy elderly after 1 and 3 years, and whether the number and location of CMH affects cognitive function.
Apathy In Dementia: Identifying Mechanisms For Targeted Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$514,404.00
Summary
One of the most common symptoms in dementia is apathy - a reduction in concern, motivation or interest. Apathy impacts on a person’s ability to engage in necessary daily activities (e.g., cooking, washing, visiting friends) and often leads to people being placed in aged care facilities. This project will investigate the mechanisms which give rise to apathy in dementia. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step in developing new interventions to treat this challenging symptom.
Central Aortic Blood Pressure In Children: Establishing A Gold Standard Non-invasive Assessment Of Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,342.00
Summary
The best way of assessing early risk of cardiovascular disease involves measuring blood pressure near the heart (central pressure), but existing devices used in adults for this purpose are inaccurate in children. We will develop a children-specific method and apply it to study early cardiovascular risk in a comprehensive health study of 2000 children Australia-wide. We will also investigate why children with congenital heart disease frequently develop ‘older-adult’ heart disease at a young age.