Physiological Mechanisms Of Experimental Preeclampsia.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,862.00
Summary
Defining the sequence of abnormalities of immune system regulation and vascular reactivity would greatly enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of preeclampsia (hypertension in pregnancy) and lead to opportunities for definitive treatment for the mother and baby other than by urgent delivery of the pregnancy. Results from this study may lead to tests in early pregnancy of the hypoxic environment such as cytokine imbalance.
This project will investigate the factors that regulate the development and maintenance of a recently identified population of white blood cells called MAIT cells. MAIT cells are abundant in humans yet poorly understood. A better understanding of how these cells are regulated, and how they can be targeted in diseases, is necessary if we want to ultimately use these cells for immunotherapy.
Role Of Microvascular Flowmotion In Skeletal Muscle Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$596,971.00
Summary
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are nationally and globally reaching epidemic rates. This project investigates the regulation of blood flow within muscle and its impact on metabolism. Outcomes from the study may lead to diagnostic tools and treatments for cardiovascular disease associated with obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
An Integrated Approach To Inotropic Support In Preterm Neonates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$694,449.00
Summary
Poor cardiovascular function in preterm babies can lead to inadequate blood flow to the brain and brain injury. Current treatments to improve heart function are often ineffective. This study will examine the effects of treatment on different parts of the cardiovascular system, and how these effects interact. It will identify reasons for the lack of effectiveness and provide insight which will help to design better treatments for preterm babies.
Selective Isolation And In Vivo Properties Of Dopamine Neurons Generated From Embryonic Stem Cells.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$505,389.00
Summary
This research aims to develop a procedure that allows for the safe and effective use of stem cells as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease. It is based on the concept that new dopamine neurons, generated from stem cells, can be implanted into the brain of the patients in order to replace those lost to the disease, thereby improving motor function.
In What Position Should We Be Sleeping Preterm Infants In The NICU?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,742.00
Summary
Preterm babies are at risk of brain injury caused by low cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. The prone sleeping position (lying on abdomen) has been found to decrease both cerebral oxygenation and blood pressure in healthy term babies, and is a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, it is common practice for preterm babies to be slept in the prone position.This study will examine the effects of prone vs supine positions on brain oxygenation in the preterm babies.
Neuro-protection In The Preterm Brain - A New Role For Dopamine Therapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,347.00
Summary
Brain injury in premature babies leads to long term adverse outcome. Preliminary data show that dopamine improves brain oxygen. Our study will define effects of dopamine in preventing injury in the immature brain, using animal studies. In immature lambs receiving dopamine, we will test the protective effect of dopamine on brain oxygenation during hypoxia. Outcome will be measured by examining cell injury on lamb brain slices.
Building Tissue Engineered Flaps For Surgical Reconstruction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,453.00
Summary
As a result of serious trauma, burns or cancer surgery, large areas of new skin may be required. Of the three major skin layers - epidermal and dermal replacements are available clinically, but the third layer - the underlying fat tissue layer is yet to be developed. This project has devised a novel product to rapidly recreate the skin fat layer and additionally rapidly grow new blood vessels in these layers which will enable excellent skin coverage in all forms of major skin loss.
Regulatory T Cell Therapy For Prevention Of Graft Versus Host Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$765,299.00
Summary
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a potentially fatal complication of bone marrow stem cell transplantation for leukaemia and lymphoma. In an animal model of GVHD, we have recently shown 100% effectiveness of treatment with a donor immune cell population, regulatory T cells. We will determine how this therapy works in the animal model. We will use a new technique, mass cytometry, to analyse patient blood samples in preparation for developing regulatory T cell therapy for GVHD.
Determining The Prerequisites For The Achievement Of Treatment-free Remission In Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia To Facilitate The Development Of New Therapeutic Approaches With Curative Intent
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,318,775.00
Summary
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) can usually be treated effectively with long-term tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Remarkably, rare patients who achieve excellent responses can stop treatment altogether without relapsing. Detailed studies of these patients in terms of their genetic background, the biology of their leukaemia and their immune response may help us understand how this is possible, leading to new therapeutic approaches to make treatment-free remission more widely achievable.