A Health Promotion Program Incorporating Fish For Withdrawal Of Antihypertensive Drugs In Overweight Hypertensives
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$103,637.00
Summary
The study will demonstrate the extent to which a health promotion program incorporating dietary fish meals, as well as weight control and increased physical activity, compares with usual care alone. The study is designed to reduce blood pressure and drug requirements in the longer term and minimise cardiovascular risk in overweight hypertensive patients. We will use ambulatory blood pressures as criteria for both inclusion and endpoints decisions and will assess quality of life and the cost-bene ....The study will demonstrate the extent to which a health promotion program incorporating dietary fish meals, as well as weight control and increased physical activity, compares with usual care alone. The study is designed to reduce blood pressure and drug requirements in the longer term and minimise cardiovascular risk in overweight hypertensive patients. We will use ambulatory blood pressures as criteria for both inclusion and endpoints decisions and will assess quality of life and the cost-benefit in relation to lifestyle changes and overall cardiovascular risk. The results should have important implications for public health given the high prevalence of hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Objectives: 0. To investigate whether, compared with a usual care group, a health promotion program incorporating increased fish consumption and improved dietary habits, as well as weight control and physical activity, will enhance blood pressure control, enabling antihypertensive therapy to be withdrawn for at least a year. 1. To investigate whether, compared with a usual care group, a health promotion program incorporating increased fish consumption and improved dietary habits, as well as weight control and physical activity, will lead to sustained improvements in cardiovascular risk profile in terms of lipids, glucose tolerance and blood platelet and endothelial activation. Read moreRead less
Collaborative Partnership For Farming And Fishing Health And Safety
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$250,000.00
Summary
About 150 persons die from non–intentional injury each year on Australian farms. Between 300 and 350 male farmers and farm workers die a traumatic death from all causes each year. The mortality rate in Australian farming is approximately four times that of the all-industries rated (19.5 per 100,000 employees compared to 5.5 per 100,000 employees) (Durey and Lower, 2004). The rate of workers compensation claims from agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2001-2002 was 27 per thousand employees ....About 150 persons die from non–intentional injury each year on Australian farms. Between 300 and 350 male farmers and farm workers die a traumatic death from all causes each year. The mortality rate in Australian farming is approximately four times that of the all-industries rated (19.5 per 100,000 employees compared to 5.5 per 100,000 employees) (Durey and Lower, 2004). The rate of workers compensation claims from agriculture, forestry and fishing in 2001-2002 was 27 per thousand employees. There are about 4,500 claims each year made by workers in the agricultural and horticultural industries. Also self employed farmers are not obliged to report injuries so that the incidence reported may be an underestimate. In the four years 1989-1992 a total of 55 people were fatally injured while involved in work related fishing industries (NOHSC, 1999). Between 1991 and 2001 a total of 16 professional fishermen drowned as a result of falling or being washed from commercial fishing vessels in Victorian waters. Available statistics indicate that there is a higher rate of suicide among rural populations generally, and farmers in particular. For example, in the period 1988 to 1997, 921 suicides were identified for farm managers and agricultural labourers (Page & Fragar, 2002). The ABS reports that between 1988 and 1998, the suicide rate was up to 17 per 100,000 persons per year in rural areas, compared to 12-13 per 100,000 in the capital cities. The health status and determinants of health (e.g. death rates, income etc) are generally worse in rural and remote areas than in metropolitan areas. There is a need to identify factors that contribute to this discrepancy, particularly as it is likely to apply to farmers and fishers. There is a prevailing opinion that many farm and fishing injuries and deaths are preventable.
Objectives: 1. To improve the physical health of farming and fishing workers and their families 2. To improve the mental health of farming and fishing families 3. To improve the safety environment and work practices in farming and fishing industries Read moreRead less
SCRC: Seafood CRC: Improving Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profiles And Health Status In Adults Through Increased Consumption Of Canned Tuna
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
As market leader in sales of canned fish in Australia (through the John West brand), the prime objective for Simplot is to ensure a continued growth by keeping key existing categories relevant and attractive to customers and consumers. Health is one of the key drivers of consumer demand for canned fish and this research will assist in providing relevant health messages to inform consumers of the importance of including canned fish in their diet. This will be achieved by demonstrating that regula ....As market leader in sales of canned fish in Australia (through the John West brand), the prime objective for Simplot is to ensure a continued growth by keeping key existing categories relevant and attractive to customers and consumers. Health is one of the key drivers of consumer demand for canned fish and this research will assist in providing relevant health messages to inform consumers of the importance of including canned fish in their diet. This will be achieved by demonstrating that regular consumption of John West canned fish can lead to long-term increases of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) into erythrocytes which are consistent with an improved health status. Consumer awareness of omega-3 is increasing, which is reflected in increasing sales figures of omega-3 supplements in Australia between 2004 and 2006, whereas sales for most fish species were declining during the same time period. A reason for the success of the supplement market might be that almost all studies highlighting the health benefits of omega-3 are related to fish oil supplements, but very little research has been done in the area of processed seafood. The follow-up study is a unique approach to determine the bioavailability of omega-3 in canned fish; it will promote processed fish as an alternative to fish oil supplements. Furthermore to build and increase the consumer awareness of fish and processed fish as a good source of omega-3 is a chance to boost the sales not only in this category, but also offers flow-on benefits for the rest of the seafood industry.Read moreRead less
As part of the Extension and Adoption Program FRDC aims to take information and provide it to stakeholders and the braoder public. To do this with information on the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, it is clear that membership to the Omega 3 Centre will be both cost effective and efficient way of disseminating this informaiton.
The Omega 3 Centre was set up specifically and operates as a centre of excellence in Omega-3 fatty acids for Australia and New Zealand. It primary focus is on c ....As part of the Extension and Adoption Program FRDC aims to take information and provide it to stakeholders and the braoder public. To do this with information on the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids, it is clear that membership to the Omega 3 Centre will be both cost effective and efficient way of disseminating this informaiton.
The Omega 3 Centre was set up specifically and operates as a centre of excellence in Omega-3 fatty acids for Australia and New Zealand. It primary focus is on communicating the health benefits of long chain Omega-3s.
All communications from The Omega-3 Centre are based on sound science. Scientific advice will always be sought from leading researchers in the area. The Centre has a good links with a range of scientific organisations in Australia, New Zealand and internationally. The Centre acts as a catalyst for scientific research into Omega-3s and benefits for human health and it helps translate the science of Omega-3s to actions.Read moreRead less
Studies On Toxic Dinoflagellates Responsible For Formation Of Ciguatoxin
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Determine how populations of ciguatoxin, Gambierdiscus toxicus, vary spatially & seasonally in coral reef areas 2. examine relationship between crown-of-thorns starfish and G. toxicus 3. grow organism in pure culture; establish factors influencing toxin prod
A Survey Of The Incidence Of Ciguatoxin In "high Risk" Fish From The Cairns Region
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. To assess the incidence of ciguatoxin in red bass Lutjanus coatesi and Chinaman fish symphorus nematophorus from the Cairns region; 2. Accumulate toxic fish for subsequent extraction and purification of ciguatoxin
A Global Review On Implications Of Plastic In Seafood
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$60,513.00
Summary
The project will review and synthesise available global data on the potential effects and implications that plastic is causing in seafood species in the context of the impacts they generate to fishing and aquaculture sectors. Concurrently, using published literature on sources of marine pollution, the abundance of plastic entering aquatic systems from seafood related sources will be quantified, with particular focus to the Australian context. Ultimately, this will give the fisheries sector, part ....The project will review and synthesise available global data on the potential effects and implications that plastic is causing in seafood species in the context of the impacts they generate to fishing and aquaculture sectors. Concurrently, using published literature on sources of marine pollution, the abundance of plastic entering aquatic systems from seafood related sources will be quantified, with particular focus to the Australian context. Ultimately, this will give the fisheries sector, particularly in an Australian setting, the knowledge to evaluate where appropriate mitigation strategies are necessary and reduce the presence and impacts of microplastics in seafood.
This project aligns with FRDC R&D Plan Outcome 1: Growth and Enduring prosperity; In particular, it targets the priorities of: - Improving the understanding of the cause and extent of impacts to aquatic systems and what is needed to improve them - Promote a circular economy to remove waste from the processing system, keep products and materials in use and promote the repair of natural systems
Providing information on how marine pollution may affect the seafood industry and seafood species fished will guide the urgency of future research and allow management and mitigation strategies that support the seafood sector to be developed. Ultimately, quantifying the amount of plastic contributed by the seafood sector to marine plastics will allow us to advance with solutions and uncover where plastic alternatives are most needed.
Objectives: 1. Undertake a systematic review, collating, synthesising and analysing global data on the effects and implications of plastic pollution in seafood species and the seafood industry 2. Identify potential sources of plastic in marine environments, including the percentage coming through fishing and aquaculture 3. Highlight key knowledge gaps, opportunities and threats of plastic in the seafood sector 4. Disseminate findings and information on effects and implications of plastic pollution on seafood species to fishers and managers Read moreRead less
Aquafin CRC - SBT Aquaculture Subprogram: Tuna Cell Line Development And Their Application To Tuna Aquaculture Health Surveillance
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$304,989.00
Summary
The use of fish cell lines, both as a research tool and a diagnostic tool, has played a major role in the development of salmonid and cyprinid aquaculture worldwide. The commercial success of these finfish aquaculture industries is due, in part, to the development of fish cell lines which are used to monitor farmed fish populations for the presence of specific viral pathogens. Based on the results of such health surveillance programs disease-free stocks can be kept isolated from infected stock t ....The use of fish cell lines, both as a research tool and a diagnostic tool, has played a major role in the development of salmonid and cyprinid aquaculture worldwide. The commercial success of these finfish aquaculture industries is due, in part, to the development of fish cell lines which are used to monitor farmed fish populations for the presence of specific viral pathogens. Based on the results of such health surveillance programs disease-free stocks can be kept isolated from infected stock through restrictions in fish movements. The current lack of continuous tuna cell lines suitable for the isolation and growth of viral pathogens of tuna could be a serious obstacle to effective disease control in tuna hatcheries and nurseries which, in turn, could have a significant negative impact on the future development of the tuna aquaculture sector. It is noteworthy that viral infections of a tuna species (Thunnus thynnus) have been documented (1). Moreover, other viral pathogens such as marine nodaviruses (2) and birnaviruses (3) tend to be catholic in their host range and should be considered a significant risk.
Development of diagnostic tools for identification of viral pathogens in other systems has been reliant on the availability of continuous cell lines for virus cultivation. Isolation and growth of viral pathogens in susceptible cell lines provide an almost limitless supply of partially purified virus for the development of improved diagnostic procedures for these pathogens (4). In order to be able to develop similar systems to service the farmed tuna sector, there is a need for continuous tuna cell lines.
The aim of this project is to develop continuous tuna cell lines to improve our capacity to isolate and characterise tuna viruses, and to enhance our response to new pathogens that may threaten farm production. Identification of disease-free broodstock, eggs and fry is essential for the further development of the tuna aquaculture sector.
REFERENCES
1. Matsuoka S, Inouye K & Nakajima K. 1996. Cultured fish species affected by red sea bream iridoviral disease from 1991 to 1995. Fish Pathol. 31: 233-234.
2. Nishizawa T, Furuhashi M, Nagai T, Nakai T & Muroga K. 1997. Genomic classification of fish nodaviruses by molecular phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein gene. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 63: 1633-1636.
3. Reno PW. 1999. Infectious pancreatic necrosis and associated aquatic birnaviruses. In: Fish Diseases and Disorders vol. 3 Viral, Bacterial and Fungal Infections (Woo PTK & Bruno DW, eds.) CABI Publishing, New York, NY, Pp. 1-55.
4. Crane MStJ & Bernoth, E-M. 1996. Molecular Biology and Fish Disease Diagnosis: Current Status and Future Trends. Recent Advances in Microbiology 4: 41-82. Objectives: 1. Establish primary cell cultures from southern bluefin tuna (SBT) and/or yellowfin tuna (YFT) tissues, larvae or fry. 2. Select sub-populations of cell cultures which display continuous cell division. 3. Clone cells which display features of immortal cell lines. 4. Characterise the major features of the tuna cell lines important for their application as a diagnostic tool. 5. Determine susceptibility of cell lines to viral pathogens of marine finfish. Read moreRead less