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Development And Application Of Theoretical Models Of Plasmodium Transmission To Guide Malaria Elimination Efforts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,401.00
Summary
There is currently a worldwide endeavour to eliminate malaria but there are few tools available to evaluate the impact of intervention strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. This project aims to address this deficiency by developing simulation models of Plasmodium vivax and mixed species infections, and using these new tools to investigate the likely impact of a variety of intervention strategies including bed nets, improved access to treatment and mass drug administration.
Modelling The Effects Of Immunity On Influenza Transmission - Implications For Prevention And Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$275,767.00
Summary
There is uncertainty about how many people can be infected by a single person with influenza at the start of an outbreak. Some data suggest that a single generation of transmission can infect 10-20 other people. With such a rate of growth (ie 10-20 fold every 3 days) the spread of an influenza outbreak is virtually unstoppable. Other data suggest that each person with influenza infects less than 2 other people on average. With such a lower rate of growth, control would be more feasible. Our proj ....There is uncertainty about how many people can be infected by a single person with influenza at the start of an outbreak. Some data suggest that a single generation of transmission can infect 10-20 other people. With such a rate of growth (ie 10-20 fold every 3 days) the spread of an influenza outbreak is virtually unstoppable. Other data suggest that each person with influenza infects less than 2 other people on average. With such a lower rate of growth, control would be more feasible. Our project will use data from historic and contemporary outbreaks of influenza and build mathematical models to explain the rate of growth of an influenza outbreak in terms of: 1. The proportion of people exposed to influenza who do not become ill (although there can be evidence of infection if careful studies are made). This proportion is about 33%. 2. The proportion of people who are protected from influenza by immunity, whether induced by vaccination or by past exposure to natural influenza infection (this can vary from 0% in isolated populations which have not seen influenza for many years up to 80 or 90% in urbanised populations that are exposed to influenza almost every season). 3. Different rates of contact between different people and groups of people - some may be exposed so often that their immunity is boosted regularly without them becoming severely ill; others, living in more isolated circumstances, may be rarely exposed, but when they are, they are more likely to become severely ill. 4. The effects of influenza vaccine in inducing protective immunity - it is well known that there is good protection if the vaccine is well matched to the circulating virus. 5. The effects of live virus infection in inducing (short-lived) protection against a wider range of influenza viruses. Our model results will be used to guide vaccine design and pandemic planning.Read moreRead less
Role Of ApoCIII In The Regulation Of Lipoprotein Metabolism In Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,320.00
Summary
Obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Associated with the state of obesity are elevated levels of blood fats and thus an increased risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In obesity, the secretion of blood fats, or lipoproteins, is elevated compared with non-obese individuals. In addition, the mechanisms responsible for the clearance of these fats from the blood are impaired resulting in elevated levels of fat circulating ....Obesity is an increasing problem in Australia. Associated with the state of obesity are elevated levels of blood fats and thus an increased risk for heart disease. Fats in the blood originate from dietary sources and from synthesis by the liver. In obesity, the secretion of blood fats, or lipoproteins, is elevated compared with non-obese individuals. In addition, the mechanisms responsible for the clearance of these fats from the blood are impaired resulting in elevated levels of fat circulating in the body. A particular protein, called apolipoprotein CIII, plays an important role in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism. Obese subjects have elevated levels of this apoprotein and we have hypothesised that this is responsible for the impaired lipoprotein clearance observed in these subjects. In general, obese subjects are insulin resistant, although they may not be frank diabetics. Blood insulin levels regulate apolipoprotein CIII concentrations, however, in a state of insulin resistance, as seen in obese subjects, apolipoprotein CIII levels are elevated resulting in high blood fat levels. The focus of this research project is to determine if the level and production of apolipoprotein CIII is elevated in obese subjects compared with non-obese individuals by performing metabolic studies. In addition, we will investigate the effect of statins and fish oil, regulators of cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis respectively, on apolipoprotein CIII levels to assess the association between this and the clearance time of blood fats. If our hypothesis is correct, these studies will demonstrate a new mechanism of action of the statins and fish oil that will aid in the treatment of elevated blood fats and thus reduce the risk for heart disease in this important target population.Read moreRead less
From Maps To Efficient Multi-parasite Control In The Philippines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$358,121.00
Summary
Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are major parasitic infections in Asia, causing anaemia, poor growth and poor school performance and death in some chronic schistosomiasis cases. We will use maps to demonstrate the geographic distribution of these parasites in the Philippines. We will estimate the impact and costs and benefits of parasite control programmes. This research will help plan more efficient parasite control and reduce the impact of these infections in the Philippines.
Using Mathematical Models To Assess The Impact Of Interventions To Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,276.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an increasing public health problem in Australia. Australia's recent National Transmissible Infections Strategy identified chlamydia control, STI prevention in gay men and STIs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as priority areas. We propose to develop mathematical models of STI transmission and use these to help understand and identify the most cost-effective interventions to reduce the impact of STIs on Australian populations.