Biomarkers For The Treatment And Prognosis Of Sight-threatening Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,305.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a highly specific vascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with prevalence strongly related to the duration of diabetes. Clinic biomarkers of DR have become the basis for preventive medicine. In this project, we aim to evaluate possible biomarkers in both Chinese and Australian diabetic populations at different stages of DR. We will also investigate pathological mechanisms and novel drugs to treat DR in animal models.
Thyroid hormones are regulators of development and metabolism. The lack of concordance of thyroid function and disease in identical twins suggests that environmental effects have a significant role. Quantifying epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, has the potential to identify causal effects from the environment. This research will provide a comprehensive database of DNA methylome alterations that will contribute important insights into thyroid function in health and disease.
Identification Of Genetic Variants Regulating Thyroid Function In Health And Disease By Next Generation Sequencing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,433.00
Summary
Small differences in thyroid function are associated with important clinical outcomes including longevity and cardiovascular disease. We recently completed a Genome Wide Association Study and identified a novel locus associated with blood levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. In this project we will extend that research to study rare genetic variants and examine their association with thyroid function in health and disease.
Inter-hospital Variations In Outcomes Of Very Preterm Infants Admitted To Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$130,440.00
Summary
Most babies who are born very preterm (less than 32 weeks' gestation; ie more than 2 months early) are admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These babies stay in hospital for 2 to 4 months and need lots of care (using vast amounts of the available health resources). When compared to babies born at term, these very preterm babies are much more likely to die or to suffer from a range of poor outcomes that impact on their long-term development and quality of life. The Australian and Ne ....Most babies who are born very preterm (less than 32 weeks' gestation; ie more than 2 months early) are admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These babies stay in hospital for 2 to 4 months and need lots of care (using vast amounts of the available health resources). When compared to babies born at term, these very preterm babies are much more likely to die or to suffer from a range of poor outcomes that impact on their long-term development and quality of life. The Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network (ANZNN) is a collaboration of clinical staff in all 29 NICUs in the region, whose aim is to improve the care of high-risk newborn infants and their families in Australia and New Zealand through collaborative audit and research. This audit has reported considerable differences in the rates of death and poor outcomes between NICUs. Other networks have reported similar variations. Variations in outcomes could be due to 1) differences in the way the diagnosis is made in each unit, 2) differences in how small or ill the babies are when admitted, or 3) different quality of care in each NICU. We need to take account of the first two possibilities before we can compare NICUs fairly and allow them to work towards achieving the best outcomes for very premature babies. To do this, our project will use advanced statistical techniques to look at the risk factors associated with death and poor outcome in very preterm babies. We will then be able to 'predict' outcomes and see if the differences between NICUs are real or not. If the variation between units is explained by differences in clinical practices, then this has enormous potential for quality improvement within the NICUs and through the development of new policy guidelines for clinical practice. The statistical models developed during this project will be useful for clinicians in other health areas and in other countries.Read moreRead less
Generating And Applying Clinical Research To Improve The Outcomes Of Neonatal Intensive Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$568,892.00
Summary
Birth is a complex process and sometimes babies require help to make the transition to independent life. Professor Peter Davis is conducting research into how best to support this transition. This involves helping the lungs to work efficiently and supporting the changes in circulation of the blood to the brain and to the rest of the body. His work aims to quickly identify babies who need help and then provide better treatments to make sure they have the best chance of a healthy life.
Optimising Early Respiratory Support For Preterm Infants: The HIPSTER Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,791.00
Summary
Premature babies who need breathing support are often given ‘nasal continuous positive airway pressure’ (NCPAP) via large nasal prongs. It works well but is uncomfortable. A newer, popular support is ‘high flow’ (HF) which uses smaller nose prongs and may be more comfortable, but HF has not been well studied. The HIPSTER trial will compare these systems in 750 premature babies, at random half will have NCPAP, half will have HF. We will assess whether babies do equally well with each system.
Respiratory failure at birth is a major cause of death and disease in newborn infants. At birth the airways must be cleared of liquid to allow the inhalation of air, but, little is known about the process of lung aeration, because it has not been possible to observe or measure it. We have developed imaging and analytical techniques to observed and measure lung aeration. We will determine ventilation procedures that promote uniform lung aeration and minimise lung injury in ventilated infants.
Infant Thyroid Hormone Levels And Long-term Child Educational Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,782.00
Summary
Adequate levels of newborn thyroid hormones are essential for brain development.Newborn screening for thyroid hormone deficiency ensures early identification, treatment & prevention of severe intellectual disability.But there is clinical uncertainty in mildly abnormal levels.We will assess thyroid hormone levels & subsequent educational outcomes in 1.5M Australian babies.There is potential to identify infants who, without treatment, may suffer longterm disability & lower educational achievement