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.
A New Direction For TB Control In Highly Endemic Countries: A RCT Of Active Case Finding
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,362,910.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is the number 1 health problem in Vietnam . Many people with TB do not know they have the disease but are infectious to others. Hence, the disease continues to spread. This project will investigate the role of x-ray screening to detect and treat more people with TB, particularly those who do not have symptoms. This may be an important element of future TB control programs in Vietnam and elsewhere in our region.
Assessing The Impact Of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation On The Immune Response To Primary Vaccination: The AusUVI Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,236.00
Summary
The Australian Ultraviolet Radiation and Immunity Study (AusUVI) is an innovative epidemiological study assessing the impact of naturally acquired ultraviolet radiation on the immune response to vaccination with implications for response to infection, vaccination effectiveness and rates of autoimmune disease. Human exposure to ultraviolet radiation may alter in many regions due to climate change related effects on behaviour and clothing patterns, cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions.
Impact Of The Three Gorges Dam On Transmission And Future Control Of Human Schistosomiasis In China
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,420,135.00
Summary
A million Chinese have schistosomiasis or snail fever. When the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is fully operational, considerable environmental-ecological changes will result, increasing spread of this parasitic disease. In a unique study we will assess the impact of the Dam on schistosomiasis, and test and model a series of options for its control. The findings will be important for China and other areas where schistosomiasis occurs and where similar dams are planned or are under way.
Studying The Molecular Basis Of Schizophrenia In A Large, Globally Competitive Indian Sample
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,040.00
Summary
This study will attempt to identify genetic factors contributing to the development of schizophrenia, a severe mental illness which causes an immense burden on families. In India, there are 7-8 million sufferers, with approximately 30-40% untreated, especially in rural areas. We aim to recruit over 2000 people with and 3000 without schizophrenia, and analyse DNA to identify schizophrenia susceptibility genes. This may lead to better treatments and earlier diagnosis.
Early Life Arsenic Exposure Alters Lung Development And Inflammatory Responses To Virus And Cigarette Smoke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$455,380.00
Summary
The contamination of drinking water sources with arsenic is a global health issue affecting millions. While arsenic is a well known cancer causing agent, recent evidence suggests that early life arsenic exposure via drinking water increases the risk of obstructive lung disease in later life. This project aims to examine how the timing and dose of arsenic exposure influences lung development and the response to respiratory insults including viral infection and cigarette smoke.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of L-arginine And-or Vitamin D To Improve Outcomes In Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,297.00
Summary
Two nutrients, arginine and vitamin D, are used by defence cells in our lungs to kill the tuberculosis bacteria. We will test whether giving arginine and-or vitamin D to people with TB (in addition to their usual TB medications) will help them recover faster and cause less long-term lung damage. We will also check whether these nutrients make them less infectious to other people.
ENU Mutagenesis To Identify Targets For Host-directed Therapy Against Malaria.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,175.00
Summary
Malaria kills up to one million people annually, mainly children and pregnant women. The drugs that are used to treat malaria are becoming useless due to the malarial parasite developing resistance to these drugs. We are looking at a totally new way of developing drugs that target molecules in humans , depriving the parasites of crucial factors. By using this approach, the malaria parasite will be unable to develop resistance to these new drugs and millions of lives may be saved.
Does Fresh Frozen Plasma In Russells Viper Bite Coagulopathy Reduce The Dose And Duration Of Antivenom Therapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$622,344.00
Summary
This proposal seeks funding to undertake a trial of clotting factor replacement with low dose antivenom therapy in snake bite coagulopathy in Sri Lanka. The aim is to determine if factor replacement will result in a rapid return of clotting function, allow a smaller dose of antivenom and therefore reduce the potential risk of major bleeding and reactions to antivenom. This study will have international implications because globally snakebite coagulopathy is a major cause of morbidity and death .