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.
Thai Health-Risk Transition: A National Cohort Study - Phase II
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,662,829.00
Summary
We are conducting a pioneering collaborative longitudinal study of population health in Thailand, following over time more than 80,000 adults living throughout the country. We repeatedly measure a wide array of health risks and outcomes. We capture information on the health-risk transition underway in Thailand as the population experiences the new burden of disease associated with economic development and modernisation. We team up with policy makers for national responses to lower the burden.
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.
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.
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 Cluster RCT Of Educational Interventions To Improve The Treatment Of Acute Poisoning In Rural Asian Hospitals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$757,717.00
Summary
This project aims to identify simple, cheap and effective training methods that can be delivered to doctors and health care workers practicing in remote areas or in situations of professional isolation. It particularly targets poisoning as this is a common cause of death in rural Asia and consumes a large amount of health resources. The potential benefits will be a reduction in deaths and health care costs and an identification of training methods that can be used for other health problems.
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.
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 .
Invasive fungal infections are a serious, escalating health issue. They cause severe disease with high death rates and are very costly to the health system. Current drugs often have suboptimal efficacy and cause side effects. New drugs are needed urgently. Many fungi, including the AIDS-related pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, secrete phospholipase B (Plbp) to facilitate infection. We will identify and investigate the Plbp secretion pathway as a novel anti-fungal drug target.