The fovea is a specialized part of the retina which enables us to see fine detail. The fovea is characterised by an extremely high concentration of photoreceptor cells in a small, prescribed area to detect detail in the pattern of light reaching the retina. Each of these photoreceptor cells is connected to at least four other cells within the retina, which further refine the information coded by the photoreceptors. Because this circuitry involves so many cells, the retina has a tendency to be th ....The fovea is a specialized part of the retina which enables us to see fine detail. The fovea is characterised by an extremely high concentration of photoreceptor cells in a small, prescribed area to detect detail in the pattern of light reaching the retina. Each of these photoreceptor cells is connected to at least four other cells within the retina, which further refine the information coded by the photoreceptors. Because this circuitry involves so many cells, the retina has a tendency to be thick at the specialized area. However, in development the cells connected to the foveal photoreceptors move away from the central concentration of photoreceptors, still keeping their contacts with them. This results in thinning of the retina locally, so it has a volcanoe-like formation at the fovea, in which photoreceptors are concentrated within the crater and the displaced cells are accumulated on the rim. The events which trigger these cell displacements that form the fovea are unknown. We propose to investigate growth factors which signal between the fovea and the developing blood supply, and the relationship between the formation of the fovea and neuronal activity. This study will provide a new perspective on factors which affect central visual function and its vulnerability to insult in premature infants and in aging.Read moreRead less
Human Amnion Cells As A Therapy For Preterm Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$104,664.00
Summary
Premature babies often have serious breathing difficulties due to immature lungs, and these can remain life long. Amnion cells, which are from the membrane that surrounds the baby and placenta in the womb, behave like stem cells and can develop into lung cells. Using an animal model, we will give these cells to damaged premature lungs, and see if they can repair the lung tissue. We are hopeful this will improve the survival of premature babies and help prevent long term lung disease.
Peri-conception Determinants Of Reproductive And Pregnancy Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,560,520.00
Summary
Reproductive and pregnancy disorders are common in Australian men and women, with 6% couples seeking infertility services and another 30% experiencing recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia or preterm birth, often resulting in life-time health problems for children, and sometimes stillbirth. This research will investigate the immune causes of these conditions, and the results will contribute to new health tools, diagnostics and medical treatments to support maternal and infant health.
Does Caffeine Affect The Development Of The Very Immature Brain: Dose Response Relationship?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$668,386.00
Summary
Premature birth is a major health problem worldwide. Preterm babies often develop apnoea of prematurity (AOP), which is commonly treated with caffeine. Trials indicate that preterm babies treated with low dose caffeine have less neurodevelopmental disabilities at 18 months. Higher doses of caffeine are often needed to reduce AOP but the risk of this is unknown. We will study the short and long-term effects of increasing doses of caffeine on the developing brain in a long-gestation species.
Which Oxygen Saturation Level Should We Use For Very Premature Infants? A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,215,600.00
Summary
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious complication of premature birth, and is a major cause of preventable blindness. Babies who are born before 28 weeks gestation are at greatest risk for developing severe ROP. Oxygen is one of the most common therapies used daily to care for premature babies, but high oxygen levels are one of multiple factors that can disrupt normal eye development and contribute to ROP. The current dilemma is that doctors and nurses do not know what level of oxygenati ....Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious complication of premature birth, and is a major cause of preventable blindness. Babies who are born before 28 weeks gestation are at greatest risk for developing severe ROP. Oxygen is one of the most common therapies used daily to care for premature babies, but high oxygen levels are one of multiple factors that can disrupt normal eye development and contribute to ROP. The current dilemma is that doctors and nurses do not know what level of oxygenation is both safe and most effective for these babies. Whilst higher oxygen levels may increase ROP and other respiratory problems, it is possible that lower oxygen levels may affect other long-term outcomes. Because there is no definitive evidence regarding appropriate oxygenation, a wide spectrum of opinion and practice currently exist. Australia is conducting The Benefits of Oxygen Saturation Targeting Trial (BOOST II), a research study to solve this dilemma. BOOST II is a randomised, double blind, clinical trial, which will study the effects of using two ranges of oxygen saturation, 85-89% versus a higher range 91-95% for infants born before 28 weeks gestation. Both of these oxygen level ranges are currently used in normal practice. Patient safety will be monitored closely, and each infant will have their development, vision and health assessed by specialists at 18-24 months of age (plus the number of weeks premature), to see whether there is difference in survival free of major disability between the two groups. 1200 Australian infants will participate. This study will answer important questions about the benefits and risks of higher versus lower oxygen levels, and will improve the care of thousands of Australian children and millions more worldwide.Read moreRead less
Preclinical Development Of TLR Signalling Inhibitors For Prevention Of Preterm Labour And Fetal Inflammatory Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,821.00
Summary
Preterm birth affects 8% of Australian births and is a major cause of infant and child health problems. Therapies to prevent or delay prematurity are urgently required. This study will investigate new drugs that suppress the triggers of preterm labour. We will evaluate drug effects in mice and human placental tissue, to demonstrate safety and fetal protection from inflammatory injury that occurs with prematurity. Successful completion of the study is expected to lead to clinical trials in women.
Improving Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Of Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,085.00
Summary
In Australia over 20,000 babies are born preterm each year. Preterm babies are at risk of long term developmental problems including movement, learning and behavioural impairments. This research will examine both neurodevelopment and brain development of very preterm (born <30 weeksÍ gestation) and late preterm (32-36 weeksÍ gestation) babies from birth to into early childhood so that we can understand how gestational age at birth relates to development, brain growth and interventions.
Refugees And Mental Health: Understanding Sudanese Peoples Responses To Trauma From Forced Migration
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$72,340.00
Summary
The refugee experience and associated trauma from forced migration is well established in relation to poor mental health outcomes. Finding approaches to support these people from the wake traumatic experience is therefore critical. This qualitative research project examines Sudanese refugees’ responses to trauma by exploring their initiatives, actions, hopes and values that establish forms of healing and resistance that are distinct from the negative effects of traumatic experience itself.