A Genetic Study Of Schizophrenia In The Brahmin Of Tamil Nadu
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$267,226.00
Summary
The cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but there is good evidence that genes play a role. Geneticists do not fully understand how it is inherited, but it is very complex, and several interacting genes as well as environmental factors are probably involved. Societies such as Australia are genetically diverse because people from many different ethnic groups have intermarried. To detect susceptibility genes in this type of population, we must study very large patient samples. Alternatively, we can ....The cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but there is good evidence that genes play a role. Geneticists do not fully understand how it is inherited, but it is very complex, and several interacting genes as well as environmental factors are probably involved. Societies such as Australia are genetically diverse because people from many different ethnic groups have intermarried. To detect susceptibility genes in this type of population, we must study very large patient samples. Alternatively, we can study genetically homogenous patient samples, found in isolated gene-pool populations. One such population is the Brahmin people in Tamil Nadu, a south-eastern state of India. The Brahmin are descended from the Aryan peoples who migrated into southern India 2000 years ago. In the Hindu caste system, Brahmin are the highly educated priest class, and enjoy a privileged position in society. Traditionally, marriages among the Brahmin of Tamil Nadu have been prearranged, with a preference for first-cousin marriages. As well as this cultural and historical evidence, genetic marker studies confirm that this population is a suitable genetic isolate. In this project, genetic material (DNA) will be collected from Brahmin schizophrenic patients and their families. Diagnostic data, detailed family data, and blood samples will be gathered from 90-100 extended families, each containing two or more ill individuals. Analysis of their genetic code will enable a search for possible schizophrenia susceptibility genes and a systematic search for a mutation. If found, this will greatly improve our understanding of schizophrenia, and stimulate the search for similar genes in other samples world-wide, including Australia where schizophrenia costs $3 billion annually in terms of treatment and lost jobs. If schizophrenia genes can be found, it may be possible to find better treatments that correct the basic causes of the illness and identify factors that protect against the illness.Read moreRead less
Use Of Expression Profiling To Identify Genes Influencing Cardiovascular Risk In The Norfolk Island Population Isolate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$697,409.00
Summary
This study will use a unique population isolate from Norfolk Island. We aim to identify genes that play a role in cardiovascular disease risk. Norfolk has a population of ~1200 permanent residents, most of whom are direct descendents of 18th century English Bounty mutineers and Polynesian women. We will undertake gene expression mapping to identify genomic loci that influence cardiovascular disease using samples from this population isolate.
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.
An Examination Of The Causes Of Mortality Following Imprisonment In New South Wales Using Data-linkage.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$205,500.00
Summary
Prisoner populations are characterised by poor health status including infectious diseases, injury, risk taking behaviours (eg. smoking and self-harm), mental illness, and substance abuse. Serosurveys of blood borne viruses such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B conducted in Australian and overseas prison settings have found that over one third of inmates have been exposed to these viruses with higher rates detected in injecting drug users and female inmates. Few attempts have been made to examine ....Prisoner populations are characterised by poor health status including infectious diseases, injury, risk taking behaviours (eg. smoking and self-harm), mental illness, and substance abuse. Serosurveys of blood borne viruses such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B conducted in Australian and overseas prison settings have found that over one third of inmates have been exposed to these viruses with higher rates detected in injecting drug users and female inmates. Few attempts have been made to examine the causes of mortality among prisoners following release from detention. Most interest has focused on overdoses in the period immediately following release; the aim of this study will examine all causes of death among individuals exposed to the correctional environment and compare these to death rates for NSW. Correctional centres house a largely male (94% in NSW) population with backgrounds of disadvantage in all areas, including Indigenous Australians, people of lower socio-economic status, those with a mental illness, and the intellectually disabled. There are currently over 21,000 (June 2001) prisoners detained in Australian correctional centres with approximately 39% housed in NSW. Fifteen percent of the NSW prisoners are Indigenous but comprise only 2% of the general population. The aims of this project will be to: (1) Identify all causes of death among ex-prisoners in NSW for the period 1985 to 2001; (2). Compare death rates in the study group with those in the NSW community; (3) Correlate pre-release health information contained in medical records with specific causes of death; (4) Compare causes of mortality among various sub-groups eg. injecting drug users, the mentally ill, violent offenders, and the intellectually disabled; (5) Examine causes of mortality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous inmates; and (6) use this information to develop pre-release programmes aimed at reducing excess mortality among this group.Read moreRead less
INVESTIGATING MORTALITY AMONG EX-PRISONERS IN QUEENSLAND: A DATA LINKAGE STUDY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$716,801.00
Summary
NOTE: At the time of submitting the NOI for this project we had not yet received feedback from a submission to a parallel NHMRC funding round concerned with social disadvantage. We have since received very positive reviews for the trial foreshadowed in our NOI, and consistent with the recommendations of one reviewer, we have modified our application to complement the proposed trial by conducting a record linkage study. The content area and ethical issues associated with the proposed project rema ....NOTE: At the time of submitting the NOI for this project we had not yet received feedback from a submission to a parallel NHMRC funding round concerned with social disadvantage. We have since received very positive reviews for the trial foreshadowed in our NOI, and consistent with the recommendations of one reviewer, we have modified our application to complement the proposed trial by conducting a record linkage study. The content area and ethical issues associated with the proposed project remain largely unchanged. Studies in Australia and elsewhere have identified a heightened risk of death among ex-prisoners, with drug overdose, suicide and 'accidents' three major causes. Many deaths occur soon after release. Although the high incidence of 'overdose' among ex-prisoners is often attributed to reduced tolerance,most fatal drug overdoses are due to the combined effects of multiple drugs. A detailed understanding of deaths among ex-prisoners is a prerequisite for evidence-based preventive strategies. The proposed study will: (a) Link the identities of prisoners released from custody in QLD between 1994 and 2006, with the National Death Index (NDI). The linked database will permit exploration of the incidence, timing, causes and risk factors for death among ex-prisoners. (b) Compare correctional records of deceased ex-prisoners and a random sample of ex-prisoners known to be alive, focussing on suspected risk factors including criminal history, behaviour in custody, health status, psychosocial adjustment, socio-economic status, and history and treatment for drug use. This will allow more detailed analysis of risk factors for death post-release. (c) Conduct in-depth analysis of causes of death among ex-prisoners, using the National Coroners Information System (NCIS). Information regarding cause and context of death will be coded by a research assistant and analysed to identify group differences (e.g., between ATSI and non-ATSI ex-prisoners).Read moreRead less
Blue Mountains Cohort Study: Long-term (15-year) Incidence Of Eye Disease, Hearing Loss And Other Public Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$837,919.00
Summary
The Blue Mountains Eye Study 15-year study will re-examine survivors of the 3,654 persons who participated in baseline BMES exams, to determine the long-term development and progression of sensory problems, including vision and hearing loss and eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract or diabetic eye damage. The project will assess whether vascular conditions like high blood pressure, chronic medical conditions, medications, smoking, diet, blood, family and genetic factors pred ....The Blue Mountains Eye Study 15-year study will re-examine survivors of the 3,654 persons who participated in baseline BMES exams, to determine the long-term development and progression of sensory problems, including vision and hearing loss and eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract or diabetic eye damage. The project will assess whether vascular conditions like high blood pressure, chronic medical conditions, medications, smoking, diet, blood, family and genetic factors predict the risk or age at onset of eye disease or hearing loss. We will assess impacts of vision and hearing loss on independence, falls, quality of life and development of memory loss and depression. This information will help to develop services, and to plan interventions to prevent and treat these conditions. Because of the exponential age-related increase in frequency of these diseases, this long follow-up will provide more disease events, and a longer interval to assess impacts from the exposures we measured when we started the BMES in 2002. It will enable us to estimate the strength of risk factors for eye disease and hearing loss with greater precision, essential to understand their evolution. Surviving participants from the original BMES will be invited to attend follow-up exams at our Katoomba clinic, or to attend mobile- nursing home exams. We will conduct similar exams to those previously to detect new or worsened eye disease or hearing loss. In 2002-4, we saw 82% of the population of 2 Blue Mountains postcodes aged 50 or older. At the 5- and 10-year exams we saw 75% of people still living. We expect the same proportion to participate this time. The BMES is one of Australia's main cohort studies with over 200 publications. It has yielded key findings on the frequency and causes of the major diseases threatening vision and hearing. Longer follow-up will greatly increase our power to detect predictors of these key age-dependent conditions.Read moreRead less
A Population-based Longitudinal Study Of Cancer Survivors' Psychosocial And Physical Well Being
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,600.00
Summary
Cancer control is a National Health Priority Area. About 345,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year. It is the second highest cause of death accounting for 27% of all deaths in Australia each year. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in a growing number of people living with a history of cancer and for longer periods. Many cancer survivors report experiencing negative effects of cancer such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disrupted family and social r ....Cancer control is a National Health Priority Area. About 345,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Australia each year. It is the second highest cause of death accounting for 27% of all deaths in Australia each year. Improvements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in a growing number of people living with a history of cancer and for longer periods. Many cancer survivors report experiencing negative effects of cancer such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and disrupted family and social relationships well after treatment has finished. Despite the large burden of this disease, little is known about the later effects that cancer and its treatment has on cancer survivors, their ongoing concerns, how the issues they face change over time and the type of support they need. This will be the first population-based longitudinal survey of the physical and psychosocial effects that cancer has on adult cancer survivors to be undertaken in Australia. It will follow cancer survivors for the first five years from diagnosis to provide data on important outcomes including anxiety, depression, quality of life and unmet needs. It will also provide the first population-based data on the predictors of these outcomes, including social support, coping style and patient demographic, treatment and disease characteristics. Given the large-scale cancer survivorship initiatives underway internationally, it is timely for high quality and comprehensive Australian data to be obtained. These data will provide new information on how the physical, social and emotional impact of cancer changes with time since diagnosis and a better understanding of the support desired by cancer survivors at various stages of recovery or disease progression. This information will help guide the development of policies and services that are tailored to the needs of Australian cancer survivors.Read moreRead less
Assessing The Health Needs Of Older Indigenous Australians Living In The Kimberley
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$242,000.00
Summary
This study was designed to address the need for accurate assessment of the health care needs of older Indigenous people, particularly in remote regions of Australia. Indigenous people have higher rates of premature chronic medical illness, and there is substantial evidence that chronic functional disorders start at younger ages in this population. Common conditions of older age, such as dementia, falls and incontinence, are associated with substantial morbidity, disability and health care expend ....This study was designed to address the need for accurate assessment of the health care needs of older Indigenous people, particularly in remote regions of Australia. Indigenous people have higher rates of premature chronic medical illness, and there is substantial evidence that chronic functional disorders start at younger ages in this population. Common conditions of older age, such as dementia, falls and incontinence, are associated with substantial morbidity, disability and health care expenditure; yet, little is known about the extent of these problems amongst Indigenous Australians. This study builds on a successful project conducted in the Kimberley in 2003 that was designed with the aim of developing and validating a screening instrument for the assessment of dementia amongst Indigenous people. The present project proposes to expand the scope of our previous work to include the assessment of other common conditions associated with older age, such as depression, incontinence and falls and determine use of health services and potential impediments to their access.Read moreRead less