Inhibition Of IFN-?/? By Human Metapneumovirus And The Induction Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
The newly isolated human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants, young children and the elderly. The virus can persist long-term and may predispose individuals to chronic lung disease. This proposal aims to determine the mechanisms by which hMPV infection causes respiratory disease, with a view to improving treatments and preventing disease.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Interventional Versus Conservative Treatment Of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,315.00
Summary
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a collapsed lung that occurs in otherwise healthy people without underlying lung disease. Current standard treatment is to insert a chest drain into the chest to remove the air around the collapsed lung so that the lung re-inflates rapidly ("interventional treatment"). We will determine whether doing nothing, i.e. letting the lung re-inflate slowly on its own over several weeks ("conservative treatment"), is just as good or even better for patients.
Understanding The Role Of The Two Major Bacterial Pathogens In The Upper And Lower Airways Of Indigenous Children With Chronic Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,282.00
Summary
Lung infections are a major disease burden worldwide. Indigenous Australians are affected more; adults with severe lung disease can die in their 30s and 40s. These diseases start early, yet no in-depth studies of bacteria causing lung infections in children have been done. Our expert team proposes to use existing lung fluids from nearly 500 children with chronic lung disease (58% Indigenous), and state-of-the-art laboratory methods, to inform the design of vaccines to prevent lung disease.
AusDiab 3: Emerging Risk Factors For And Long-term Incidence Of Cardio-metabolic Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,616,397.00
Summary
This study will track 11,000 Australian adults over 12 years to determine how many develop diabetes, obesity, kidney and heart disease. The study will develop ways to best predict those who are going to develop these conditions before they have arisen, and will explore a range of novel risk factors to better understand these conditions.
Patterns, Pathways And Price Of Developing Disparities In Cardiovascular And Respiratory Health By Age 11-12 Years: The Longitudinal Study Of Australian Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,290,912.00
Summary
Cardiovascular and lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death, show marked social gradients, and have origins in early life. We will measure cardiorespiratory health at age 11-12 years in the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Combined with rich existing psychosocial and health data spanning the entire first decade, we will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social disparity and their potentially-avoidable cost – evidence that is essential ....Cardiovascular and lower respiratory diseases are leading causes of death, show marked social gradients, and have origins in early life. We will measure cardiorespiratory health at age 11-12 years in the national Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Combined with rich existing psychosocial and health data spanning the entire first decade, we will explore early-life mechanisms underlying emerging patterns of social disparity and their potentially-avoidable cost – evidence that is essential to develop new intervention strategies.Read moreRead less
Novel Insights Into The Pathobiology Of Alphavirus Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$827,660.00
Summary
Infections with mosquito-borne viruses are increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Ross River virus is endemic in parts of Australia, PNG and Pacific islands, while chikungunya virus is distributed globally and causes recurrent pandemics that involve millions of people. These viruses cause severe musculoskeletal disease for several months after infection. This project aims to establish how these viruses interact with the human host to cause disease and may provide a basis for new treatments.
A National Population-based Study Of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Pregnancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$877,826.00
Summary
Whilst overall a rare disease, Indigenous peoples have disproportionately high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). This study explores the prevalence and distribution of RHD in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand. It details current management, diagnostic and referral process and risk factors. Key attributes of culturally safe models of care for RHD in pregnancy are explored, particularly as they relate to Indigenous women. Findings will inform policy, guidelines and education resources.
Modulating Inflammatory And Fibrogenic Pathways In Kidney Disease Using A Novel Antagonist Of Protease-Activated-Receptor-2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$581,116.00
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) now affects 10% of adults in industrialised countries. Current treatments are largely ineffective. Thus developing better CKD treatments will have substantial public health benefit. Three well established and clinically relevant animal models of kidney disease will be used to test the ability of a new experimental anti-inflammatory drug, developed by members of this research team at The University of Queensland, to prevent or lessen the progression of CKD.
InterLACE: International Collaboration For A Life Course Approach To Reproductive Health And Chronic Disease Events
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,965.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are major chronic diseases among women. This world-leading research combines data from 7 international and 3 Australian studies of womenÍs health. We will investigate the relationship of reproductive health, from menarche to menopause, with the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. Findings will support the development of policies and preventive health strategies to reduce the risk of these chronic diseases.
High Penetrance Deleterious Mutations In Blinding Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,345,055.00
Summary
This project aims to identify the genes most commonly mutated in individuals with advanced glaucoma. Identification of such genes will lead to improved understanding of glaucoma pathogenesis, a better ability to predict risk, and the identification of drug targets for novel therapies.