The Genitofemoral Nerve And Gubernaculum In Testicular Descent And Inguinal Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,750.00
Summary
This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testis, which when abnormal, leads to the common anomaly in infant boys of undescended testes. In addition, the tunnel through the abdominal wall which permits testicular descent very commonly fails to close afterwards, allowing the intestines to protrude through the hole to cause an inguinal hernia, which is a tender lump in the groin,and requires surgery to resolve. Our long-term aim is to understand testicular descent and inguinal closure ....This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testis, which when abnormal, leads to the common anomaly in infant boys of undescended testes. In addition, the tunnel through the abdominal wall which permits testicular descent very commonly fails to close afterwards, allowing the intestines to protrude through the hole to cause an inguinal hernia, which is a tender lump in the groin,and requires surgery to resolve. Our long-term aim is to understand testicular descent and inguinal closure well enough to develop non-surgical treatments for these two conditions, which are the two commonest abnormalities in children requiring surgery. We will examine how male hormones control descent of the testis indirectly by altering the anatomy and function of a specific nerve suplying the groin and scrotum. A simple and safe treatment that avoided surgery would be a major advance for infants in the developing world.Read moreRead less
This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testis, which when abnormal, leads to the common anomaly in children of undescended testes. Our long-term aims is to find a non-surgical treatment for undescended testes, and these studies will significantly aid in that goal. We will look at a completely new testicular hormone as well as a molecule released from nerves to determine their exact role in the mechanism. This project should allow us to understand finally one of the unresolved puzz ....This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testis, which when abnormal, leads to the common anomaly in children of undescended testes. Our long-term aims is to find a non-surgical treatment for undescended testes, and these studies will significantly aid in that goal. We will look at a completely new testicular hormone as well as a molecule released from nerves to determine their exact role in the mechanism. This project should allow us to understand finally one of the unresolved puzzles of the anatomical differences between males and females.Read moreRead less
Modern Chemical Exposures In Utero And In Infancy, And Their Impact Upon Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In The Barwon Infant Study, An Unselected Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,353.00
Summary
I am a paediatric doctor interested in the effects of modern industrial chemicals on children’s development. Even in the womb babies are exposed to industrial chemicals and we know some, like lead, are harmful to developing brains. I am interested in other chemicals that are now suspected to affect development, including the polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), and I intend to investigate this as part of the Barwon Infant Study, which follows 1250 children from before birth to 3 years.
Being Born Small Is Not Good For The Heart:early Detection Of Cardiovascular Risk
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$486,757.00
Summary
Intra uterine growth restriction(IUGR) is linked to adult onset of cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) which underlie this link or which babies are most at risk. This study aims to assess cardiovascular function in infants and children who were growth restricted. Early identification of cardiovascular dysfunction may aid in new opportunities for monitoring and therapeutic targets to ultimately reduce later onset of cardiovascular morbidity in this population.
DETERMINING THE MECHANISMS LEADING TO LONG-TERM IMPAIRMENT IN VERY PRETERM CHILDREN: THE VIBeS LONGITUDINAL STUDY.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,061,733.00
Summary
Approximately 50% of children born very preterm will develop significant problems. The objective of this project is to determine the mechanisms leading to these problems. We will do this by assessing at school-age a unique and valuable cohort of very preterm infants (VIBeS cohort) who had state-of-the-art brain scans shortly after birth and neurobehaviour assessments across early childhood. This school-age follow-up will involve repeat brain scans and detailed neuropsychological assessments.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Novel Interventions In Newborn Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,226.00
Summary
Children who were sick in the newborn period or born preterm are at increased risk of abnormal development, particularly problems with their ability to walk, think and learn. This research will assess how new treatments affect sick newborns’ later development. For example, giving preterm babies healthy germs, or probiotics, decreases a serious bowel infection, called necrotising enterocolitis or NEC. This research will find out if they also help preterm brain development when the children are 2 ....Children who were sick in the newborn period or born preterm are at increased risk of abnormal development, particularly problems with their ability to walk, think and learn. This research will assess how new treatments affect sick newborns’ later development. For example, giving preterm babies healthy germs, or probiotics, decreases a serious bowel infection, called necrotising enterocolitis or NEC. This research will find out if they also help preterm brain development when the children are 2 years old.Read moreRead less
The Cause Of Undescended Testis And Inguinal Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$743,848.00
Summary
This study aims to define in both animal models and children how the testis descends from the abdomen to scrotum, and how undescended testis and inguinal hernia are likely to be caused by defects in the same, very indirect signalling pathway. The results will demonstrate where to look for genetic causes and proof of principle for possible future medical treatments for the 3 commonest major operations in children for congenital and acquired undescended testis and inguinal hernia.