This research investigates the factors regulating the transition of the lung from the fluid filled organ in fetal life to the air filled organ required at birth. Many preterm babies fail this transition and in order to survive, their lungs often require mechanical ventilation, which has been suggested to cause lung injury. Using synchrotron generated X-rays, we can determine how particular resuscitation techniques are able to reduce this injury and promote aeration at birth.
Longitudinal Communication Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,171.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in young Australians. The condition frequently manifests in impaired verbal communication. Communication is essential to successful rehabilitation, and return to society. However, the critical time for delivery of optimal treatment for communication remains unknown. This prospective longitudinal study will examine communication recovery following (TBI) to identify predictors of recovery and the best time to offer treatment.
Early Antipsychotic Exposure During Childhood And Adolescence: Does It Lead To Long Term Brain And Behaviour Changes In Adulthood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Mental health problems affect at least 9% of Australia's 4.1 million children. With the trend towards prescribing antipsychotic medication “off-label” to control these mental disorders in young people and the long-term consequences of doing so unknown, this timely research program aims to address a critical health issue by providing clinicians with valuable information so they can better balance the risk/benefit ratio before prescribing antipsychotics to young people.
Evaluating “Standing Tall” – An Engaging Home-based Exercise Program Using Mobile Technology For Maximizing Long-term Adherence And Preventing Falls In Older People: Randomized Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$791,081.00
Summary
Current evidence suggests that older people have to exercise for two hours per week for six months to prevent falls, with a strong focus on balance exercises. We have developed and tested an engaging home-based balance training program delivered through mobile (tablet) technology, called ‘Standing Tall’. We propose a randomised controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of our program for preventing falls in 500 community-dwelling older people, in addition to adherence- and cost-analyses.
Towards Reducing The Susceptibility Of “high Risk” Infants To Allergic Asthma By Therapeutic Modulation Of Immunoregulatory Functions In The Pregnant Mother.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,681.00
Summary
This project will deliver information in relation to the potential use and underlying modes of action of a therapeutic agent fed to pregnant mothers at high risk for atopic children, to protect against allergic asthma development in their offspring. Furthermore, the project will address the benefits of this therapeutic agent in relation to protection against inflammation induced preterm birth.
A Prospective, Open-label, Single-centre/multi-site, Randomized Clinical Trial Of A Novel Maternal Microbiological “screen & Treat” Program Compared With Normal Care For The Prevention Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,708,561.00
Summary
In 2014, our team launched the world-unique Western Australian Preterm Birth (PTB) Prevention Initiative and reduced the rate of PTB state-wide by 8%. Our next step is to trial a “screen & treat” program to detect women in mid-pregnancy at high risk of infection-driven PTB and treat them with antimicrobial medications. The study will involve more than 6000 women and aims to lower the rate of spontaneous PTB rate by 30%, which if applied nationally, may prevent 4500 PTBs each year.