The Characterisation Of The Mechanism Of Beta Amyloid Toxicity In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$94,430.00
Summary
Alzheimer�s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the beta amyloid peptide (A_) found in plaques in the brain. A structural transition to aggregated/ oligomeric forms of A_ is accompanied by a gain of toxicity. In this study the biological and biophysical characterisation of a variety of A_ peptides will be performed. The study will also use oligomers from cell culture media and brain tissue that have been influential in AD research but poorly characterised.
The Effect Of Defective Iron Handling On Immune Function And Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection In The Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,213.00
Summary
In this research higher degree I will study the effects of iron on airway sepsis in cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on the major pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Increased concentrations of iron have been described in the CF lung, and CF airway epithelial cells display abnormal iron handling which facilitates P. aeruginosa growth. I will explore imposed iron limitation combined with conventional antibiotics as a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic airway infection.
The Biology Of Staphylococcus Epidermidis Biofilm Formation On Silicone Implantable Medical Devices And The Role Of Implant Surface Antibiotic Technology In The Prevention Of Bacterial Biofilm In And Animal Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,322.00
Summary
Hospital acquired infections continue to rise with over 60% occuring in patients with medical implants. Infections are due to skin bacteria forming a microscopic slime, or biofilm, around the implant. Biofilm infection is only diagnosed after implant removal, responds poorly to antibiotics, and can cause implant failure, such as joint loosening & bone infection in joint replacements and breast deformity with silicone implants. This project uses an animal model to evaluate different surface treat ....Hospital acquired infections continue to rise with over 60% occuring in patients with medical implants. Infections are due to skin bacteria forming a microscopic slime, or biofilm, around the implant. Biofilm infection is only diagnosed after implant removal, responds poorly to antibiotics, and can cause implant failure, such as joint loosening & bone infection in joint replacements and breast deformity with silicone implants. This project uses an animal model to evaluate different surface treatments to prevent bacterial biofilm formation.Read moreRead less
Bacteriology Of Bronchiectasis In Australian Indigenous Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,209.00
Summary
Many Indigenous children in the Northern Territory suffer from a chronic lung condition called bronchiectasis. This disease causes a lot of illness and can lead to early death in adulthood. Little is known about how the disease starts and how it can be prevented, but many children are being treated with the antibiotic azithromycin. My project aims to find out which bacteria are associated with bronchiectasis, how azithromycin affects the bacteria, and whether it leads to antibiotic resistance.
Sociocultural Determinants Of Childrens Oral Health From Refugee And Migrant Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,342.00
Summary
Refugee and migrant children experience significantly poorer oral health than the non-migrant population. Factors that impact on poor oral health include perceptions of tap water safety, dietary changes, access to prevention and treatment health services, and language barriers. This study will explore reasons for these factors and potential solutions. Communities involved are those which have arrived the most recently and those with large numbers of young children.
Association Of Retinal Vascular Calibre With Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour In Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$104,664.00
Summary
The back of the eye provides a unique window to the health of the body's veins and arteries. The diameter of its blood vessels can be measured using photographs. Studies have shown that these measurements can help identify a person's risk of high blood pressure, diabetes or stroke. This project aims to see if the state of health of these blood vessels are related to a person's level of physical activity and television viewing time using data from a large-scale Australian study.