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Establishing A Model Of Occlusive Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke In The Sheep
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$74,365.00
Summary
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the highest cause of disability in adult Australians, however our lack of an animal model that correctly replicates the human condition has severely hindered our understanding and treatment of the disease. This research project aims to develop a model of stroke in the sheep using a surgical approach that future researchers may use and adapt to further explore the physiology of the disease and trial therapeutic techniques to treat stroke.
Vasoactive Nutrients To Promote Healthy Ageing In Postmenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,031.00
Summary
Poor circulatory function in the brain, associated with mood and cognitive disturbances, can be further exacerbated by ageing and estrogen deprivation at postmenopause. My research will determine whether phytoestrogen supplementation with either resveratrol or genistein for 2 years can counteract menopause-related impairments in mood and mental performance by enhancing cerebral vasodilator function and whether the magnitude of improvement differs between early and late menopausal years.
Pericyte Dysfunction Limiting Energy Supply In Alzheimer's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$717,708.00
Summary
One possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) could be narrowing of small blood vessels (capillaries) within the brain, limiting blood flow and energy supply. Pericytes, a cell only on capillaries, maintain blood flow throughout the brain. I believe that pericytes may die in AD leading to an energy deficit and memory problems. I will test using human brains and animal models whether pericyte loss causes AD and how this is happening. Pericytes could provide a new therapy option for AD.
Neuro-protection In The Preterm Brain - A New Role For Dopamine Therapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$183,975.00
Summary
Brain injury in premature babies leads to long term adverse outcome. Preliminary data show that dopamine improves brain oxygen. Our study will define effects of dopamine in preventing injury in the immature brain, using animal studies. In immature lambs receiving dopamine, we will test the protective effect of dopamine on brain oxygenation during hypoxia. Outcome will be measured by examining cell injury on lamb brain slices.
Unlocking The Complexities Of Postnatal Brain Injury In Preterm Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Brain injury is common in preterm infants and is responsible for significant death or life long disease such as cerebral palsy. Brain injury can occur through many mechanisms however the immediate newborn period is identified as a most vulnerable period. This unique proposal utilises existing expertise and new technologies to advance our understanding of the physiological mechanisms behind the progression of brain injury in preterm neonates.
Neuro-protection In The Preterm Brain - A New Role For Dopamine Therapy?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,347.00
Summary
Brain injury in premature babies leads to long term adverse outcome. Preliminary data show that dopamine improves brain oxygen. Our study will define effects of dopamine in preventing injury in the immature brain, using animal studies. In immature lambs receiving dopamine, we will test the protective effect of dopamine on brain oxygenation during hypoxia. Outcome will be measured by examining cell injury on lamb brain slices.
In What Position Should We Be Sleeping Preterm Infants In The NICU?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,742.00
Summary
Preterm babies are at risk of brain injury caused by low cerebral blood flow and oxygenation. The prone sleeping position (lying on abdomen) has been found to decrease both cerebral oxygenation and blood pressure in healthy term babies, and is a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. However, it is common practice for preterm babies to be slept in the prone position.This study will examine the effects of prone vs supine positions on brain oxygenation in the preterm babies.