Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) For Juvenile-onset Myopia And Its Component Measures To Identify Molecular Pathways To Prevent Myopia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,364.00
Summary
We will examine 2,000 young adults from the Western Australian Raine Cohort at the Lions Eye Institute / University of Western Australia. Ocular data will be collected relating to myopia (short-sightedness) and will be combined with extensive previous childhood and genetic research data collected on the Cohort, to investigate the genetic and environmental factors predisposing to myopia. This will assist in understanding the factors leading to myopia.
Determinants Of Perfect Vision: The Raine Eye Health Study, An Ophthalmic Follow-up Study Of A Longitudinal Birth Cohort At Age 21 Years
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$59,295.00
Summary
Parents aim to do the best for their child�s development, however little is known about what is required for children to develop perfect vision. This study will analyse those modifiable antenatal, early life and childhood factors that influence visual acuity in later life. Using ocular data from the Raine Health Study, which prospectively follows a cohort of 1,500 young adults, we will describe normal eye function in early adulthood and investigate the genetic and environmental factors predispos ....Parents aim to do the best for their child�s development, however little is known about what is required for children to develop perfect vision. This study will analyse those modifiable antenatal, early life and childhood factors that influence visual acuity in later life. Using ocular data from the Raine Health Study, which prospectively follows a cohort of 1,500 young adults, we will describe normal eye function in early adulthood and investigate the genetic and environmental factors predisposing to visal acuity.Read moreRead less
The Impact Of Declining Dental Needs Of Age Cohorts On The Cost-effectiveness Of Water Fluoridation & Supplementary Prev
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,600.00
Summary
This research will apply economic modelling, based on current trend-data by birth cohort on the effectiveness of water fluoridation to the evaluation of its continuing application to metropolitan water supplies. Wherever possible data from Victoria, and Australia as a whole, will be used in the modelling. It will explore the implications for policy-making in relation to maintenance of benefits gained and potential future application to non-fluoridated rural water supplies in Victoria. A key focu ....This research will apply economic modelling, based on current trend-data by birth cohort on the effectiveness of water fluoridation to the evaluation of its continuing application to metropolitan water supplies. Wherever possible data from Victoria, and Australia as a whole, will be used in the modelling. It will explore the implications for policy-making in relation to maintenance of benefits gained and potential future application to non-fluoridated rural water supplies in Victoria. A key focus is to identify and analyse data relating to the point at which there is a ‘plateauing-out’ of the benefits accruing from water fluoridation in middle and older age. The evaluation will also consider the policy implications of trends towards retention of more teeth into older age and the consequent increased exposure to both caries and periodontal disease.Read moreRead less
Linking Research, Policy And Health Services To Build A Better Evidence Base For Workplace
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,683,991.00
Summary
This application brings together four of Australia’s leading population and occupational health researchers to develop much needed national research capacity to reduce the burden of the largely hidden problem of occupational disease and to improve health and wellbeing in Australian workplaces. It is designed to develop a wide range of skills in a group of post-doctoral Team Investigators to improve the link between research, policy and practice. This program will address several of the National ....This application brings together four of Australia’s leading population and occupational health researchers to develop much needed national research capacity to reduce the burden of the largely hidden problem of occupational disease and to improve health and wellbeing in Australian workplaces. It is designed to develop a wide range of skills in a group of post-doctoral Team Investigators to improve the link between research, policy and practice. This program will address several of the National Health Priorities such as asthma, cancer, mental health and musculoskeletal disorders.Read moreRead less
Translation Of Glaucoma Blindness Genes To Improve Clinical Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,795.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a common cause of irreversible blindness. It is currently difficult to predict which patients with the earliest signs of glaucoma will develop blinding stages of the disease. This study will investigate how genes and eye measurements can be used to predict the risk of developing severe glaucoma in people with early signs of disease. This will ensure that high risk individuals can access treatment early, while those at low risk can be spared unnecessary treatment and seen less often.
Gene Tests For Predicting Risk Of Developing Glaucoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$956,020.00
Summary
Glaucoma is a common cause of blindness. It is currently difficult to predict which patients with the earliest signs of glaucoma will go on to develop the blinding stages of the disease. This study will investigate how genes and othe eye measurements can be used to predict risk of developing glaucoma in people with early signs of disease.
The Relationship Between Airborne Particle Exposure, Incident Respiratory Symptoms And Decline In Lung Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,497.00
Summary
Air pollution has been consistently identified as the environmental health problem of greatest concern to the general public in Australia. Yet hard evidence of adverse health effects from air pollution in Australian cities and towns is limited to date. It has been estimated that high levels of particles in urban air could be responsible for as many as 2,400 deaths nationally, costing approximately $4,300 million each year. This study will follow two groups of young Melbourne adults recruited som ....Air pollution has been consistently identified as the environmental health problem of greatest concern to the general public in Australia. Yet hard evidence of adverse health effects from air pollution in Australian cities and towns is limited to date. It has been estimated that high levels of particles in urban air could be responsible for as many as 2,400 deaths nationally, costing approximately $4,300 million each year. This study will follow two groups of young Melbourne adults recruited some years ago for studies of respiratory health. They will be a sent a questionnaire by mail and invited back to our laboratory for breathing tests. We will obtain routinely collected air quality data and measure fine particles < 2.5 thousandths of a mm in outdoor air. A subgroup of 100 subjects will also participate in some measurements of indoor air pollution. The analysis will look for relationships between particles in the air, new symptoms and changes in lung function over time. Comparisons will also made with other centres doing a very similar study in Europe. Reviews commissioned by the National Environment Protection Council have highlighted the lack of Australian data to assist in setting standards for particulate air pollution. The proposed study would provide some of the necessary local data and assist in the development of new health based environmental protection measures for fine particles. Once these measures have been implemented, we would expect to see an improvement in the respiratory health of the Australian population.Read moreRead less
A Randomised, Multi-Centre, Placebo Controlled Trial Of Fenofibrate For Treatment Of Diabetic Macular Oedema With Economic Evaluation (FORTE Study)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,588,132.00
Summary
Our project aims to test if adding an inexpensive oral medication, fenofibrate, is effective at improving treatment of diabetic macular oedema. We will use a well-designed, adequately powered, multi-centred randomised placebo controlled trial to test if fenofibrate can treat currently untreatable forms of diabetic macular oedema, and if it can be combined with current treatments to improve outcomes and reduce costs and risks to patients.
Dust-related Disease In WA: Asbestos, Silica And Diesel Exposures, Lifestyle Factors And Genetic Predisposition.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,226.00
Summary
This multi-factorial project will extend the follow-up of 4 large, established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to asbestos, silica or diesel, either through their jobs, or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and prostate cancer are common among these groups. The study will provide important information on the effects of different levels of exposure to these three cancer-causing agents, as well as their effects on chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, ....This multi-factorial project will extend the follow-up of 4 large, established groups of people who have experienced significant exposure to asbestos, silica or diesel, either through their jobs, or environmentally. Mesothelioma, lung cancer and prostate cancer are common among these groups. The study will provide important information on the effects of different levels of exposure to these three cancer-causing agents, as well as their effects on chronic respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, asthma and tuberculosis. Ways in which these diseases may be prevented through the diet and other lifestyle habits (including smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise), will be closely examined. This study will also help to identify the genes which may place some people at a higher risk than others.Read moreRead less