Determinant Spreading And The Role Of The MHC Class II Region In Systemic And Organ-specific Autoimmunity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$140,570.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases are among the most important group of disorders affecting the adult population. In these diseases the immune system damages organs and tissues producing widespread pathology (systemic autoimmunity such as Lupus erythematosus) or localised disease (organ-specific autoimmunity such as insulin dependent diabetes). We understand very little about how and why the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This study examines how antibodies and T lymphocytes are formed against c ....Autoimmune diseases are among the most important group of disorders affecting the adult population. In these diseases the immune system damages organs and tissues producing widespread pathology (systemic autoimmunity such as Lupus erythematosus) or localised disease (organ-specific autoimmunity such as insulin dependent diabetes). We understand very little about how and why the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This study examines how antibodies and T lymphocytes are formed against components located inside cells of the body. The study involves genetically modifying mice by introducing key human genes which influence the development of autoimmunity. In this way the role of these human genes can be examined experimentally without having to work exclusively on patients. We also hope that these mice might be important in creating new models of celiac disease and insulin dependent diabetes. The proposed experiments should tell us how these genes contribute to the development of autoimmune disease. This understanding could be relevant devising treatments and interventions to prevent autoimmune diseases.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Neural Progenitor Cell Self-renewal By The RNA-binding Protein ZFP36L1 During Development And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,401.00
Summary
The timely differentiation of neural stem cells is critical during development, and the unrestrained proliferation of neural stem cells in the adult can lead to deadly brain cancers such as glioma. At present our understanding of the key molecules that regulate neural stem cell behaviour during these processes remains limited. In this proposal we will investigate the molecular determinants underpinning neural stem cell biology, both within the developing brain, and within glioma.
Transdermal Testosterone Therapy: A Potential Treatment For Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)-associated Sexual Dysfunction In Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,351.00
Summary
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is frequently reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and venlafaxine, these being the most common antidepressants used by Australian women. We have shown that testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function in women with FSD. However SSRI-users have been excluded from these past studies. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SS ....Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is frequently reported with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and venlafaxine, these being the most common antidepressants used by Australian women. We have shown that testosterone therapy significantly improves sexual function in women with FSD. However SSRI-users have been excluded from these past studies. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of transdermal testosterone therapy for treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI therapy.Read moreRead less
ASPREE-D; Aspirin In The Prevention Of Depression In The Elderly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,784.00
Summary
The ASPREE (ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study is a 5 year RCT of aspirin (100mg daily) or placebo in 19,000 healthy people over 70. We aim to augment the existing infrastructure of ASPREE in order to confirm the utility of aspirin for the prevention of depression in the elderly (ASPREE-D). The primary aim of ASPREE-D is to determine if use of low-dose aspirin reduces the incidence of de-novo episodes of depression in healthy individuals over 70 years of age.
The GOOD NIGHT Project: A Sleep Intervention To Prevent Depression And Improve Cardiac Health In Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$902,741.00
Summary
There is a pressing need for effective approaches to preventing depression during adolescence. The primary aim of the project is to assess whether a brief sleep intervention can prevent depression in vulnerable adolescents. Given that sleep interventions also encourage daytime activity, which when combined with improved sleep has potential benefits for cardiovascular health, the secondary aim is to test whether the sleep intervention improves early indicators of cardiovascular risk.
A Cluster RCT Of A Novel Psychological Intervention To Reduce Depression Among At-risk Older Adults Transitioning To Residential Aged Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$893,152.00
Summary
Depression is common in aged care facilities, with many older adults finding the transition extremely difficult. We have developed a simple intervention to help new residents, including those with dementia, to adjust to life in aged care. This program focuses on key aspects of psychological wellbeing, and is designed for widespread use in aged care. We will evaluate the intervention to determine if it is superior to current care approaches in reducing depression and improving quality of life.
Neuroimaging In Mental Health: The Quest For Clinically Useful Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
To ultimately improve treatment of mental illness, this research program aims to detect robust and reliable neuroimaging markers that are associated with affective disorders by pooling data from many samples across the world. Moreover, this research aims to develop alternative biological-based classifications of mental illness in young people, and evaluate their clinical value by examining their predictive value for treatment response and disease course.
The Diamond Cohort Study - Long Term Outcomes Of Depressive Symptoms In Primary Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,538.00
Summary
The diamond study follows what happens to almost 800 people with depressive symptoms whom attend general practice for care over 5 years of their life. This study will map the severity of depressive symptoms, life circumstances, use of health care services and treatments and allow us to understand factors associated with relapse and recovery from depression in order to improve care. This will assist us to develop models of care that better suit the needs of people experiencing depressive symptoms ....The diamond study follows what happens to almost 800 people with depressive symptoms whom attend general practice for care over 5 years of their life. This study will map the severity of depressive symptoms, life circumstances, use of health care services and treatments and allow us to understand factors associated with relapse and recovery from depression in order to improve care. This will assist us to develop models of care that better suit the needs of people experiencing depressive symptoms.Read moreRead less
Organizational Change And Treatment Of Depression And Dementia In Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$567,052.00
Summary
Mental health disorders are common in aged care settings. However, these problems are not well managed. This situation results in distress for residents and family members, as well as high levels of burnout and turnover among staff. This project will address the organizational barriers with the aim of better managing and treating depression and behavioural problems associated with dementia.
The Impact Of Befriending On Depression, Anxiety, Social Support And Loneliness In Older Adults Living In Residential Aged Care Facilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,872.00
Summary
About half of people living in residential aged care facilities may have significant depression symptoms. Many residents are socially isolated in RACFs even though they are in communal living, and social isolation is a contributor to depression. We propose a trial of befriending which is emotional and social support from trained volunteers. Volunteers will be trained using Beyondblue resources and a manual developed by the investigators.