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GM-CSF Regulation Of Preimplantation Embryo Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,320.00
Summary
Treatment of infertility using IVF technology has been enormously successful. However, there are major concerns regarding the high incidence of multiple pregnancies (caused by the transfer of more than one embryo) and the potential adverse health outcome of adults conceived from this technology. Multiple pregnancies place both mother and infant at enormous risks, with increased obstetrics care, prematurity, increased neonatal care and neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy. This can be ov ....Treatment of infertility using IVF technology has been enormously successful. However, there are major concerns regarding the high incidence of multiple pregnancies (caused by the transfer of more than one embryo) and the potential adverse health outcome of adults conceived from this technology. Multiple pregnancies place both mother and infant at enormous risks, with increased obstetrics care, prematurity, increased neonatal care and neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy. This can be overcome simply by the transfer of a single embryo. However, patient and clinical expectations are that single embryo transfer should be achieved with little to no reduction in pregnancy rate, and currently this is not possible because our methods for culturing embryos are inadequate. Studies in animals suggest that laboratory growth of mammalian embryos can lead to small-for-gestational age babies (even when the effect of multiple births is taken into consideration). This backed by recent studies which agree that babies born from IVF are smaller than expected. This might lead to health problems in later life, as smallness at birth is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, especially as age progresses beyond 40 years. However, the oldest IVF child is currently 23 years of age. Previously we have shown that a protein growth factor, called granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), found normally in the reproductive tract, has dramatic beneficial effects on human and mouse embryos grown in the laboratory. Furthermore, we have shown in mice that embryo exposure to GM-CSF alleviates the detrimental side effects of in vitro culture on foetal growth and body structure after birth. Our research is now focussed on understanding why this protein is beneficial to embryo growth and to test if we can increase pregnancy rates and produce normal healthy infants from the transfer of single embryos treated with GM-CSF.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Slit Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope As A Screening Tool In Glaucoma Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,830.00
Summary
Glaucoma is typified by progressive optic disc cupping and loss of fibres with consequent characteristic field defects. Direct imaging of the retina and quantitative assessment of such images greatly increases early diagnosis of this blinding disease. The proposed device, a laser line scanning ophthalmoscope, could support non-invasive imaging to obtain 3-D information in a simple and cost effective way. This could provide objective clinical parameters to support the decision making process.
A Novel One-step Approach In The Early Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,150.00
Summary
In order to avoid the invasiveness and imprecision of current prostate cancer detection, this programme is directed to developing a non-invasive and repeatable, accurate approach. This research project is designed to optimise retrieval of prostate cells from ejaculate and to compare two methods for profiling selected genetic changes to diagnose prostate cancer. The refinement of techniques, outlined in the application, is essential before proceeding to a clinical trial.
Development Of An Assay To Distinguish Between Recent And Established HIV-1 Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$192,500.00
Summary
We have discovered a marker of recent HIV infection. Further refinement of this assay and fully evaluating it on samples from individuals infected with different subtypes of the virus will result in an HIV incidence assay ready for commercialisation. An assay capable of distinguishing between recently acquired and established HIV infection would be most valuable in establishing the incidence of infection for epidemiological surveys, to clearly identify new infections following vaccine trials and ....We have discovered a marker of recent HIV infection. Further refinement of this assay and fully evaluating it on samples from individuals infected with different subtypes of the virus will result in an HIV incidence assay ready for commercialisation. An assay capable of distinguishing between recently acquired and established HIV infection would be most valuable in establishing the incidence of infection for epidemiological surveys, to clearly identify new infections following vaccine trials and identify HIV infection as opposed to transfer of maternal antibodies in new born infants.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Computer-based Retinal Imaging Program For Identification Of People At Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,714.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and imposes an enormous financial and healthcare burden on the Australian community. This project will develop and deliver a novel clinical prediction tool, incorporating retinal vascular imaging and assessment, to improve identification of asymptomatic people who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease at an early stage, allowing implementation of preventative strategies and medical interventions to effectively prevent CV disease.
Development And Pre-clinical Evaluation Of G-DSF Inhibitors For Inflammatory Joint Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,329.00
Summary
G-CSF was originally identified as a cytokine regulating the production of neutrophils and haemopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow and it is currently used clinically for these properties in bone marrow transplant patients around the world. Anti-cytokine therapy with TNF blockade has recently been introduced for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, not all patients respond to TNF inhibition. We have gathered extensive data which shows that G-CSF also promotes inflammation in expe ....G-CSF was originally identified as a cytokine regulating the production of neutrophils and haemopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow and it is currently used clinically for these properties in bone marrow transplant patients around the world. Anti-cytokine therapy with TNF blockade has recently been introduced for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, not all patients respond to TNF inhibition. We have gathered extensive data which shows that G-CSF also promotes inflammation in experimental models of inflammatory joint disease. We propose to develop inhibitors of G-CSF as a novel form of anti-cytokine therapy for inflammatory joint disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis.Read moreRead less
A Novel Method For The Early Detection Of Cardiovascular Disease Through The Direct Measurement Of Tissue Wall Elasticit
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,000.00
Summary
Changes in the structure and function of blood vessels are an early stage in the development of arterial disease. A simple means of assessing this damage will allow for early detection of arterial disease and will provide a tool for monitoring outcomes of treatment and preventive medicine. We have developed a novel method for measuring vessel wall displacement throughout the cardiac cycle. This study aims to provide proof of principle data through the validation of these measurements against the ....Changes in the structure and function of blood vessels are an early stage in the development of arterial disease. A simple means of assessing this damage will allow for early detection of arterial disease and will provide a tool for monitoring outcomes of treatment and preventive medicine. We have developed a novel method for measuring vessel wall displacement throughout the cardiac cycle. This study aims to provide proof of principle data through the validation of these measurements against the physical properties of the vessel and application of the technique to a clinical setting.Read moreRead less
Reducing The Burden Of Joint Replacement: An Innovative Biofeedback Device For Post-Surgical Rehabilitation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$169,500.00
Summary
This project aims to develop a robust wearable device capable of providing immediate audible feedback with respect to knee motion for enhanced post-knee replacement surgery rehabilitation, suitable for use by older people both independently and supervised at home or in the clinic. As there is a current unmet need for such wearable biofeedback devices, this project will lead to intellectual property generation, strengthened partnerships between the involved parties and identification of an indust ....This project aims to develop a robust wearable device capable of providing immediate audible feedback with respect to knee motion for enhanced post-knee replacement surgery rehabilitation, suitable for use by older people both independently and supervised at home or in the clinic. As there is a current unmet need for such wearable biofeedback devices, this project will lead to intellectual property generation, strengthened partnerships between the involved parties and identification of an industry partner to commercialise the technology.Read moreRead less