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Epidemiology Of Middle-age BHR: A Prospective Study From Childhood To Middle Age
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$593,840.00
Summary
Increased airway reactivity (BHR) in middle-age increases the risk of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) in old age, which are recognised as a major public health problem. Knowledge on the causes of these conditions is currently limited. This project will improve our understanding of the childhood and adult causes of increased reactivity of the airways in middle-age. Such knowledge will help in identifying preventive strategies for middle age BHR and thereby CRDs in old age.
The Role Of Stress, HPA-axis Dysfunction And CNS Structural And Functional Change In The Development Of Psychosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,538.00
Summary
This research will further understanding of the processes underlying the development of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and may lead to the development of strategies to prevent these devastating disorders. Although there have been advances in the management of psychotic disorders in recent years, their underlying causes remain largely unknown. We aim to investigate the potential roles of stress, HPA-axis function and structural and functional brain changes. The neurodevelopmental ....This research will further understanding of the processes underlying the development of serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and may lead to the development of strategies to prevent these devastating disorders. Although there have been advances in the management of psychotic disorders in recent years, their underlying causes remain largely unknown. We aim to investigate the potential roles of stress, HPA-axis function and structural and functional brain changes. The neurodevelopmental model of psychosis suggests that small structural CNS changes occur very early in life conferring a degree of vulnerability on the affected individual. We propose that the psychological and neurobiological processes listed above interact with the pre-existing vulnerability, resulting in the development of psychotic symptoms. This is in line with the stress-vulnerability model of psychosis. We aim to investigate this model by monitoring the level of stress reported by young people at risk of psychosis over 12 months. We will also obtain measures of their biological response to stress by assessing cortisol levels over time and brain structure and functioning will be assessed. By monitoring these processes in the high risk group, we will be able to identify any changes that occur if a psychotic illness develops. This research also has practical applications in the identification of young people at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder, Moreover it will inform the development of medical and psychological strategies aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of schizoprenia and related illnesses in the high risk population.Read moreRead less
Parenting Style As A Mediator Of Psychosocial Risk Factors And Childhood Externalizing Behaviour Problems
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,160.00
Summary
It is imperative that effective interventions be developed and evaluated for children with externalising disorders (e.g. oppositional disorder, attention deficit order and conduct disorder). The prevalence of these problems in the community is high, the prognosis of children is poor, and externalising problems are passed on across successive generations in the same family. Childhood externalising problems are also one of the most costly behavioural disorders for society. Many studies have examin ....It is imperative that effective interventions be developed and evaluated for children with externalising disorders (e.g. oppositional disorder, attention deficit order and conduct disorder). The prevalence of these problems in the community is high, the prognosis of children is poor, and externalising problems are passed on across successive generations in the same family. Childhood externalising problems are also one of the most costly behavioural disorders for society. Many studies have examined the nature and course of externalising problems in older children and adolescents. However, little attention has been paid to the early onset of externalising disorders amongst preschool and early school-age children. Whilst the relationships between family risk factors (e.g. marital discord and maternal depression), parental management styles and children's behaviour problems are widely recognised, the exact nature and direction of these relationships remains largely unknown. This proposal will provide new information about the mechanism through which family risk factors such as marital discord or parental distress influence the onset and persistence of externalising problems in young children, via their effects on parents' behaviour management techniques. This information can then be used to instruct early intervention efforts for parents and families of children at risk of developing externalising behaviour problems.Read moreRead less
Comprehensive Assessment Of Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors For Melanoma: A Population-based Family Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,679.00
Summary
Excessive sunlight can cause melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. However, there are other factors including a person's genetic make-up that are thought to put some people at higher risk. Many 'healthy' people have small changes in their genes that might make them more likely to develop melanoma. We need to know more about these genetic factors. Our study will investigate how particular small genetic changes influence a person's likelihood of developing melanoma.
Relating Genetic, Biological, And Behavioural Markers Of Early Conduct Problems In Young Females
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,639.00
Summary
Child CPs are the first identifable sign of ongoing mental health problems. Most research is done with males, but they are also the most common early markers in females. We are in the unique position to conduct the first test of the relationships between specific genetic risk, neurobiological markers and psychological functioning in females. Findings will inform models of genertic vulnerability, the relationship of genetic risk to basic information processing styles in at-risk children.
Relating Genetic, Biological, And Behavioural Markers Of Early Vulnerability In Conduct Problem Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,183.00
Summary
This research will conduct the first test of specific genetic risk in a large and representative sample of young conduct problem children. These children represent the first readily identifiable group that are at high risk for ongoing mental health problems in our community. It is highly likely that within their numbers are heterogeneous subgroups that will take very different trajectories through life. The current study builds on several years of developmental research in which we have develope ....This research will conduct the first test of specific genetic risk in a large and representative sample of young conduct problem children. These children represent the first readily identifiable group that are at high risk for ongoing mental health problems in our community. It is highly likely that within their numbers are heterogeneous subgroups that will take very different trajectories through life. The current study builds on several years of developmental research in which we have developed methods for identifying different phenotypes within the group. The study will identify genetic markers of these subtypes and relate these to emotional processing as a general model of risk in the development of mental health problems and antisocial behaviour. Findings will inform models of genetic vulnerability, and more importantly, the relationship of genetic risk to basic information processing styles in at-risk children, thus aiding methods for early detection, early intervention and prevention.Read moreRead less
Epidemiology Of Osteoporotic Fractures In The Very Frail Elderly: Risk Factors, Quality Of Life And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,550.00
Summary
Osteoporosis, a disease characterised by skeletal fragility, is a major public health problem. The direct costs alone of treating osteoporotic fractures have been estimated at more than $800 million in Australia. Hip fractures are the most costly to treat and are due to a fall or injury in over 90% of cases. The frail elderly are at particular risk of osteoporotic fractures but little is known about risk fractures in this 'at risk' group or the effect of fracture on quality of life. This study i ....Osteoporosis, a disease characterised by skeletal fragility, is a major public health problem. The direct costs alone of treating osteoporotic fractures have been estimated at more than $800 million in Australia. Hip fractures are the most costly to treat and are due to a fall or injury in over 90% of cases. The frail elderly are at particular risk of osteoporotic fractures but little is known about risk fractures in this 'at risk' group or the effect of fracture on quality of life. This study is examining risk factors for fractures in the frail and institutionalised older person by asessment of quantitative bone ultrasound, falls risk, vitamin D status and other biochemical markers of bone in an attempt to identify predictors that can be modified to reduce fractures, improve quality of life and reduce mortality due to osteoporotic fractures.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Environmental Risk Factors For Colorectal Cancer: Anatomic Site Specificity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,000.00
Summary
Cancer of the large bowel (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cancer in Australians and is becoming more common. Despite this, there is still much uncertainty about what causes some people to develop this cancer. We believe that some of this uncertainty arises because there are actually different causes of cancer for different sections of the colon and rectum. This study aims to collect information from 1000 people with colorectal cancer and 1000 people without colorectal cancer, and c ....Cancer of the large bowel (colorectal cancer) is the second most common cancer in Australians and is becoming more common. Despite this, there is still much uncertainty about what causes some people to develop this cancer. We believe that some of this uncertainty arises because there are actually different causes of cancer for different sections of the colon and rectum. This study aims to collect information from 1000 people with colorectal cancer and 1000 people without colorectal cancer, and compare various factors such as their genetic makeup, diet, AND lifestyle. We expect to find that some factors are more common in people with cancer in the upper parts of the bowel, while other factors are more common in people with cancer in the lower parts of the bowel. This kind of information can be used to design programs to prevent colorectal cancer. For example, we might advise people to exercise more or eat more fish in order to decrease their chances of developing this cancer.Read moreRead less