Maternal Exposure To Air Pollution And Perinatal Outcomes In Victoria, Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,841.00
Summary
In 2014, the Hazelwood open cut brown coal mine in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria caught fire. The Hazelwood Mine Fire resulted in nearby towns being covered in plumes of smoke and ash over a period of six weeks. Little is understood about the health effects following exposure to smoke events of this nature and duration. This proposal will specifically explore the impact of the smoke event resulting from the fire on birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and birth weight.
Longitudinal Eye Changes- Examining The Emergence Of Visual Impairment In Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$103,582.00
Summary
Assessment of eye health parameter changes and emergence of visual impairment in a five year follow-up study of adolescents. Documenting the prevalence and incidence for the development of strabismus, ambylopia, hyperopic and myopic refractive errors, high-myopia , and the factors that promote or inhibit their early detection and remediation. This research is aimed at developing school-based and community-based strategies for minimising the life-long impact of these conditions
The Built Environment's Influence On Child Mental Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,982.00
Summary
A neighbourhood's physical environment plays an important role in shaping the health of its community. It provides paths for walking, parks for playing, and opportunities for social interaction and cohesion. The aim of this research is to identify what elements of the physical environment children have relationships with, and understand how these elements influence their mental health.
Evaluation Of The Associations Between Childhood Asthma Hospitalisations, Outdoor Fungal Spores And Environmental Effect Modifiers.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$141,558.00
Summary
Asthma is a major cause of childhood hospital admission, impairs quality of life, contributes to high financial burdens on families and health system and can lead to chronic lung problems. Little is known about the combined effects of outdoor fungi, air pollutants and viruses in causing asthma exacerbations. This research aims to investigate the role of outdoor fungi in child asthma hospitalisations and how their role links with respiratory viral infections and changes in air quality.
Environmental Risk Factors And Genetic Modifiers For Lung Health And Lung Function In A High Risk Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,348.00
Summary
Asthma is an important determinant of respiratory health and longevity. While early life exposures are thought to be important, the evidence linking them with asthma and lung function is inconclusive. There is a scarcity of longitudinal studies and few investigate genes and environment. This study will determine whether environmental exposures along with their relevant genetic modifiers are related to increased risk of asthma and impaired lung function in a high allergy risk birth cohort.
Environmental Risk Factors For Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,118.00
Summary
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) is a form of MS affecting 10% of people with the disease. PPMS has been less researched than the more common form of MS, Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS), and unlike RRMS, there are currently no effective treatments. This project will examine whether the established risk factors for RRMS also hold for PPMS, whether the magnitude of risk associated with these factors is the same for PPMS, and whether novel risk factors for PPMS can be identified.
The Impact Of Infant Feeding Practices And In Utero Exposure To Bisphenol A On Respiratory Health And Somatic Growth In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,253.00
Summary
Bisphenol A is a chemical often used in making plastic containers, including infant bottles. It is known to leach from plastic into food in very low doses. Exposure to high levels of bisphenol A is believed to trigger chemical pathways in the body which increase the risk of obesity and asthma. This project will follow a group of pregnant women and infants to observe the level of exposure to bisphenol A in Australia, and to investigate how exposure to bisphenol A correlates to asthmatic symptoms, ....Bisphenol A is a chemical often used in making plastic containers, including infant bottles. It is known to leach from plastic into food in very low doses. Exposure to high levels of bisphenol A is believed to trigger chemical pathways in the body which increase the risk of obesity and asthma. This project will follow a group of pregnant women and infants to observe the level of exposure to bisphenol A in Australia, and to investigate how exposure to bisphenol A correlates to asthmatic symptoms, growth and fat deposition in early childhood.Read moreRead less
Optimising The Motor Outcomes Of Infants With Cerebral Palsy Using Environmental And Goal Oriented Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,563.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Early diagnosis enables intervention when the brain is developing. Current early intervention has little impact on movement. This research tests the effectiveness of “goal-directed training” and enriched environments by: systematically reviewing literature, piloting the intervention, conducting a clinical trial and interviewing parents. Findings have the potential to improve the outcomes of the 700 new cases diagnosed each year.