Investigating Mechanisms Of Action Of Sacral Nerve Neuromodulation In Faecal Incontinence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,181.00
Summary
Faecal incontinence (accidental bowel leakage) is a common problem in the Australian community with devastating impacts on quality of life and psychological well-being. Treatment of this condition remains a challenge due to limited scientific knowledge. Sacral nerve modulation (electrostimulation of nerves in the lower back) is an exciting new treatment but we don’t understand how it works. This project aims to improve our understanding of how nerve stimulation improves symptoms.
GENETIC AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISATION OF ERAP1 VARIANTS ASSOCIATED WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a progressive arthritis which affects the back and causes the back joints to fuse. The project seeks to investigate the role of the ERAP1 protein and the gene which is the blueprint for the ERAP1 protein in causing Ankylosing Spondylitis. This will be through resequencing the gene, investigating the action of the different ERAP1 proteins and the effect of ERAP1 deficiency in mice.
Does Rehabilitation Increase The Functional Independence Of People With Friedreich Ataxia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,811.00
Summary
Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) is a disease which reduces the ability to walk. People decline rapidly and are usually dependent on a wheel-chair by 20-30 years of age. This research will examine the impact of changes in leg function, including strength and balance, on the capacity to walk. This research will determine if rehabilitation can improve walking ability and reduce the decline in FRDA. The results of this research will ensure people with FRDA are provided with the most appropriate care.
For Every Question, There Is An Answer: Application Of Genomic Sequencing And Functional Genomics For Disease Gene Discovery In Children With Orphan Phenotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,682.00
Summary
My PhD study will look closely at the genes in a family to see what is different and whether this difference is the cause of rare health problems. I will focus on children with highly unique conditions in which intellectual disability/developmental delay is a key feature. My study is important because if I can find the exact cause of rare genetic conditions, then I hope to improve the welfare of patients and families affected by these types of conditions.
Obesity In The Elderly: Effect Of Exercise And Weight Loss Therapies On Physiology And Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,729.00
Summary
The population is ageing and the prevalence of obesity is increasing. The “Baby Boomer” generation has the highest prevalence of obesity of all age groups, hence increasing numbers of older adults (age over 65) are obese, and this is unprecedented. We know that obesity predisposes to loss of physical function and independence in older adults, and may increase the risk of dementia. Our trial will compare multiple treatments for obesity in older persons, including newer treatments.
Identification And Characterisation Of Sensory Receptors In The Human Rectum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,500.00
Summary
Normal rectal function (with respect to storage and evacuation of faeces) is highly dependent on intact rectal sensation. Identification and characterisation of biomarkers of rectal sensation in health would allow more accurate diagnosis and a better understanding of prevalent bowel disorders, such as constipation and faecal incontinence. It would also give opportunity to identify potential novel therapeutic targets, and accurately assess the efficacy of existing and new treatment strategies.
Altered Sense Of Identity In Dementia: Cognitive And Neurobiological Underpinnings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$108,902.00
Summary
People with dementia commonly experience changes in their sense of identity, causing significant distress for the individual and their families. This project will investigate these changes comprehensively, determining their contributing factors and how they relate to dementia’s effect on the brain. Outcomes from this project will improve understanding of the experience of the person with dementia, informing personalised care and enhancing the quality of patient-carer relationships.
Training To Enhance Lower Limb Motor Control In Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,204.00
Summary
Currently very few evidence based methods that can improve control in muscles affected by cerebral palsy (CP) exist. This project will investigate whether it is possible to increase strength and co-ordination in legs muscles affected by CP through targeted training. The project will also determine if non-invasive brain stimulation during training may enhance motor learning and if positive gains in strength and co-ordination might enhance the ability to do tasks like walking or climbing stairs.
The Characterisation Of The Functional Regions Of Sarcomeric Alpha-actinins And To Determine How The Absence Of Alpha-actinin-3 Influences Human Skeletal Muscle Function And Metabolism.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
We are studying a muscle protein called a-actinin-3. This protein is absent in approximately one billion people worldwide. A-actinin-3 is associated with athletic performance. Our goal is to explore how the absence of a-actinin-3 influences human skeletal muscle function and metabolism. We will be studying a-actinin-3 deficiency using a mouse model.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Structural And Functional Connectivity In Lesion-negative Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Compared To Hippocampal Sclerosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,883.00
Summary
Epileptic seizures in the temporal lobe of the brain can affect how the temporal lobe connects to other brain regions. We are using new MRI techniques to investigate these altered connections, in patients who have no other abnormality on their brain scans. Our aim is to find distinctive patterns of altered connectivity, which will help us better understand this type of epilepsy.