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The Incidence And Genetics Of The Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$175,224.00
Summary
Severe epilepsies with frequent seizures and cognitive impairments in the first 18 months of life are known as ‘infantile epileptic encephalopathies’ (IEE). The cause of IEE is unknown in many patients, although presumed genetic. This study of patients with IEE in Victoria aims to describe the incidence of IEE, and understand the genetic causes of IEE. Understanding the causes of IEE will be the first step towards development of urgently-needed novel therapies for these devastating conditions.
Best Practice For The Communication Of Perinatal Booster Recommendations And Optimisation Of The Cocooning Strategy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,630.00
Summary
Whooping cough continues to be common in Australia. Young babies, who have little or no protection to the infection, are often hospitalised and can die. Adults generally experience milder symptoms which often go undiagnosed and can pass on whooping cough to babies, particularly within the home. To reduce this risk by 70%, parents can receive a booster vaccination for whooping cough. Offering this on the postnatal ward will help remove barriers and provide a cocoon of protection for the newborn.
Improving The Treatment Of Neonatal Sepsis Through Vancomycin Pharmacokinetic And Pharmacodynamic Modelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$71,458.00
Summary
Our study will assess whether vancomycin, a key antibiotic used to treat severe infections in young infants, is best given as a continuous infusion or as multiple doses per day. We will determine which is the most effective method to achieve the target blood level of vancomycin and if current recommended target levels for vancomycin are appropriate for infants. Findings will be used to develop a bedside tool that will enable clinicians to tailor the dose of vancomycin to individual children.
Caregiving Practices And Child Development: A Cross-cultural Perspective.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$109,487.00
Summary
This program of research will investigate the cross-cultural differences in the types and prevalence of cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices in a community sample of parents in a low income country. The influence of cultural beliefs, caregiver distress and the common challenges experienced by caregivers will be explored and it will also test the effectiveness of an innovative psychological intervention to facilitate optimal child development.
The Potential Benefit Of Resistant Starch On Zinc Retention And Its Potential For Utilisation In Infants At Risk Of Zinc Deficiency.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,991.00
Summary
Resistant starch (RS) can promote absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the large intestine. As zinc deficiency in children from the developing world remains a major public health issue, we will use a rodent model to determine if RS can improve zinc absorption in growing rats with preceeding zinc deficiency. In parallel we will also determine whether infants, who are most vulnerable to the effects of zinc deficiency, have the gut bacteria required to utilise the potential and ....Resistant starch (RS) can promote absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the large intestine. As zinc deficiency in children from the developing world remains a major public health issue, we will use a rodent model to determine if RS can improve zinc absorption in growing rats with preceeding zinc deficiency. In parallel we will also determine whether infants, who are most vulnerable to the effects of zinc deficiency, have the gut bacteria required to utilise the potential and known health benefits of RS.Read moreRead less
Infant Motor Development Between 0-4 Months: A New Look At The Effect Of The ‘back To Sleep’ Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,182.00
Summary
An unexpected consequence of the Back to Sleep program is an increased incidence of deformational plagiocephaly (DP), or “flat head syndrome”, and concern about delayed development. It is not clear whether the current recommendation to provide ‘tummy-time’ play for infants when awake is the best way to prevent DP. Development of typical infants 0-4 months and infants with DP will be investigated and parents surveyed as a basis for development and trialling of a new DP prevention initiative.
Modern Chemical Exposures In Utero And In Infancy, And Their Impact Upon Early Neurodevelopmental Outcomes In The Barwon Infant Study, An Unselected Birth Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$138,353.00
Summary
I am a paediatric doctor interested in the effects of modern industrial chemicals on children’s development. Even in the womb babies are exposed to industrial chemicals and we know some, like lead, are harmful to developing brains. I am interested in other chemicals that are now suspected to affect development, including the polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs), and I intend to investigate this as part of the Barwon Infant Study, which follows 1250 children from before birth to 3 years.
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
The Longitudinal Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour Of Preschool Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$131,181.00
Summary
Eating, play and activity habits become established in the preschool-aged period, and if unhealthy can lead to obesity. The Healthy Beginnings Trial works with first time mothers on positive nutrition and physical activity behaviours. At 2 years it has successfully reduced obesity. Longer term follow-up to five years will allow analysis of predictors of physical activity and screen time in relation to obesity. Qualitative data will help understand parenting in relation to physical activity.