Heritable And Environmental Determinants Of Hospitalisation For Common Childhood Illnesses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$468,238.00
Summary
This study will combine the unique and powerful resources of the Western Australian (WA) Data Linkage System and the WA Twin Register to disentangle the effects of genetics and the environment on the most common infectious causes of hospital admissions in children. It will highlight appropriate pathways to prevent such admissions in the future.
Does Environmental Change Drive The Spatiotemporal Transmission Dynamics Of Echinococcus Spp. In Ningxia, China?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$654,548.00
Summary
Human echinococcosis is a chronic debilitating disease with a death rate that can exceed 90%. In China it is a major public health issue where recent environmental changes are likely to increase transmission rates, thus increasing the disease burden. This project will assess the impact of these environmental changes on the transmission of this disease over space and time, it will predict where new cases will arise, and determine the best methods for sustainable control and then elimination.
Investigation Of Candidate Aetiologic Organisms Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Diverse And Unique Epidemiological And Clinical Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$564,438.00
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a vaginal infection affecting 10% of Australian women, is an important cause of premature birth, yet its cause is unknown. We are conducting studies to understand the cause of BV in order to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Causes Of The Rising Incidence Of Thyroid Cancer – What Can Mutations In The BRAF Oncogene Tell Us About Causes And Diagnostic Pathways For Thyroid Cancer?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,222.00
Summary
The occurrence of thyroid cancer has increased rapidly over the last 25 years but the cause is unknown. The increase may reflect ‘over-diagnosis’ of less harmful cancers or greater exposure to causes of this cancer. Evidence suggests that a gene mutation (BRAF) in thyroid cancers is important in understanding the drivers of the increase. This study will examine the increase in thyroid cancer by investigating causes and diagnostic pathways considering the presence or absence of BRAF mutations.
The Epidemiology Of Multiple Myeloma In Australia (EMMA)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,525,729.00
Summary
In Australia, over 1,000 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma annually. Our proposal aims to identify possible environmental and genetic causes of this serious disease. People diagnosed with myeloma, and their family members, will provide detailed personal and family histories. We plan to investigate the role of sun exposure, body size and obesity, dietary factors and pesticides as well as a large range of genetic variants. The 5-year study will be conducted in Victoria and NSW.
Quantifying The Effectiveness Of Pertussis Vaccine In Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$448,703.00
Summary
Pertussis is the most poorly controlled vaccine preventable disease in Australia. Childhood pertussis is a well-known public health problem but adult pertussis is also common and has a significant burden on the health system, especially in adults over 65 years. Pertussis vaccines for adults are currently not funded by our national immunisation program. This project will provide vital data to inform whether pertussis vaccination is cost-effective in older Australian adults.
Using An Established Simulation Model To Determine Effective And Cost-effective Interventions To Mitigate Influenza Pandemics And Inform Public Health Policy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,353.00
Summary
A novel disease spread and economic model is used to determine the cost-effectiveness of a range of mitigation strategies aimed at a future influenza pandemic. A simulation model generates data on which individuals become ill, morbidity and mortality characteristics, an economic costing model determines optimal interventions.
What Are The Clinical Predictors And Risk Factors For Impaired Child Growth And Development? Following Up The Ha Nam Cohort From Birth To 3 Years
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,189,570.00
Summary
Stunting affects about one third of children under five in developing countries and is a measure of chronic undernutrition. This project will identify pre and postnatal risk factors for impaired child growth and development by monitoring a cohort of infants in Vietnam to three years of age, and developing a predictive algorithm for early detection of those at risk of stunting. Effective preventative measures would improve child health, and prevent a huge burden of disease.
A Population-based Family Study Of Follicular Lymphoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,703,070.00
Summary
Annually more than 900 Australians are diagnosed with follicular lymphoma. The proposed research aims identify the environmental and genetic causes of this serious blood cancer. People diagnosed with lymphoma, and a family member, will provide detailed personal and family histories, and a blood sample. Exposure to specific chemicals, types of work, sun exposure, and body size are some of the factors the study will examine. The 5-year study will be conducted in NSW, ACT and Victoria.
Collaborative Australian Renal Cell Carcinoma Epidemiology Study (CARES)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,677,048.00
Summary
The objective of this project is to increase our knowledge of the causes of renal cell carcinoma, a relatively common, yet understudied, cancer and use this new knowledge to develop a risk prediction tool to provide a rational basis for risk counselling. The proposed project will establish a biobank and generate a research platform that, beyond the duration of the project, will allow us to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets.