Embryo implantation is a critical step in establishing pregnancy, requiring stable attachment of an embryo to the uterus. For this to occur, the embryo must be implantation competent and the uterus must be receptive. However, to date, little is known about the interactions between the two that determine a successful implantation in the human. This project will investigate a novel embryo-derived enzyme that drives human implantation. These studies are important to improve infertility treatment.
Understanding Idiopathic Male Infertility: Biomarkers To Assist In The Diagnosis And Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$411,012.00
Summary
In order to help in the diagnosis of male infertility, we have found several biomarkers that can be readily and quickly used to determine if a mans spermatozoa are infertile. Not only will this save time and money for couples involved in IVF, but help to avoid unnecessary, often invasive medical procedures that are currently used.
Investigation Of The Mechanisms Underpinning HSPA2 Dysfunction In The Spermatozoa Of Infertile Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,563.00
Summary
Male infertility is an extremely common condition, that is frequently associated with the production of sperm that have lost their ability to recognize the egg. We have shown that this defect is frequently associated with a deficiency in a specific protein (HSPA2). By determining the mechanisms underpinning the loss of HSPA2, this project will provide powerful insights into the causes of male infertility, with practical implications for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
A BubR1-centred Network For Non-invasively Measuring Human Oocyte Quality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$532,207.00
Summary
Oocyte quality is the most important determinant of pregnancy outcome. Selecting the best oocytes for fertility treatments like IVF would therefore greatly improve success rates and reduce costs. We have identified master oocyte regulators and have applied novel digital technology to measure these regulators in a single oocyte. This project will apply this expertise to develop new approaches for evaluating an oocyte’s potential thereby informing its suitability for use in fertility treatment.
EGF Peptide Signalling Improves Oocyte Maturation And Quality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,891.00
Summary
Infertility is common and although IVF is widely accepted, the procedure is expensive and is associated with health risks. Using laboratory animals, we have developed significant new insights into mechanisms regulating egg quality. These insights have allowed us to develop a new approach to infertility treatment - crucially, one that eliminates the need for ovarian hormone therapy used in IVF. This project will investigate the basic mechanisms underlying our new approach to enable safe clinical ....Infertility is common and although IVF is widely accepted, the procedure is expensive and is associated with health risks. Using laboratory animals, we have developed significant new insights into mechanisms regulating egg quality. These insights have allowed us to develop a new approach to infertility treatment - crucially, one that eliminates the need for ovarian hormone therapy used in IVF. This project will investigate the basic mechanisms underlying our new approach to enable safe clinical implementation.Read moreRead less
A New Direction For TB Control In Highly Endemic Countries: A RCT Of Active Case Finding
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,362,910.00
Summary
Tuberculosis is the number 1 health problem in Vietnam . Many people with TB do not know they have the disease but are infectious to others. Hence, the disease continues to spread. This project will investigate the role of x-ray screening to detect and treat more people with TB, particularly those who do not have symptoms. This may be an important element of future TB control programs in Vietnam and elsewhere in our region.
Determining The Impact Of Opioid Substitution Therapy Upon Mortality And Recidivism Among Prisoners: A 22-year Data Linkage Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,114.00
Summary
This study will quantify the impact of opioid substitution therapy (OST; methadone or buprenorphine) on two important outcomes for opioid dependent prisoners: mortality, particularly in the post-release period; and subsequent criminal activity. The study will have almost 600,000 person-years of follow-up over 22 years, allowing fine grained analyses of disadvantaged subpopulations. The study has clear implications for the health of this population, crime reductions, and cost savings.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Effectiveness Of 4RIF And 9INH For Treatment Of Latent TB Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,875.00
Summary
Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is one intervention that is known to prevent the occurrence of active TB. Current treatment is based on a six to nine month course of isoniazid. The treatment has side effects in some people and many people do not complete the treatment. The present study is to test an alternative treatment regimen (4 months of rifampicin) which has fewer side-effects and is more likely to be completed.