Early Detection Of Coronary Artery Disease: An Opportunity To Start Secondary Prevention Without A Coronary Event
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in Australia, and prevention is key. Our current techniques for predicting who is at high risk of CAD are imperfect or expensive. We aim to study how using the combination of a genetic and metabolic risk score can be used to cost-effectively predict this risk more accurately. By doing so, we aim to develop a new combined test to identify Australians at high risk of CAD so that prevention can be started early.
In Vitro And In Vivo Investigation Of Actin Regulation In The Malaria Parasite
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,294.00
Summary
Malaria parasites move in a unique way. They move across cell surfaces and infect human cells using a unique molecular motor that allows them to, literally, glide. The research proposal outlined here is focused on understanding a key part of the motor – the dynamic protein actin – and by understanding how it is regulated develop new potential targets for novel drugs that might stop movement and, therefore, help prevent or treat malaria disease.
Ischaemic Stroke And Atrial Fibrillation: Development Of A Novel Artificial Intelligence System Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,335.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm which is a common cause of stroke. AF can often go unrecognized as patients may have no symptoms. This project aims to develop computer software which can automatically detect underlying AF based on MRI brain scan pattern, in patients who have had an acute stroke. This project has the potential to offer several benefits, including reduced need for costly investigations, improved AF detection and a larger pool of patients being treated for AF.
The Haemodynamic Effects Of Cardiac Compression By Large Hiatal Hernia And The Relationship To Exercise Impairment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,270.00
Summary
Large hiatal herniae (HH) often cause debilitating exercise intolerance - the mechanism of which is unknown. This project will define the functional and haemodynamic significance of cardiac compression in patients with large HH, providing new insights into the mechanism of exercise impairment in these patients as well as clinical tools for pre-operative selection of patients likely to benefit most from surgical repair.
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.
Cardio-oncology is dedicated to preventing and treating cardiovascular issues in cancer patients. We aim to establish the first Australian perspective on this emerging field. We will assess the role of biomarkers in detecting cardiotoxicity from cancer therapy so patients can be safely guided through their cancer treatment. Finally, we will investigate if advanced cardiac imaging can detect cardiotoxicity earlier so patients can have optimal cancer therapy whilst preserving cardiac function.
Anatomy, Epidemiology And Aetiology Of Tricuspid Valve Disease And Its Impact On The Development Of Emerging Transcatheter Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,662.00
Summary
Tricuspid valve disease is common, associated with poor prognosis and has few available treatment options. The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the burden of tricuspid valve disease, and the factors that drive its occurrence and progression. We also aim to improve our practice of pacemaker/defibrillator insertion (which can injury the tricuspid valve). Our investigations will help inform improvement in the treatment of this condition, including minimally invasive options.
The Effect Of Moderate And High Intensity Exercise On Cardiovascular Health And Cardiac Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,615.00
Summary
The interface between exercise, risk markers, atherosclerosis and cardiac function remains an understudied area of great public health importance. Our project will assess the effect of moderate and high intensity exercise on markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiac remodelling.
Identifying Neuroanatomical Sub-phenotypes Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,129.00
Summary
The clinical presentation of schizophrenia is varied across individuals, and has arguably hindered efforts to determine its cause/s. This project seeks to address this issue by investigating biological commonality in patients, to identify subgroups of schizophrenia patients with similar brain abnormalities, with the overall aim to examine cognitive and clinical characteristics and candidate genetic markers in association with biologically derived subtypes of schizophrenia.
Dynamic Imaging Of The Immune Response In Lymph Nodes By Two-photon Microscopy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,514.00
Summary
Despite the enormous contribution of vaccination to the prevention of human disease and suffering, little is known about the laws that govern the selection and survival of B cells during the response to infection or vaccination. Our research projects aim to integrate several cutting-edge technologies, including two-photon microscopy, in order to understand the cellular and molecular basis of immunity.