Compared with normal-weight children, obese youth have a higher chance of developing diseases like Type 2 diabetes. With 1 in 4 Australian children now being overweight or obese, effective treatment programs need to be developed alongside those aimed at prevention. This program of research aims to identify which overweight/obese children are most likely to develop diabetes, with a particular focus on how infant nutrition regulates important growth factors to alter long-term diabetes risk.
The Genitofemoral Nerve And Gubernaculum In Testicular Descent And Inguinal Hernia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,750.00
Summary
This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testis, which when abnormal, leads to the common anomaly in infant boys of undescended testes. In addition, the tunnel through the abdominal wall which permits testicular descent very commonly fails to close afterwards, allowing the intestines to protrude through the hole to cause an inguinal hernia, which is a tender lump in the groin,and requires surgery to resolve. Our long-term aim is to understand testicular descent and inguinal closure ....This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testis, which when abnormal, leads to the common anomaly in infant boys of undescended testes. In addition, the tunnel through the abdominal wall which permits testicular descent very commonly fails to close afterwards, allowing the intestines to protrude through the hole to cause an inguinal hernia, which is a tender lump in the groin,and requires surgery to resolve. Our long-term aim is to understand testicular descent and inguinal closure well enough to develop non-surgical treatments for these two conditions, which are the two commonest abnormalities in children requiring surgery. We will examine how male hormones control descent of the testis indirectly by altering the anatomy and function of a specific nerve suplying the groin and scrotum. A simple and safe treatment that avoided surgery would be a major advance for infants in the developing world.Read moreRead less
Contribution Of Systemic Inflammatory Response To Brain Injury In Growth Restricted Newborns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$363,388.00
Summary
Growth restriction during pregnancy can damage the baby’s brain and result in poor outcomes such as learning and attention difficulties and cerebral palsy. Currently there is no treatment available to prevent brain injury in these babies. This study will explore the role of inflammation and brain injury in the growth restricted baby. We will also examine whether a readily available and safe anti-inflammatory treatment can reduce or prevent brain injury following growth restriction.
The Stunting Risk Assessment Tool: Identifying Infants At High Risk Of Impaired Growth And Development In Resource Poor Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Stunting is a neglected global health crisis. After the age of 2, irreversible health, developmental and economic consequences occur that are perpetuated across generations. Early risk prediction is key to more effective interventions. By determining the contribution of risk factors in pregnancy and early infancy, I propose to develop a tool that can be used by health workers to identify infants at high risk of stunting in early life, so that early preventive measures can be introduced.
The Limb Bud As A Model For Gubernacular Migration During Inguinoscrotal Testicular Descent.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,073.00
Summary
This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testes from its original position inside the abdomen of the fetus to the scrotum in baby boys. When this process is abnormal, it leads to the common anomaly of undescended testes. Tha ultimate aim is to understand the process well enough to consider nonoperative treatment. The study will look at the tip of the gubernaculum, the ligament that anchors the testis to the groin early in development, and how it develops a growing tip that elongates ....This project examines the mechanism of descent of the testes from its original position inside the abdomen of the fetus to the scrotum in baby boys. When this process is abnormal, it leads to the common anomaly of undescended testes. Tha ultimate aim is to understand the process well enough to consider nonoperative treatment. The study will look at the tip of the gubernaculum, the ligament that anchors the testis to the groin early in development, and how it develops a growing tip that elongates towards the scrotum. The project will examine the factors controlling this process as well as the embryological mechanism involved.Read moreRead less
Trabecular Architecture During Growth - Does It Determine Metaphyseal Peak Bone Strength In Adulthood?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$165,339.00
Summary
Skeletal fragility is common is elderly people but has its origin in childhood. Strong bone established during growth will provide more protection against occurrence of fragility fracture in old age. Identifying individuals during childhood who are at high risk of skeletal fragility, and early intervention is a strategic approach managing the burden of skeletal fragility on the ageing population.
Reducing Morbidities In Preterm Growth Restricted Neonates.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,214.00
Summary
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious complication of pregnancy and occurs when fetal growth is abnormal, resulting in a fetus that is smaller than it should be for its given gestational age. IUGR babies are at much greater risk of many short and long-term adverse outcomes. This study investigates the role that adverse cardiovascular development plays in the progression of lung, heart and brain disease in preterm IUGR newborns.