Identify The Epigenetic And MicroRNA-mediated Mechanisms That Dictate The Mammary Hierarchy In Normal And Neoplastic Breast Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Our aim is to define the epigenetic and microRNA signaling in the breast epithelium cells. This information will contribute to the field’s understanding of the molecular basis of mammary gland development and also reveal novel targets for breast cancer treatment.
Stimulation Of Neurogenesis By Growth Hormone To Improve Cognition In An Aged Animal Model Of Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$550,828.00
Summary
Production of new neurons in the hippocampus of adult animals plays a role in regulating learning and memory, and this production slows continuously with increasing age. Here we explore ways to activate dormant populations of neurogenic precursor cells in the hippocampus to produce new neurons. Since the precursor cells are still present in the hippocampus of an aged animal these studies will provide unequivocal evidence for their importance in reversing age-related cognitive decline and dementi ....Production of new neurons in the hippocampus of adult animals plays a role in regulating learning and memory, and this production slows continuously with increasing age. Here we explore ways to activate dormant populations of neurogenic precursor cells in the hippocampus to produce new neurons. Since the precursor cells are still present in the hippocampus of an aged animal these studies will provide unequivocal evidence for their importance in reversing age-related cognitive decline and dementia.Read moreRead less
Cognitive changes after surgery occur in the elderly, yet the cause remains unknown. We plan to study cognition in patients having hip surgery in which general and spinal anaesthesia are used together. This allows us to sample spinal fluid which will be analysed for substances which identify a predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. By comparing the results to a group of subjects who have not undergone surgery, we hope to identify if anaesthesia and surgery exacerbate this predisposition.
Smoking Cessation For Youth Project Booster And Cohort Tracking Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$135,550.00
Summary
Adolescence is a critical period for the establishment of adult drug use behaviours. If smoking does not commence in teenage years it is unlikely to occur. This innovative project not only continues to address tobacco control with this important age group but also builds on evidence from a randomised intervention trial involving over 4,000 Year 9 students tracked over two years. This project was called the Smoking Cessation for Youth Project (SCYP). Preliminary longitudinal analyses of the SCYP ....Adolescence is a critical period for the establishment of adult drug use behaviours. If smoking does not commence in teenage years it is unlikely to occur. This innovative project not only continues to address tobacco control with this important age group but also builds on evidence from a randomised intervention trial involving over 4,000 Year 9 students tracked over two years. This project was called the Smoking Cessation for Youth Project (SCYP). Preliminary longitudinal analyses of the SCYP data indicate that the intervention students were significantly less likely to smoke heavily (smoking five or more days per week) than the control group and that intervention students were also significantly less likely to have tried smoking than the control group. These results represent a world first in evidence that population-based smoking cessation interventions among teenagers can be successful. The proposed project will determine the extent to which these positive intervention effects are sustainable, two years post intervention, as our cohort moves into Year 12. In addition to tracking the possible decay of SCYP intervention effects, the proposed project will also measure the effects of a booster intervention delivered students when they are in Year 12 (2002). The Year 12 intervention will comprise an innovative self-help 'magazine style' booster and a supportive environmental intervention involving school nurses and local GPs. This proposal represents a cost-effective opportunity to measure the effectiveness of a Year 12 tobacco cessation booster intervention. Further data on tobacco smoking behaviour in 2002 will also enable us to determine how long the SCYP intervention appears to affect behaviour and whether 'boosters' are needed in later secondary school years to maintain the benefits.Read moreRead less
Limbic Maturational Changes In Adolescence And Young Adulthood (LIMCA) - A Longitudinal Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$418,897.00
Summary
Structural and cognitive changes of the limbic regions have been linked to number psychiatric disorders. A thorough understanding of the dynamics of healthy maturation of these brain areas with age is necessary. The main aim of this research is to longitudinally study and model the neuro-developmental changes of the limbic region during adolescence and young adulthood. These will provide an invaluable template in identifying deviant patterns of limbic development in children with neuropsychiatri ....Structural and cognitive changes of the limbic regions have been linked to number psychiatric disorders. A thorough understanding of the dynamics of healthy maturation of these brain areas with age is necessary. The main aim of this research is to longitudinally study and model the neuro-developmental changes of the limbic region during adolescence and young adulthood. These will provide an invaluable template in identifying deviant patterns of limbic development in children with neuropsychiatric disorders.Read moreRead less