Maternal Gut Microbiome During Pregnancy Influences Offspring Atopy And Asthma.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$46,622.00
Summary
Allergic diseases such as food allergy and asthma have increased significantly as our exposure to bacteria has reduced. Many studies have explored exposure to bacteria in early life but few have examined the maternal bacteria we are exposed to while we develop in the womb. New studies indicate that we are exposed to many different components of our mothers gut bacteria and this might change our developing immune system and determine whether or not we get diseases like food allergy and asthma.
In Vivo Studies On Ventriculo-vascular Coupling And The Role Of Aortic Pressure Wave Morphology On Coronary Blood Flow
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,700.00
Summary
Heart disease is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. Conditions resulting in reduced blood flow to the heart are particularly common and dangerous. Despite significant progress, we still do not understand exactly how changes in heart function and the aorta (the major artery arising from the heart) affect blood flow to the heart. This study will utilise sophisticated new techniques to look at the interactions between heart function, pressure in the aorta and coronary blood flow
Effects Of Replacement And Withdrawal Of Testosterone In Human Males On Muscle, Bone And Fat
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$156,682.00
Summary
Male sex hormone or androgen deficiency (AD) is a common, but under-diagnosed condition. AD decreases well being and contributes to muscle weakness, bone fragility and weight gain. Cutting edge technology will be used to help explain how AD may relate to these negative effects, particularly on muscle function. Given the importance of aging, frailty, osteoporosis and obesity, understanding the role of hormones in these conditions may have major implications for prevention and treatment.
Cognitive And Psychosocial Functioning In Patients With Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,143.00
Summary
Children born extremely preterm are at risk of struggling at school and falling behind normal educational milestones, and having emotional problems such as anxiety. This study aims to see whether anxiety affects these children’s ability to learn and use new information. It will also determine whether an intervention targeting these thinking skills is less useful in children with higher levels of anxiety.
The Impact Of Early Experiences Of Stress And Depression On Cardiovascular Health: The Australian Lifestyle Of Our Kids (LOOK) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,183.00
Summary
This study forms part of the LOOK study examining the link between lifestyle factors and children’s health. This research will investigate the impact of early experiences of stress and depression on cardiovascular health, whilst accounting for a set of potentially confounding variables (physical activity, fatness). The uniqueness of this study lies in the multidisciplinary approach and the breadth of measures collected. Poorer mental health is expected to predict poorer cardiovascular outcomes.
Environmental Risk Factors And Genetic Modifiers For Lung Health And Lung Function In A High Risk Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,348.00
Summary
Asthma is an important determinant of respiratory health and longevity. While early life exposures are thought to be important, the evidence linking them with asthma and lung function is inconclusive. There is a scarcity of longitudinal studies and few investigate genes and environment. This study will determine whether environmental exposures along with their relevant genetic modifiers are related to increased risk of asthma and impaired lung function in a high allergy risk birth cohort.
Predicting Intrapartum Fetal Compromise At Term Using The Fetal Cerebro-umbilical Ratio And Placental Growth Factor Levels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,733.00
Summary
A lack of oxygen to a baby after the onset of labour (i.e. fetal distress) in an otherwise healthy pregnancy is one of the top three causes of death in singleton pregnancies after 37 weeks. Our previous research has shown that a late pregnancy ultrasound scan combined with a blood test from the mother measuring the levels of a placental hormone can potentially identify pregnancies at risk. We aim to assess the value of this screening test at a major tertiary hospital.
Feasibility, Safety, Adherence, And Efficacy For High Intensity Interval Training In A Hospital-Initiated Rehabilitation Program For Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$75,779.00
Summary
This project aims to investigate if high intensity interval training can be successfully integrated into a hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation program as a practical and safe alternative to the usual care exercise protocol (moderate intensity continuous training). We expect high intensity interval training will be a safe and practical option for appropriate patients, and will offer greater improvements in fitness, exercise adherence, cardiovascular risk factors, and intra-abdominal fat.