Gene targeting in the rat germ cell. The rat plays a central role in both medical research and the drug development process. Unfortunately key technologies supporting the genetic modification of the rat are currently unavailable. The development of such technology would dramatically improve the utility of the rat in many areas of medical research as well as for the pharmaceutical industry. This project proposes to develop methods to perform gene targeting experiments in the germ cells of the ....Gene targeting in the rat germ cell. The rat plays a central role in both medical research and the drug development process. Unfortunately key technologies supporting the genetic modification of the rat are currently unavailable. The development of such technology would dramatically improve the utility of the rat in many areas of medical research as well as for the pharmaceutical industry. This project proposes to develop methods to perform gene targeting experiments in the germ cells of the male rat. Successful manipulation of these cells will represent a major breakthrough towards the ultimate goal of manipulating the rat genome.Read moreRead less
Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion- A new route to therapeutics of chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, affect millions of people leading to considerable suffering, economic loss and premature death. Anti-TNF treatments have recently shown success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions, however, a substantial number of patients (~50%) do not re ....Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion- A new route to therapeutics of chronic inflammatory disease. Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, affect millions of people leading to considerable suffering, economic loss and premature death. Anti-TNF treatments have recently shown success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions, however, a substantial number of patients (~50%) do not respond to the current TNF treatments. Improved anti-TNF strategies would provide enhanced health outcomes and welcome relief to many Australians. In addition, the economic benefit of the TNF market is very substantial. Therefore the potential impact of this research is very high both for health care and economical potential.Read moreRead less
Developing technologies that support the genetic modification of rats. Rats and the mouse play critical roles in medical research. Until recently, the targeted genetic modification of a mammal was limited to the mouse. This was due to a technology that was unique to the mouse: embryonic stem (ES) cells. These cells have not been isolated from any other species. The recent development of animal cloning allows for an alternate strategy for targeting genes. We propose to develop cloning strate ....Developing technologies that support the genetic modification of rats. Rats and the mouse play critical roles in medical research. Until recently, the targeted genetic modification of a mammal was limited to the mouse. This was due to a technology that was unique to the mouse: embryonic stem (ES) cells. These cells have not been isolated from any other species. The recent development of animal cloning allows for an alternate strategy for targeting genes. We propose to develop cloning strategies in the rat that supports the genetic modification of this animal. The development of this technology will bring considerable benefits to the areas of physiological research and drug design.Read moreRead less
Towards the development of a novel live vaccine for the control of Glässer's disease (Haemophilus parasuis), a globally significant respiratory disease of swine. Respiratory diseases are common in intensively housed pigs, costing the Australian industry millions of dollars in lost production annually. Glässer's is a highly contagious and often fatal respiratory disease of pigs. Antibiotic therapy is expensive and often results in the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms. There is also a t ....Towards the development of a novel live vaccine for the control of Glässer's disease (Haemophilus parasuis), a globally significant respiratory disease of swine. Respiratory diseases are common in intensively housed pigs, costing the Australian industry millions of dollars in lost production annually. Glässer's is a highly contagious and often fatal respiratory disease of pigs. Antibiotic therapy is expensive and often results in the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms. There is also a trend to move away from the use of antibiotics in food production animals. Current vaccines are based on inactivated preparations and do not offer a high level of immune protection. Therefore, there is a great need worldwide for a live vaccine for the effective control of Glässer's disease.Read moreRead less
Molecular, physiological and environmental regulation of toxic prussic acid levels (cyanogenesis) in forage sorghum. Forage sorghum is grown widely in dry, tropical areas of Australia. The leaves contain dhurrin, a natural defence product that liberates prussic acid (cyanide) when leaf tissue is disrupted (eg when chewed). The problem is that young plants or those experiencing drought are highly toxic, resulting in financial loss through reduced nutritive value, livestock loss and wasted feed. U ....Molecular, physiological and environmental regulation of toxic prussic acid levels (cyanogenesis) in forage sorghum. Forage sorghum is grown widely in dry, tropical areas of Australia. The leaves contain dhurrin, a natural defence product that liberates prussic acid (cyanide) when leaf tissue is disrupted (eg when chewed). The problem is that young plants or those experiencing drought are highly toxic, resulting in financial loss through reduced nutritive value, livestock loss and wasted feed. Using new, non-GM technology we will identify novel genetically altered sorghum lines with negligible prussic acid. Lines with enhanced levels could be used as soil biofumigants. Breeders can use this germplasm to develop varieties tailored for increasingly dry Australian conditions. The new varieties with controlled dhurrin content will be suitable for export.Read moreRead less
LGBTI experiences of cancer survivorship and care. This project aims to understand the experiences and concerns of cancer survivors and carers within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities. This vulnerable population reports higher rates of cancer related distress and dissatisfaction with care than the general population. This project will examine the perspectives of cancer survivors, their carers, and professional stakeholders, to inform targeted patient and carer resource ....LGBTI experiences of cancer survivorship and care. This project aims to understand the experiences and concerns of cancer survivors and carers within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities. This vulnerable population reports higher rates of cancer related distress and dissatisfaction with care than the general population. This project will examine the perspectives of cancer survivors, their carers, and professional stakeholders, to inform targeted patient and carer resources, and recommendations for cancer care and policy.Read moreRead less
Functional genetic analysis of wood formation genes in Eucalyptus. Eucalypts are the world's most important plantation hardwood species due to their superior wood characteristics and high growth rates that make them excellent carbon sequestration platforms. Australia is the custodian of the world's natural eucalypt resource and our results will assist in their sustainable use with the potential to transform the national forestry industry by helping to streamline tree improvement efforts. This wi ....Functional genetic analysis of wood formation genes in Eucalyptus. Eucalypts are the world's most important plantation hardwood species due to their superior wood characteristics and high growth rates that make them excellent carbon sequestration platforms. Australia is the custodian of the world's natural eucalypt resource and our results will assist in their sustainable use with the potential to transform the national forestry industry by helping to streamline tree improvement efforts. This will be achieved by increasing our understanding of the development and production of wood, which will lead to increased productivity (more and better quality wood from less land). Custom designed wood also holds much promise for the production of novel biopolymers and as a renewable source for improved biofuels.Read moreRead less
Alcohol and tobacco use among lesbian, bisexual and queer identifying women. This project aims to examine practices of alcohol and tobacco use among lesbian, bisexual and queer-identifying (LBQ) women, which are considerably higher compared to heterosexual women. By using an innovative, longitudinal qualitative approach, this project expects to generate new knowledge regarding the cultural and social forces that shape higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use among LBQ women, and to better underst ....Alcohol and tobacco use among lesbian, bisexual and queer identifying women. This project aims to examine practices of alcohol and tobacco use among lesbian, bisexual and queer-identifying (LBQ) women, which are considerably higher compared to heterosexual women. By using an innovative, longitudinal qualitative approach, this project expects to generate new knowledge regarding the cultural and social forces that shape higher rates of alcohol and tobacco use among LBQ women, and to better understand their impacts. It is anticipated that the project will enhance the capacity of health promotion and policy organisations to meet the alcohol management and smoking cessation needs of this population. Findings from this project should help to alleviate health and social inequalities experienced by LBQ women.
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What will it take to decrease socio-economic inequalities in obesity? There is little understanding of how the increasing prevalence of obesity, and its prevention and management, may contribute to socio-economic inequalities in health. This project aims to identify policies that are most likely to both decrease the prevalence of obesity and decrease associated inequalities in health.
Assessing risk in aged mental health care. This study will explore practices and developments in relation to the assessment of risk in aged persons mental health from the perspective of multiple stakeholders. The aims are to gain a thorough understanding of existing practices with a view to developing and evaluating a comprehensive risk assessment model. The outcomes will enhance the provision of mental health services within aged mental health services.