Investigating Biomarkers Of Dementia And Improving Clinical Criteria Using Population- And Clinic-based Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$264,704.00
Summary
It is difficult to accurately diagnose an individual with dementia especially at early stages of the disease. This project aims to see what markers in the brain differentiate those with and without subtypes of dementia and to see what clinical criteria best relate to these markers. It is hoped that results will improve clinical criteria for dementia and its subtypes, thus improving the diagnostic accuracy of dementia.
To Apply Evidence Based Practice To Optimise The Laboratory Diagnosis Of Muscular Dystrophies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,642.00
Summary
Currently in Australia, muscular dystrophy diagnosis entails detailed biochemical analyses mainly performed within research laboratories. We will use evidence based practice to optimise the laboratory diagnosis of muscular dystrophies, and provide information for genetic and clinical counselling and prevention to improve the standard of service for those with the disease. Assessment of diagnostic efficacy and cost-efficiency will aid in evaluating diagnostic approaches for other rare disorders.
Role of organic matter in soil pH change in agro-ecosystems. Over 50 million hectares of arable lands in Australia are affected by soil acidity. Acidity-affected lands continue to expand due to the ongoing process of acidification under current farming practices. The project will provide new knowledge essential for the improved use and management of organic matter to minimize or reverse soil acidification and increase carbon sequestration in farming systems. The associated reduction of soil aci ....Role of organic matter in soil pH change in agro-ecosystems. Over 50 million hectares of arable lands in Australia are affected by soil acidity. Acidity-affected lands continue to expand due to the ongoing process of acidification under current farming practices. The project will provide new knowledge essential for the improved use and management of organic matter to minimize or reverse soil acidification and increase carbon sequestration in farming systems. The associated reduction of soil acidification will also minimise the negative impact of nutrient and water losses on the environment. Growers will benefit from the project through improved soil fertility and crop production, and sustainable land use. Read moreRead less
Using Epidemiology To Inform Psychiatric Classification (DSM-V And ICD-11)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,502.00
Summary
Classification systems are vital for scientific progress. The classifications of mental disorders of the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association are both being revised and this Australian team is a principal contributor to both processes. We have access to three national epidemiological surveys (n-30,000) that will inform fundamental issues by developing models of mental disorder typology and identifying practical improvements in the classification systems.
Study Of HPV 6 L1 Virus Like Paticles As Therapeutic Vaccine For Genital Warts And Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$615,608.00
Summary
This project will examine the effectiveness of a vaccine designed to prevent tumours and cancers associated with papillomarvirus infection as treatment for existing infections, and will look for predictors of a favourable outcome from treatment.
Alcohol Use Disorders In Young Adults: Youthful Epidemic Or Diagnostic Bias?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,874.00
Summary
Epidemiological studies show that 1 in 5 Australians aged 18-24 are diagnosed as having an alcohol use disorder. However, there is evidence to suggest that young adults may interpret the diagnostic criteria differently to older adults. The current study aims to validate the alcohol use disorder criteria in younger populations through the use of novel cognitive interviewing techniques.
Towards Global Control Of Scabies: Advances In Diagnosis, Treatment And Community Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
The scabies mite causes severe itch and rash and leads to infections, kidney and heart disease. Scabies affects up to 50% of children in Indigenous communities. We now know most scabies can be prevented, so we urgently need to find the most effective strategies. My research will develop new tests to help doctors to accurately diagnose scabies. I will test new medicines to treat scabies and strategies to prevent scabies and its complications in children, families and entire populations.
Links between carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest soils: An innovative approach with both NMR and stable isotope techniques. Understanding the critical links between soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest ecosystems is necessary for developing effective site management to enhance forest productivity and environmental benefits. In the first application of 14N-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to soil humic acid (HA), we have discovered that surprisingly nitrate-N is prese ....Links between carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest soils: An innovative approach with both NMR and stable isotope techniques. Understanding the critical links between soil carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in forest ecosystems is necessary for developing effective site management to enhance forest productivity and environmental benefits. In the first application of 14N-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to soil humic acid (HA), we have discovered that surprisingly nitrate-N is present in soil HAs, with the HA-nitrate N extremely sensitive to forest management practices. This project represents the first attempt to integrate the use of advanced NMR and stable isotope techniques to examine both chemical and biological linkages between carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in Australian and US forest ecosystems.Read moreRead less