Preventing Infections In Young Infants With Azithromycin In Labour (PreYIAL): A Blinded Placebo-controlled Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,491,051.00
Summary
Approximately one million babies die from infection each year with almost all deaths occurring in poor countries. Many of these infections are acquired from the mother around labour. Skin infection rates are very high in Pacific island countries. Our study in Fiji will determine whether a single dose of antibiotic in labour reduces infant skin infections. We will also assess the effect on maternal and infant infection rates, and the carriage of common bacterial.
Fetal Immune Response To Vertical Transmission Of Toxoplasma Gondii
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,891.00
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is a leading cause of human abortion and congenital infections of newborns. In addition, recent research implicates Toxoplasma in diagnoses of schizophrenia and other neuromental conditions. Study of Toxoplasma, it's transmission and effects of infection and development of tools such as vaccines and diagnostic technologies will lead to an improvement in health of mothers, newborns and the wider population.
Gene Expression Changes Induced Upon Beta3 Integrin Expression In Human Melanoma Metastasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$199,413.00
Summary
Diagnostic and prognostic markers for metastatic melanoma are essential to better understand the development of this cancer. One of the most effective markers so far found to correlate with invasiveness of tumour cells, and hence lethality of melanoma, is the Beta3 integrin molecule. When this protein is expressed on the surface of early stage melanoma cells, that in themselves are not able to form metastatic tumours, they convey upon the cells the ability to proceed from growing on the surface ....Diagnostic and prognostic markers for metastatic melanoma are essential to better understand the development of this cancer. One of the most effective markers so far found to correlate with invasiveness of tumour cells, and hence lethality of melanoma, is the Beta3 integrin molecule. When this protein is expressed on the surface of early stage melanoma cells, that in themselves are not able to form metastatic tumours, they convey upon the cells the ability to proceed from growing on the surface of the skin (radial growth phase) to allowing them to invade the skin (vertical growth phase). It is not clear how expression of Beta 3 allows this change in growth state to occur and this research program is designed to test if Beta 3 is the direct cause of gene expression changes mediating the metastatic transformation. To provide insight into the genetic changes induced in melanoma cells expressing the Beta3 protein a screen for genes that are either activated or repressed in the presence of Beta3 will be performed. Non-metastatic melanoma cells will be transduced with the Beta 3 gene and a molecular technique applied to these cells that can identify genetic differences which will allow the cloning of differentially expressed genes. The gene fragments that are identified will first provide clues as to what the genes are that maybe switched on or off to allow the tumour to grow beneath the skin. They will also form the basis of a Ometastatic melanoma gene panelO that can be tested for its diagnostic value of tumours. The utility and reproducibility of the gene panel will be confirmed by testing melanoma cell lines and tumour tissue. These experiments should lead to better diagnosis of metastatic melanoma and also possible new avenues to develop therapies for the disease.Read moreRead less
I am a molecular parasitologist exploring parasitism in blood-feeding human helminths, with a particular focus on the molecular biology of parasite feeding and immune evasion. I am utilizing this information to develop anti-helminth recombinant vaccines a
Next Generation Of Medical Devices And Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,738,220.00
Summary
This Investigator Project will deliver innovative technologies that improve patient wellbeing, make significant economic impact and contribute to answering complex biological questions. This will happen via delivering breakthrough technologies to prevent infections and diagnose diseases – two area that currently require substantial technological advances. In addition to helping patients and clinicians, the project will also deliver solid body of new knowledge that is currently missing.
Clinical Impact Of Clonal Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,238.00
Summary
In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the normal defence mechanisms are compromised by an inherent genetic fault which results in an extremely sticky and dehydrated mucus. The respiratory system is unable to eradicate microbes (infection) from the lungs of patients with CF which begin to multiply and cause infection and inflammation. Recurring infections are treated with multiple courses of antibiotics and frequent hospitalisation and eventually result in premature death. This study focuses on ....In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the normal defence mechanisms are compromised by an inherent genetic fault which results in an extremely sticky and dehydrated mucus. The respiratory system is unable to eradicate microbes (infection) from the lungs of patients with CF which begin to multiply and cause infection and inflammation. Recurring infections are treated with multiple courses of antibiotics and frequent hospitalisation and eventually result in premature death. This study focuses on the major bacterial problem, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Several studies from Australia and the UK, including our own have shown that about 30% to 45% of patients share the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within a centre. We know that two dominant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are found in CF centres on the eastern board of Australia. This is unexpected as this bacterium is usually acquired from the environment. The emergence of these clonal strains is causing increasing anxiety in the CF community. This study is designed to provide vitally needed information on the clinical implications of being infected by an clonal strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the risk factors for the acquisition of an clonal strain. This new information will provide a rationale basis for the need for changes to infection control policies (including patient segregation), better outcome predictors for patients infected with clonal strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Read moreRead less
Treatment Of Cerebral Palsy - An Experimental Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$589,544.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is characterised by disordered movement evident early in life leading to lifelong disability. The motor disorder arises from an abnormality within the white-matter of the brain that is non-progressive and is identifiable soon after birth. In humans and experimental models of fetal infection there is an increase in markers of inflammation. We will use induce ovine fetal infection and white matter injury to examine if anti-inflammatory treatments can prevent fetal brain damage.
Mechanisms Regulating Establishment Of Persistent Herpesvirus Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,446.00
Summary
Herpesviruses are a major cause of disease worldwide and are amongst the most successful human pathogens, with some viruses infecting more than 80% of the world's population. This group of viruses persist and reactivate in hosts and induce immunosuppression.The control of herpesviruses infections thus represents an important clinical goal. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the induction of viral persistence and immunosuppression is a crucial step towards developing better therapies.