2005 RESEARCH - 7 projects, $66,705 Gaining a better understanding anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic disease. Chief Investigators: Dr Simon Brown, Dr Dominic Mallon, Prof Patrick Holt Amount Awarded: $10,000 SPONSORED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY To better understand anaphylaxis and how to respond to it, samples will be taken from patients with life-threatening allergies (to foods, venoms etc.) and these will be studied to determine immune system responses. Perth Allergenic Pollen Study: A pilot study of airborne pollen and spores to determine their concentration and variation in different localities and weather conditions. Chief Investigators: Dr Dominic Mallon, Dr Lynne Milne Amount Awarded: $9,700 SPONSORED BY THE BREMICK GROUP In WA approx. 20% of 6-7 year olds suffer from asthma and 15% suffer from allergic rhinitis. In Europe and North America, detailed measurement and reporting of pollen concentrations allows pollen-sensitive patients to take measures to reduce their exposure or alter their medications. In this study the researchers will capture pollen and spores to determine their concentration in the Perth atmosphere, and is the first step towards developing a similar reporting mechanism for WA. Targeted radioimmunotherapy in patients with aggressive lymphoma unresponsive to standard treatment. Chief Investigators: Dr Roslyn Francis, Dr J Harvey Turner, Dr Michael Leahy, Mr  Boucek Amount Awarded: $7,000 SPONSORED BY WOODSIDE EMPLOYEES 50TH ANNIVERSARY In a previous trial at Fremantle Hospital, it was found that a pharmaceutical used to prevent transplant rejection, when combined with radioimmunotherapy, resulted in a 50% response rate without significant side effects in patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The researchers will now repeat this method and hope for a similar result in patients with Hodgkins disease who are unresponsive to other treatments. Severe streptococcal infection in WA - understanding the "flesh-eating" disease. Chief Investigator: Dr Duncan McLellan Amount Awarded: $10,000 SPONSORED BY THE FREMANTLE HOSPITAL LADIES AUXILLIARY Streptococcal infection has a major imipact on human health, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds although some people are known to be at more risk than others. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of the nature and spread of the infection in WA to better identify those at risk, which strains of bacteria are circulating, and whether a vaccine currently in development will be effective in WA. The effect of drug therapy on cardiac function after systemic inflammation. Chief Investigator: Dr Leon Neethling, Dr Andrew Hodge Amount Awarded: $9,796 SPONSORED BY STAFF OF THE SMHS (FREODOCTORLOTTERY) Patients suffering from blood poisoning (sepsis) have a high death rate, and low heart function contributes to a very high death rate among these patients in intensive care units. There is evidence that heart function and blood flow are both influenced by toxins formed by sepsis, and the aim of this study is to improve heart function with a combination of drugs. The role of a growth factors (TGF-b) in scar formation. Chief Investigator: Dr Ian Lawrance Amount Awarded: $10,000 SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY Studies of foetuses that have undergone in-vitro surgery show that their wounds heal without scarring, while all adult wounds will scar. This researcher will look at the difference between foetal wound healing and adult wound healing with the aim of developing therapies that promote tissue regeneration without scarring. He hopes to apply the results specifically to inflammatory bowel diseases. The role of genetic mutations in hereditary haemachromatosis. Chief Investigator: Dr Ross Graham, Dr Debbie Trinder, Prof John Olynyk Amount Awarded: $9,989 SPONSORED BY THE FREMANTLE FOOTBALL CLUB Hereditary haemachromatosis (iron overload) is a common genetic disorder that affects one in 200 Australians. The liver and other organs become overloaded with iron, and untreated this can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. One form of haemachromatosis is caused by mutations in a newly discovered molecule, so the researchers will study mutations of this molecule to investigate how it modifies iron metabolism and leads to the disease.

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