Prevention Of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) And Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) In Victoria's Vulnerable Populations: The Impact Of Early And Regular Testing.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,183.00
Summary
The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between early and regular testing of STIs and BBVs and transmission outcomes to inform effective strategies to prevent ongoing transmission of STIs and BBVs in at-risk populations. Specifically it will examine HIV, chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria. This project will aim to identify prevention and health promotion strategies and methods of implementation to reduce the individual an ....The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between early and regular testing of STIs and BBVs and transmission outcomes to inform effective strategies to prevent ongoing transmission of STIs and BBVs in at-risk populations. Specifically it will examine HIV, chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria. This project will aim to identify prevention and health promotion strategies and methods of implementation to reduce the individual and community cost associated with STIs and BBVs.Read moreRead less
Hepatitis C affects between 1-3% of Australians. Currently, there is no effective vaccine and only 30% will spontaneously clear infection, while the remained develop a chronic disease with a small risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a two different treatment regimens among individuals with recent Hepatitis C infection; and define the risk factors and natural history of Hepatitis C superinfection during treatmen ....Hepatitis C affects between 1-3% of Australians. Currently, there is no effective vaccine and only 30% will spontaneously clear infection, while the remained develop a chronic disease with a small risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a two different treatment regimens among individuals with recent Hepatitis C infection; and define the risk factors and natural history of Hepatitis C superinfection during treatment.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Impact Of Harm Reduction Program Coverage On The Incidence Of Blood Borne Viruses And Related Risk Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$86,073.00
Summary
The provision of clean injecting equipment to people who inject drugs (PWID) is a crucial harm reduction intervention that has helped reduce the spread of blood borne viruses. The level to which PWID needs are adequately met is known as “coverage”, and it is the aim of this study to examine how variations in coverage impacts on PWID risk behaviours and health outcomes over time. This project will make important contributions to the evidence base for harm reduction and future implementation.
Individualising Care For Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C: Predicting Side Effects And Treatment Response Using Genomic And Proteomic Approaches.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,575.00
Summary
Patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C must endure a treatment characterized by unpredictable treatment side effects and uncertainty about the likelihood of cure. This project will investigate genetic predictors of treatment related side-effects and protein markers to predict treatment response. Better definition of the risks and benefits of therapy, may facilitate patients and clinicians to make more informed decisions about treatment, thus individualising treatment and potentially impro ....Patients undergoing treatment for hepatitis C must endure a treatment characterized by unpredictable treatment side effects and uncertainty about the likelihood of cure. This project will investigate genetic predictors of treatment related side-effects and protein markers to predict treatment response. Better definition of the risks and benefits of therapy, may facilitate patients and clinicians to make more informed decisions about treatment, thus individualising treatment and potentially improving the safety and efficacy of therapy.Read moreRead less
Models Of Care For Hepatitis C In The Era Of Directly Acting Antivirals
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,608.00
Summary
This project aims to evaluate how service delivery can enhance the impact of directly acting antivirals (DAA) on hepatitis C treatment uptake in three parts: i) To assess the impact of ten integrated hepatology nurses on treatment uptake in Victoria ii) To assess the feasibility of patient driven contact tracing to treat hepatitis C with DAA in a study of people who inject drugs iii) To assess the impact of offering DAA therapy in primary health care compared with a hospital.
Type 1 Diabetes And The Metabolic Syndrome: Defining This Modern-day Phenotype, And Exploring The Effects Of Exercise On Glycaemic Control And Both Traditional And Novel Diabetes Complications
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
This research aims to define trends in the prevalence of, and complications associated with, metabolic syndrome in adults with type 1 diabetes, using the Australian National Diabetes Information Audit and Benchmarking Initiative (ANDIAB). Subsequently, a randomised controlled trial will examine the effect of exercise on glycaemic control and diabetes complications risk profiles in this group. These studies will thus address disease profiles and a potential beneficial clinical intervention.
Clearing Chronic Infectious Diseases – Enhancing Host Immune Effector Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Chronic infections produced by pathogens such as HIV, overwhelm our immune system leading to an exhausted state where cells responsible for the clearance of invading microorganisms are unable to respond effectively. We have recently identified a highly promising therapeutic target that enhances immune effector function. We seek to understand the underlying mechanism, and to explore the therapeutic potential of this approach for the treatment of a broad range of pathogens, including those respons ....Chronic infections produced by pathogens such as HIV, overwhelm our immune system leading to an exhausted state where cells responsible for the clearance of invading microorganisms are unable to respond effectively. We have recently identified a highly promising therapeutic target that enhances immune effector function. We seek to understand the underlying mechanism, and to explore the therapeutic potential of this approach for the treatment of a broad range of pathogens, including those responsible for chronic disease.Read moreRead less
Closed-loop Insulin Delivery Compared With Islet Cell Transplantation For Adults With Type 1 Diabetes And Impaired Awareness Of Hypoglycaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,745.00
Summary
Hypoglycaemia in adults with type 1 diabetes is common. Evaluation of therapies – the ‘artificial pancreas’ and islet cell transplantation - is warranted in a cohort with repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia. This proposal will assess whether the ‘artificial pancreas’ and islet cell transplantation, compared with usual insulin therapy, will reduce hypoglycaemia and improve other clinical outcomes over 6 months. This has potential to expand therapies used in current clinical practice.
Determinants Of Glycemic Control In Australian Children With Type 1 Diabetes- A National Population Based Study.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,524.00
Summary
The aim of the study is to examine the influence of practices and therapies used in Australian youth with Type 1 Diabetes and the clinical and demographic predictors of blood glucose control. Optimized blood glucose control reduces the risk of progression to kidney disease, vision impairment and cardiovascular disease. This study will provide insight into the influences on blood glucose control, including those that are modifiable. This will provide an evidence base to inform clinical practice.