Rapid Point Of Care Detection Of Avian Influenza Virus Using Ion-Channel Switch Biosensor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,400.00
Summary
The project aims to demonstrate a rapid, Point-of-Care test based on the Ion Channel Switch (ICS_) Biosensor for the detection and identification of Avian Influenza (AI) Virus in respiratory specimens. This proposal combines the extensive scientific skills and experience of the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS), Adelaide with the experience and existing capability of Ambri Ltd, Chatswood Sydney, to adapt an existing ICS_ Biosensor for the detection of avian influenza virus in cl ....The project aims to demonstrate a rapid, Point-of-Care test based on the Ion Channel Switch (ICS_) Biosensor for the detection and identification of Avian Influenza (AI) Virus in respiratory specimens. This proposal combines the extensive scientific skills and experience of the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS), Adelaide with the experience and existing capability of Ambri Ltd, Chatswood Sydney, to adapt an existing ICS_ Biosensor for the detection of avian influenza virus in clinical specimens. The existing ICS_ Biosensor has been shown to have reactivity with inactivated Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2 _ current, circulating human strains) and with recombinant Nucleoprotein. This unique mix of experience and infrastructure will permit the demonstration a rapid, point-of-care test for Avian Flu within the tight six months schedule.Read moreRead less
Improving Identification And Treatment Of Early-onset Behaviour Disorders In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,869.00
Summary
Most mental health problems begin in childhood and adolescence. Of these, oppositional-defiant and conduct problems in childhood are the most common precursor of all types of adult mental health problems. These children are the most common referral to child mental health clinics but little is known about which of these children will go in which direction i.e., good health, chronic antisocial behaviour, depression and anxiety, substance abuse, the psychoses. Progress in more accurately defining s ....Most mental health problems begin in childhood and adolescence. Of these, oppositional-defiant and conduct problems in childhood are the most common precursor of all types of adult mental health problems. These children are the most common referral to child mental health clinics but little is known about which of these children will go in which direction i.e., good health, chronic antisocial behaviour, depression and anxiety, substance abuse, the psychoses. Progress in more accurately defining subgroups of these children would have huge implications for early intervention for mental health problems in our community. This project proposes the first large scale analysis of genetic distributions through to behavioural and treatment factors that characterise and differentiate a large representative sample of children with conduct problems. The project will test a model of child psychopathology that links genotype, via environmental risk and emotion processing problems, to an improved diagnostic-phenotypic model for treatment of the major childhood disorder. Clinical research activities will be structured into three intersecting arms: first, identifying the genetic and behavioural subtypes of early-onset conduct problems; second, innovative treatments for these children, and third, the dissemination of findings to these children and their families via the health care system. The research will build new collaborations between established and internationally recognised clinical research teams in childhood mental health, biological psychiatry, genetics and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Statewide Network (CAMHSNET). CAMHSNET have specific responsibilities to NSW Health for expert advice and input on the development of child mental health services directions, dissemination, training, and effectiveness research.Read moreRead less
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - Improved Diagnosis With Quality Assurance Of Serological & Molecular Diagnost
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$249,019.00
Summary
This project aims to produce Quality Assurance (QA) algorithms to ensure accurate diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using serological and molecular techniques. The project will assess HPAI diagnosis accurately within the setting of other circulating respiratory illnesses, utilising a new HPAI module, ,in combination with existing modules within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA) Serology Quality Assurance Program (SQAP). This will ensure rapid, cost-efficie ....This project aims to produce Quality Assurance (QA) algorithms to ensure accurate diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using serological and molecular techniques. The project will assess HPAI diagnosis accurately within the setting of other circulating respiratory illnesses, utilising a new HPAI module, ,in combination with existing modules within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA) Serology Quality Assurance Program (SQAP). This will ensure rapid, cost-efficient improvements in diagnostics by utilizing existing infrastructure. The key elements of the project are: Introduction of quality assurance processes to ensure accurate diagnosis and to evaluate existing and developing laboratory testing procedures, test accuracy, and result interpretation; Involvement of human and veterinary laboratories in the QA and development processes; Production of suitable antigenic material through molecular virology as targets for HPAI antibody and molecular diagnostics in QA programs. This will thereby allow large quantities of non-infectious material for HPAI QA assessment of serological and molecular assays around Australia, using baculovirus expressed antigens and cloned gene targets respectively. These projects are designed within a short (<12 month) time frame in order to fulfil the needs of the Australian community in controlling the developing HPAI avian pandemic, and the possible human pandemic. Significant positive outcomes in the next six months are assured by the existence of current QA processes, experience in influenza research already available in the human and animal health laboratories involved, the research records of the groups, and the close existing linkages between the research, QA, diagnostic and avian virology groups.Read moreRead less
Risk Of Brain Cancer From Exposure To Radiofrequency Fields In Childhood And Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$708,426.00
Summary
Mobile phone use is increasing in Australia, especially among children and young adults. This study is the Australian arm of an international multi-centre study that will investigate exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone use during childhood and adolescence and later onset of brain tumours in people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. There is considerable community concern and scientific interest about possible health effects from mobile phone exposure in young people and this ....Mobile phone use is increasing in Australia, especially among children and young adults. This study is the Australian arm of an international multi-centre study that will investigate exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile phone use during childhood and adolescence and later onset of brain tumours in people between the ages of 10 and 24 years. There is considerable community concern and scientific interest about possible health effects from mobile phone exposure in young people and this multi-centre study will provide important information about such cancer risks.Read moreRead less
This project will develop and test a new cell-based anticancer vaccine for patients with Prostate cancer. The collaboration will involve French, Italian, Austrian and German researchers. Blood will be taken from patients in the clinical trial, the patient's cells will be converted into a cell vaccine, and these cells will be labelled with a radioactive tracer and re-injected into the host. Australian researchers at the Centre for Blood Cell Therapies at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will the ....This project will develop and test a new cell-based anticancer vaccine for patients with Prostate cancer. The collaboration will involve French, Italian, Austrian and German researchers. Blood will be taken from patients in the clinical trial, the patient's cells will be converted into a cell vaccine, and these cells will be labelled with a radioactive tracer and re-injected into the host. Australian researchers at the Centre for Blood Cell Therapies at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre will then track the performance of the vaccine using advanced diagnostic imaging to determine how effective the vaccine is in stimulating the body's own defence mechanisms to fight the cancer. Multiple versions of the treatment are being developed by the international collaboration and the Institute will help determine which approach is most effective in combating cancer. The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is the foremost centre worldwide for this type of cell tracking study.Read moreRead less
Developing And Testing A Pain Management Program For Family Caregivers Of Advanced Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,500.00
Summary
To improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. A secondary aim is to examine the effect of a pain education program (PEP) on patients' actual pain experiences. This study builds on pilot data indicating that a pain education program (PEP) for family carers of cancer patients in a home based palliative service is effective in improving family carers' knowledge of pain management and family carers' attitudes toward managing the patient's pain. The PEP ....To improve cancer patients' and family carers' knowledge and attitudes about pain management. A secondary aim is to examine the effect of a pain education program (PEP) on patients' actual pain experiences. This study builds on pilot data indicating that a pain education program (PEP) for family carers of cancer patients in a home based palliative service is effective in improving family carers' knowledge of pain management and family carers' attitudes toward managing the patient's pain. The PEP will be tested with both patients with progressive or recurrent cancer and their family carers, taking into account three recommendations arising from the pilot study: Both patients and family carers should be included in the education sessions to ensure that they receive the same information because the attitudes and behaviours of those close to the patient can directly influence outcomes; Recruitment should occur at an early stage of the illness rather than the palliative stage so that patients will be well enough to participate in the education sessions and the information provided will be useful for a longer period of time; Education sessions should be short and be delivered in the outpatient oncology settings, which is more cost-effective and typical of the way that the intervention will be delivered in practice, if found to be effective.Read moreRead less
Primary Care: What Is Their Approach To Patients With Advanced Cancer And Those Who Require Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$50,000.00
Summary
It is recommended that 50-60% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy at some time in their disease. However, only 38% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy in Australia. Advanced cancer patients may be missing out on radiotherapy because they are not referred for palliative radiotherapy. The specific aims of this study are to: Explore the primary care approach to patients with advanced cancer and particularly those who require radiotherapy; Define factors that influence how Australian ....It is recommended that 50-60% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy at some time in their disease. However, only 38% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy in Australia. Advanced cancer patients may be missing out on radiotherapy because they are not referred for palliative radiotherapy. The specific aims of this study are to: Explore the primary care approach to patients with advanced cancer and particularly those who require radiotherapy; Define factors that influence how Australian GPs respond to symptoms of advanced cancer; Map the patients’ perspective on current referral practice for palliative care. This project will be comprised of three stages: simulated consultations with GPs, survey of GPs and patient interviews. These methods will enable researchers to develop an understanding of the primary care approach to patients with advanced cancer and those who require radiotherapy and how patients with advanced disease are referred for treatment.Read moreRead less
Using Single Patient Trials To Determine The Effectiveness Of Psychostimulants In Fatigue In Advanced Cancer Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$162,563.00
Summary
The lack of good evidence in palliative care (PC) is widely acknowledged but research in PC is difficult. Methodological barriers include: difficulties in recruitment, high rates of attrition, problems with maintaining distinct and sustainable intervention strategies, poorly chosen outcomes and opposition to randomization. Organizational barriers include: lack of research infrastructure, few trained clinical researchers, prioritisation of clinical responsibilities and funding difficulties. The h ....The lack of good evidence in palliative care (PC) is widely acknowledged but research in PC is difficult. Methodological barriers include: difficulties in recruitment, high rates of attrition, problems with maintaining distinct and sustainable intervention strategies, poorly chosen outcomes and opposition to randomization. Organizational barriers include: lack of research infrastructure, few trained clinical researchers, prioritisation of clinical responsibilities and funding difficulties. The hierarchy of evidence rates RCTs as the gold standard. An alternative is the n-of-1 trial: a randomized, double-blind cross-over comparison of active drug with placebo or another drug. The patient is in effect their own control. N-of-1 trials provide an objective means of testing the effectiveness of medicines in individual patients, providing evidence stronger than RCT evidence for the efficacy of that drug in that particular individual. If multiple n-of-1 trials are conducted, the resultant data amounts to RCT evidence for that treatment in a population. We propose n-of-1 trials as a workable option for researching the benefit of drugs and other therapies in PC patients. If successful, this model could be accepted internationally as the gold standard for research in this difficult population group. This would be a world first and of great national and international significance. In advanced cancer, the prevalence of fatigue is very high at 60-90% and can be related to the treatment or the disease itself. The impact of fatigue on function (physical, mental, social and spiritual) and hence quality of life (QOL) is very significant for many palliative patients as well as their families-carers. The role of pyschostimulants in the management of fatigue in patients with advanced cancer and life limiting disease needs to be defined. We will conduct n-of-1 trials of psychostimulants (i.e. methylphenidate) for fatigue in a group of 40 patients, recruited from 5 sites around Australia through a national clinical trial network recently set up for palliative care research. Managing fatigue with treatment supported by the best possible evidence for individual patients and producing any improvement in fatigue will improve patients� functional status, and will greatly improve QOL for patients and carers.Read moreRead less
Early Referral To Palliative Care; A Randomised Trial Of Patients With Metastatic Cancers & A Survival Expec Of
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,250.00
Summary
It is not known when, in the course of incurable cancer, palliative care advice should be sought. A randomised trial will be conducted on patients consulting with a medical or radiation oncologist. Consenting patients will be randomised to either receive palliative care advice immediately or somewhat later after diagnosis. The consequences of early contact with palliative care professionals will be documented using a range of patient measures including quality of life, symptom control and assess ....It is not known when, in the course of incurable cancer, palliative care advice should be sought. A randomised trial will be conducted on patients consulting with a medical or radiation oncologist. Consenting patients will be randomised to either receive palliative care advice immediately or somewhat later after diagnosis. The consequences of early contact with palliative care professionals will be documented using a range of patient measures including quality of life, symptom control and assessment of unmet needs. The research includes a cost consequence analysis.Read moreRead less