Extending The MIS BAIR Randomised Trial Of BCG To Prevent Childhood Allergy And Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$939,504.00
Summary
BCG (used till recently to prevent tuberculosis) is a potential low cost and readily available vaccine which could reduce the rates of allergy and infection in Australian children. We propose to extend our existing NHMRC-funded trial, which studies whether BCG vaccinatinon given at birth prevents the development food allergy, eczema and infection in the 1st year of life, to see if this effect continues until 5yrs of age. At this age, we can also see if BCG vaccination at birth prevents asthma.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Effectiveness Of 4RIF And 9INH For Treatment Of Latent TB Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$496,875.00
Summary
Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is one intervention that is known to prevent the occurrence of active TB. Current treatment is based on a six to nine month course of isoniazid. The treatment has side effects in some people and many people do not complete the treatment. The present study is to test an alternative treatment regimen (4 months of rifampicin) which has fewer side-effects and is more likely to be completed.
The Management To Optimise Diabetes And MEtabolic Syndrome Risk Reduction Via Nurse-led Intervention (MODERN) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,445,861.00
Summary
There is increasing recognition of society’s responsibility to provide effective and sustainable health care to the entire population and not just selected parts. This practical study will test the impact of a nurse-led, multidisciplinary prevention program to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events in middle-aged individuals at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) living in regional Australia.
New High Thoughput Animal Models To Investigate Amyloid Beta Toxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,223.00
Summary
Amyloid-beta is widely considered to cause Alzheimer’s disease. The majority of amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease brains is found as shortened forms. The role of these shortened forms is uncertain and are not being tested in current animal models. We propose to develop new models to determine and compare their respective toxic effects, and to use these new models to help identify drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease.
The Role Of Bisphenol A In The Development Of Chronic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$397,549.00
Summary
There is accumulating evidence to suggest that the environment we live in may be important in the development of chronic disease. This project examines a key environmental toxin Bisphenol A (BPA) and explores the role it has in the development of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this project, we will explore whether there is an independent relationship between BPA and the development of diabetes, CVD and obesity in humans in a prospective setting.
Should I Take Low Dose Aspirin? The 'Optimise' Decision Aid Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,337.00
Summary
An aspirin per day reduces cancer risk as well as protecting against heart disease and stroke. It's readily available, affordable and could potentially reduce the two most common causes of death and disease in Australia. However, aspirin also increases the chance of bleeding and that needs to be weighed up against the potential benefits. The challenge for patients and their healthcare providers is personalising this evidence for the individual patient. Our study develops and tests an online tool ....An aspirin per day reduces cancer risk as well as protecting against heart disease and stroke. It's readily available, affordable and could potentially reduce the two most common causes of death and disease in Australia. However, aspirin also increases the chance of bleeding and that needs to be weighed up against the potential benefits. The challenge for patients and their healthcare providers is personalising this evidence for the individual patient. Our study develops and tests an online tool that does just that.Read moreRead less
Improving Postural Stability In People With Parkinson's Disease Using Textured Insoles.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$968,538.00
Summary
Falls are a major health and injury problem for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study we propose to undertake a randomised control trial to determine the efficacy of textured insoles to improve postural stability and reduce falls risk in people with Parkinson’s disease. The success of such an inexpensive device would result in improved health outcomes for individuals and large savings in health care through a reduction in fall-related injuries.
D-Health: A Randomised Trial Of Vitamin D For Prevention Of Cancer And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,930,705.00
Summary
There is good evidence that vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones. There is now a body of work suggesting that it may play a role in other diseases such as cancer, but there is not yet sufficient information to warrant screening the population to determine their vitamin D levels or recommending routine supplementation. We plan to conduct a large-scale randomised placebo-controlled trial in which we will assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on mortality, cancer incidence ....There is good evidence that vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones. There is now a body of work suggesting that it may play a role in other diseases such as cancer, but there is not yet sufficient information to warrant screening the population to determine their vitamin D levels or recommending routine supplementation. We plan to conduct a large-scale randomised placebo-controlled trial in which we will assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on mortality, cancer incidence and many other common diseases such as diabetes.Read moreRead less
Understanding And Predicting Freezing Of Gait In Parkinson's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,580.00
Summary
Freezing of Gait (FOG) affects half of all patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) with episodes causing the feet to feel glued to the ground leading to a significant falls risk. The mechanisms underlying FOG are not well understood and current treatments are usually ineffective. Combining brain wave recording, eye-tracking and functional brain scanning we will identify the changes that precipitate an episode of FOG allowing the development of a non-invasive device to prevent falls.
Coronary Artery Calcium Score: Use To Guide Management Of Hereditary Coronary Artery Disease (CAUGHT-CAD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,762,082.00
Summary
Lifetime risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is doubled in families with premature CAD. This study will be the first randomized controlled trial of the use of coronary artery calcium scoring (CCS) in relatives of patients with premature CAD, in which treatment will be initiated based on CCS. At three years, the effectiveness of intervention will be assessed on change in plaque volume at CT coronary angiography. The results inform the guidelines regarding evaluation of families with CAD.