Improving Efficacy Of Vaccination Against The Gut Pathogen Helicobacter Pylori
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$504,000.00
Summary
Helicobacter pylori are bacteria which live in the stomachs of half the World's population, where they are the main cause of two types of stomach cancers, as well as stomach and duodenal ulcers. The development of a vaccine against this organism would have a major impact on these diseases. Unfortunately, while there has been some success in animal models, the results from clinical trials have so far been disappointing. A key issue with vaccines against H. pylori is their poor efficacy, i.e. alth ....Helicobacter pylori are bacteria which live in the stomachs of half the World's population, where they are the main cause of two types of stomach cancers, as well as stomach and duodenal ulcers. The development of a vaccine against this organism would have a major impact on these diseases. Unfortunately, while there has been some success in animal models, the results from clinical trials have so far been disappointing. A key issue with vaccines against H. pylori is their poor efficacy, i.e. although they produce a significant reduction in bacteria numbers in animal models, they do not clear all of the bacteria. The remaining bacteria are sufficient to continue to cause disease. It is currently not understood how these vaccines work in mice, which makes it very difficult to improve their design. An additional problem common to all human vaccines, is the lack of a suitable adjuvant. An adjuvant is a non-specific vaccine component which is required to activate the immune system. Thus, for an effective vaccine it is essential to identify suitable adjuvants which will work against H. pylori and can be used in people. The chief investigator on this project has been working in the H. pylori vaccine field, in both academia and industry, for 8 years. He very recently identified an immunisation regime which greatly increases the effectiveness of vaccination against H. pylori in an animal model. The main aim of this project is to further develop this novel discovery to identify key immune factors that are critical to making an improved vaccine. In addition, the two associate investigators are experts in the area of adjuvants for human vaccines, and will help to test new vaccine systems in the H. pylori model. If successful, this project will generate highly significant data that will strongly contribute towards the design of an improved vaccine strategy against H. pylori in people.Read moreRead less
Functional Relationships Of Gastrin And Its Regulators In The Developing And Diseased Gastrointestinal Tracts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$607,832.00
Summary
Gastrin is a hormone from the stomach which aids digestion by stimulating acid secretion. However too much acid can cause ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrin also stimulates growth of the lining of the stomach and intestines. This growth promoting effect is important for the development of the gastrointestinal tract before birth and may also be involved in a number of cancers especially colon cancer. Several different forms of gastrin are made by endocrine cells of the stomach and by c ....Gastrin is a hormone from the stomach which aids digestion by stimulating acid secretion. However too much acid can cause ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrin also stimulates growth of the lining of the stomach and intestines. This growth promoting effect is important for the development of the gastrointestinal tract before birth and may also be involved in a number of cancers especially colon cancer. Several different forms of gastrin are made by endocrine cells of the stomach and by cancers of the colon. It seems that the different types of gastrins have different effects and act through distinct receptors. The production and effects of gastrin are mediated in part by the local factor histamine and modified by the hormone somatostatin. The amount, type and activity of gastrin, and the interactions with histamine and somatostatin, will be measured in foetal and newborn animals, and people with or at risk of developing colon cancer.Read moreRead less
PREVENTION OF HOSPITAL ACQUIRED PRESSURE ULCERS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,652.00
Summary
Pressure ulcers are frequently encountered in hospitalised patients. Several factors such as immobility, poor circulation, malnutrition and aging skin and tissue, along with pressure, moisture and friction (shear) from hospital bedding, contribute to their development. Pressure ulcers usually occur over bony prominences. Here, internal tissue pressures are most intense where the skin contacts the supporting surface. The principles for efficient prevention of pressure ulcers are to reduce pressur ....Pressure ulcers are frequently encountered in hospitalised patients. Several factors such as immobility, poor circulation, malnutrition and aging skin and tissue, along with pressure, moisture and friction (shear) from hospital bedding, contribute to their development. Pressure ulcers usually occur over bony prominences. Here, internal tissue pressures are most intense where the skin contacts the supporting surface. The principles for efficient prevention of pressure ulcers are to reduce pressure on the classic ulcer sites, interrupt the pressure frequently, keep the stressed area dry, and provide a low friction cushioning interface between the patient and bed. Sheepskins have been claimed to be of value in the prevention of pressure ulcers. The therapeutic value is believed to be due to the pressure relieving properties of the dense woolpile, the moisture absorbing properties of the wool and the low friction at the wool-tip surface. The CSIRO Leather Research Centre has facilitated the development of an Australian Standard for Medical Sheepskins. In his address at the launch of this Standard (July 1997), Dr Michael Wooldridge, Federal Minister for Health, stated that pressure ulcers would cost the Australian health system over $350M in that year. To unequivocally establish the efficacy of sheepskins in preventing the onset of pressure ulcers, and to meet the present requirements for evidence based medicine, a rigorous Randomised Controlled Trial is essential. CSIRO, in conjunction with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne School of Postgraduate Nursing, Deakin University and Fremantle Hospital, plan to undertake a study into the prevention of hospital acquired pressure ulcers comparing the efficacy of two mattress covers: sheepskin overlays and the standard hospital sheet and mattress with or without other low technological constant pressure supports.Read moreRead less
Development And Pre-clinical Evaluation Of A Novel Wound Dressing Treatment For Chronic Ulcers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,040.00
Summary
Chronic leg ulcers are a common, painful and costly reality for many Australians, impacting on sufferers' mobility, social interactions and overall quality of life. This research is directed at developing a novel cost-effective wound dressing for treatment of this condition. This will be achieved through neutralising the ulcer's toxic proteolytic environment through an interactive wound dressing. This then will allow the body's own cells to promote wound healing.
Identifying The Relationship Between Biochemical Markers And Healing In Chronic Leg Ulcers Treated With Compression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,159.00
Summary
Chronic leg ulcers are a significant cause of pain, immobility and decreased quality of life for 1 - 3% of the over 60 years age group. The condition is difficult to heal and commonly becomes a long term problem, costing the Australian health care system over $500 million - year. Additional costs to the community include loss of productivity and social support systems necessary for people with limited mobility. As the number of people aged over 65 years is expected to double in the next few deca ....Chronic leg ulcers are a significant cause of pain, immobility and decreased quality of life for 1 - 3% of the over 60 years age group. The condition is difficult to heal and commonly becomes a long term problem, costing the Australian health care system over $500 million - year. Additional costs to the community include loss of productivity and social support systems necessary for people with limited mobility. As the number of people aged over 65 years is expected to double in the next few decades, this problem will become increasingly significant. Most chronic leg ulcers are caused by venous disease, and compression bandage therapy is the accepted standard treatment. However, there is little information available on the cellular responses associated with compression treatment and how they promote wound healing. The project proposed here will examine the cellular responses to compression and investigate the relationships between these cellular responses and wound healing. Knowledge gained from the study will provide valuable information for improved techniques to promote wound healing, improved ulcer healing rates, informed decisions on wound care treatment, improved qualtiy of life and reduced health care costs.Read moreRead less
Evaluation A Novel Vitronectin:growth Factor Complex For Treatment Of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$854,975.00
Summary
Chronic leg ulcers in the elderly are an important problem, diminshing quality of life and costing at least A$1 billion per year. New treatments are urgently required. This study will test a new topical growth factor therapy designed to have greatly improved activity in wounds.The project is a collaboration between scientists and doctors at the Queensland Univeristy of Technology and the University of Western Australia. Many wound types may ultimately benefit from this treatment.