Centre For Clinical Research Excellence In Aboriginal Health: Sexually Transmitted And Bloodborne Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,553,623.00
Summary
This proposed new CCRE will bring together the leading Australian institution dedicated to clinical research on sexually transmitted and blood borne viral infections, and the peak organisation for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Working with nominated Aboriginal community controlled health services, the Centre will conduct innovative research that will identify new approaches to diagnosing and managing these infections while at the same time developing improved clinical guidelin ....This proposed new CCRE will bring together the leading Australian institution dedicated to clinical research on sexually transmitted and blood borne viral infections, and the peak organisation for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Working with nominated Aboriginal community controlled health services, the Centre will conduct innovative research that will identify new approaches to diagnosing and managing these infections while at the same time developing improved clinical guidelines and research capacity within the sector.Read moreRead less
Competition or cooperation between marine biofilm bacteria recycling POM? Biofilms develop on any wetted surface by adhesion and subsequent growth of microorganisms. Recycling the energy, carbon and nitrogen contained in oceanic particulate organic matter (POM) is a global process essential for life on Earth. Ocean POM is degraded by its biofilm consortia, particularly bacteria secreting digestive enzymes. It is not known whether biofilm bacteria compete or cooperate in recycling POM. This proj ....Competition or cooperation between marine biofilm bacteria recycling POM? Biofilms develop on any wetted surface by adhesion and subsequent growth of microorganisms. Recycling the energy, carbon and nitrogen contained in oceanic particulate organic matter (POM) is a global process essential for life on Earth. Ocean POM is degraded by its biofilm consortia, particularly bacteria secreting digestive enzymes. It is not known whether biofilm bacteria compete or cooperate in recycling POM. This project combines microscopy image analysis, flow cytometry and molecular genetics to determine bacterial interactions quantitatively in mixed-species biofilms on natural POM. Results will increase knowledge of bacterial community functioning and biofilm recycling of POM in marine environments.Read moreRead less
Geobiological gold cycling: Golden opportunities for the minerals industry. This project aims to develop new geobiological tools for gold exploration and processing that are rooted in a fundamental understanding of geobiological gold cycling. Given the high production costs, the sustainability of the Australian gold industry relies strongly on innovation. Yet, there are many gaps in our fundamental understanding of bio (geo)chemical gold dispersion and precipitation. This project aims to fill th ....Geobiological gold cycling: Golden opportunities for the minerals industry. This project aims to develop new geobiological tools for gold exploration and processing that are rooted in a fundamental understanding of geobiological gold cycling. Given the high production costs, the sustainability of the Australian gold industry relies strongly on innovation. Yet, there are many gaps in our fundamental understanding of bio (geo)chemical gold dispersion and precipitation. This project aims to fill these gaps by linking biochemical pathways of gold mobilisation and resistance in bacteria to its transport and biomineralisation. This would enable the development of protein-based biosensors, bioindicators and nanovectors. These would support the development of exploration and bioaccumulation technologies that allow more economically sustainable and environmentally viable mining practices, such as enhancing production from subeconomic ore.Read moreRead less
Uptake, Sustainability And Impact Of Scaling Up Point-of-care Testing For Sexually Transmissible Infections In Remote And Regional Aboriginal Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,461,788.00
Summary
Aboriginal youth experience unacceptably high rates of curable sexually transmissible infections (STI). Coverage of testing and treatment is insufficient for disease control but could be enhanced via point-of-care (POC) testing. We have been trialling a highly accurate STI/POC diagnostic in the TTANGO (Test, Treat ANd GO) trial. The TTANGO2 partnership will assess the long-term uptake, sustainability and impact of POC testing in 20 Aboriginal health services in regional/remote WA over 5 years.
A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Of Azithromycin Versus Doxycycline For The Treatment Of Rectal Chlamydia Infection In Men Who Have Sex With Men.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$797,906.00
Summary
Rectal chlamydia is very common among gay men; it can exist for long periods without symptoms leading to ongoing transmission. Azithromycin (1 gram single dose) or 7 days doxycycline (100mg twice daily) are the two recommended treatments globally. But, there is concern about rectal chlamydia treatment with reports of up to 22% failure following azithromycin. We will conduct a randomised trial to compare these treatments for rectal chlamydia and determine which drug works better.
Should Australia Introduce A National Chlamydia Testing Program? Evaluation Of A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,510.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it, yet most are unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether annual testing can reduce its spread. Over1 million tests are conducted each year in general practice, costing the government $30 million. This evaluation of a well-established trial of chlamydia testing in young adults will resolve the debate of whether annual t ....Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it, yet most are unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether annual testing can reduce its spread. Over1 million tests are conducted each year in general practice, costing the government $30 million. This evaluation of a well-established trial of chlamydia testing in young adults will resolve the debate of whether annual testing works and is a good use of money.Read moreRead less
Use Of Molecular Resistance Assays To Provide Alterative Oral Treatment Strategies For Gonorrhoea In Indigenous And Other High-risk Populations; A Randomised Cluster Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,671.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea has now developed resistance to almost all antibiotics that have been used to treat it. In this study, we will investigate a new treatment approach that selects antibiotics on a patient-by-patient basis. We will use new molecular assays to first test if a gonorrhoea strain infecting a patient is susceptible to an antibiotic, and will then treat on the basis of this result. By doing so, we will optimize our use of antibiotics and improve treatment strategies for gonorrhea.
Faecal Microbiota Transplantation For Active Ulcerative Colitis - A Randomised Controlled Trial: Clinical, Microbial & Immune Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,126.00
Summary
This is a placebo controlled clinical trial to see whether giving healthy donor faeces to people with active ulcerative colitis can get them into remission. We will also examine how long the donor microbiome stays in the recipients stool, and examine the effects of faecal transplantation on the immune response in the lining of the colon in recipients.
Sexual And Reproductive Health And Behaviours Of Young Offenders (14-18 Years) In NSW & Qld
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$869,730.00
Summary
Young Indigenous and non-Indigenous offenders in Australia aged 14 and 15 years have never been systematically surveyed regarding their sexual and reproductive health in Australia. Thus we have little information on which to base education and policy initiatives. To address this knowledge gap we will systematically survey young people in contact with the juvenile justice system aged 14-18 years to provide a comprehensive picture of their sexual and reproductive behaviours and needs.