Predicting Treatment Response To Onabotulinumtoxin-a In MS-related Tremor: A Combined Clinical, Electrophysiological And Neuroimaging Approach.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,359.00
Summary
Shaking (tremor) of the upper limbs occur in many people with multiple sclerosis (MS). We have previously shown that botulinum toxin (Botox) injections could help reduce tremor. This study aims to study the effect of Botox in a larger group of people with MS and will include detailed MRI scans and electrical tremor monitoring tests to define the underlying changes in the brain that causes tremor. The results will help make Botox available as a tremor treatment for people with MS.
Determining The Best Outcome Measures For Assessing Cost-Effectiveness Of Interventions For Childhood Mental Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,837.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate which are the best outcome measures to use to assess the cost-effectiveness of interventions and services for children with mental disorders. The study will have great policy and practice relevance as it will help ensure that only services and interventions which work and provide good-value-for money are offered to children with such problems.
The Validity Of ‘8 Instruments’ Used To Include Quality Of Life In Economic Evaluation In 8 Disease Areas And 6 Countries
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$856,212.00
Summary
The Quality of Life is incorporated in the economic evaluation of health services using different ‘utility instruments’. Small scale comparative studies reveal large discrepancies between measurements. Very few studies combine multiple utility and disease specific instruments and to date no studies have compared utility instruments with scales measuring subjective wellbeing (happiness) or human capabilities. This project will mount the largest cross national survey to date of these questions.
Improving The Measurement Of Non-fatal Injury Burden - Validating The Global Burden Of Disease (GBD) Project Through Synthesis And Analysis Of The Six Leading Injury Outcome Cohort Studies From Around The World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$155,443.00
Summary
This project will use data from the six largest and most comprehensive cohort studies across five countries to evaluate methods for determining the disability associated with injury. The findings will direct how injury burden is measured for by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, and for individual country or region-specific studies. The research will have direct relevance to Australia by improving outcome measurement in ways that are critical for enhanced clinical, public health policy an ....This project will use data from the six largest and most comprehensive cohort studies across five countries to evaluate methods for determining the disability associated with injury. The findings will direct how injury burden is measured for by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, and for individual country or region-specific studies. The research will have direct relevance to Australia by improving outcome measurement in ways that are critical for enhanced clinical, public health policy and planning settings.Read moreRead less
Improving Patient Outcome Following Arthroscopic Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,591.00
Summary
Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is the ‘gold standard’ for treating knee cartilage defects. Traditionally, ACI was performed through open surgery. However, ACI can now be performed through ‘keyhole’ surgery, decreasing the co-morbidity of open surgery. Furthermore, optimal patient outcome is limited by a lack of knowledge in effective post-operative rehabilitation. This project will evaluate outcomes following ACI performed through keyhole surgery, in conjunction with 'accelerated' reh ....Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is the ‘gold standard’ for treating knee cartilage defects. Traditionally, ACI was performed through open surgery. However, ACI can now be performed through ‘keyhole’ surgery, decreasing the co-morbidity of open surgery. Furthermore, optimal patient outcome is limited by a lack of knowledge in effective post-operative rehabilitation. This project will evaluate outcomes following ACI performed through keyhole surgery, in conjunction with 'accelerated' rehabilitation.Read moreRead less
Longitudinal Communication Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,171.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in young Australians. The condition frequently manifests in impaired verbal communication. Communication is essential to successful rehabilitation, and return to society. However, the critical time for delivery of optimal treatment for communication remains unknown. This prospective longitudinal study will examine communication recovery following (TBI) to identify predictors of recovery and the best time to offer treatment.
Premature Mortality Post Fracture:A NSW Linked Data Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,012.00
Summary
Osteoporotic fractures are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Anti-osteoporosis medications reduce re-fracture and possibly morality, yet osteoporosis is poorly treated. This study will link information from >260,000 people (45&Up study) with hospital admissions, medications and deaths to create the largest, detailed dataset of its kind. We will be able to determine cause of any fracture-associated mortality and the effect of medication to improve osteoporosis management.
Perinatal Stress Leads To Neurosteroid Deficits And Adverse Behavioural Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,198,042.00
Summary
This grant will examine the effect of psychosocial stress experienced after birth on the production and regulation of steroid hormones in the brain of newborn animals. The work will investigate how stress changes the levels these brain steroids and sensitivity to them and if these effects are remain into adulthood. The studies will then determine if these changes lead to adolescent behaviour disorders. The effectiveness of steroid therapies in treating these disorders will also be determined.
Helping Stroke Physicians Choose Who To Thrombolyse - The Targeting Optimal Thrombolysis Outcomes (TOTO) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,073,140.00
Summary
Thrombolysis using alteplase is one of the most effective treatments for stroke but is currently used in only 5% of stroke cases. A major barrier is a lack of tools to identify who will benefit from treatment, or who might have a major adverse event. In this study we will develop a clinical decision rule based on clinical data, advanced CT imaging, and blood biomarkers to help identify those who will benefit and those likely to bleed, to encourage wider use of this treatment in acute stroke.
Fetal Sex: An Important Determinant Of The Placental Transcriptome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$553,574.00
Summary
There are fetal sex differences in pregnancy outcomes that place boys at greater risk than girls. These are likely caused by genetic differences in the placenta. We will use 21st century gene sequencing technology to obtain the complete sequence of placental genes in early pregnancy and normal term placenta to determine what the genetic differences are between male and female placentas. This may be important in developing future sex specific therapeutics for babies in the neonatal nursery.