The Impact Of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Cardiovascular Events In The Endstage Kidney Disease Dialysis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,076,284.00
Summary
Patients with kidney failure who require dialysis are at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Small studies suggest fish oil supplementation may protect dialysis patients against CV events such as heart attacks and strokes. We will study the impact of fish oil supplementation on reducing CV events in dialysis patients. If proven beneficial, it represents an easily accessible and inexpensive novel therapy to improve the lifespan of dialysis patients.
Postprandial Lipid Metabolism In Familial Hypercholersterolaemia: Mechanisms And Effects Of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,344.00
Summary
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common genetic condition known to cause premature coronary heart diseaseis (CHD). The increasd CHD risk in FH may be in part due to accumulation of fat in blood. Fish oil supplementation may be a new target, additional to standard best therapy, for reducing CHD risk in FH. Our results will add value to the science behind and clinical therapy for lipid disorders in FH, and will establish a key role for fish oils.
RCT Of Aspirin And Fish Oil For The Prevention Of Thrombosis In Arterio-venous Fistulae For Dialysis Access
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,869,190.00
Summary
This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to determine whether the anti-platelet agents aspirin and fish oil, either alone or in combination, will effectively reduce the risk of early thrombosis (blood clots) in arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) that are used for accessing the circulatory system in dialysis. The trial is to be conducted by the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN). 1200 patients requiring haemodialysis who are scheduled to undergo creation of an AVF and are not cur ....This randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to determine whether the anti-platelet agents aspirin and fish oil, either alone or in combination, will effectively reduce the risk of early thrombosis (blood clots) in arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) that are used for accessing the circulatory system in dialysis. The trial is to be conducted by the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN). 1200 patients requiring haemodialysis who are scheduled to undergo creation of an AVF and are not currently taking anti-platelet agents will be recruited over 3 years. AVF is the accepted standard for haemodialysis patients because it utilises the patient's own artery and vein to allow repeated access to the vascular system with a minimal risk of complications. Failure of the AVF means the use of inferior permanent venous catheters or arterio-venous artificial grafts. These devices are more costly to insert, and have an increased risk of failure due to infection and thrombosis. Reducing this rate of failure by simple, cheap and readily available interventions has the potential to reduce these problems. Aspirin has been chosen because of its well-established anti-thrombosis effects. Fish oil has a number of biological effects which make it an attractive agent for the prevention of vascular access thrombosis. Study treatment will be aspirin 100 mg per day or matching placebo, and fish oil 4 gm daily or matching placebo, both commencing on the day prior to surgery and continued for 3 months. If the trial demonstrates a positive effect of either or both agents, this will lead to a reduction in thromboses, quicker time to working dialysis access, and less need for surgery.Read moreRead less
Host-pathogen Interactions In Clostridial Myonecrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,573.00
Summary
We will analyse the interaction between the bacteria that cause gas gangrene, and the infected host, from both a host and pathogen perspective. We will examine how the host’s response to infection can be modulated to decrease the severity of disease and we will identify the biochemical processes that are essential for bacterial growth in the host, a necessary prerequisite for disease. Outcomes will be a better understanding of the mechanisms of disease causation and improved disease control.
Social And Cultural Resilience And Emotional Wellbeing Of Aboriginal Mothers In Prison (SCREAM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,847.00
Summary
The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the comm ....The increasing imprisonment of Aboriginal women is a major public health issue affecting Aboriginal communities. One way in which the burden of disease and cycle of incarceration within families can be addressed is by improving health outcomes for incarcerated Aboriginal mothers and female carers. This mixed-methods study uses appropriate health measures, narrative data and action research to identify culturally safe models of health care for delivery in prisons and on re-integration to the community.Read moreRead less
Implementation And Sustainability Of Non-surgical Intervention For Dental Caries In General Dental Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,388.00
Summary
Dentists in NSW and the ACT used new protocols to stop the spread of tooth decay. Many decayed teeth were then remineralised without the use of injections or drilling and filling. The process by which the dentists reorganised their practices to implement the protocols and how they explained them to their patients and practice staff will now be investigated to discover how best to promote their use Australia-wide. The sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this type of care will be measured.
Peer Counseling To Improve Feeding Practices And Reduce Malnutrition In Children 0-2 Years In Bangladesh
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$951,929.00
Summary
Bangladesh faces high levels of inappropriate infant feeding leading to young child malnutrition. Effective programs are urgently needed to help reduce this burden of malnutrition. The study in poor urban communities in Dhaka City, Bangladesh will examine the impact of local women educating mothers about appropriate infant feeding. We will assess the impact of these programs on feeding practices and the growth of the infants.
Eating As Treatment (EAT): A Stepped Wedge, Randomised Control Trial Of A Health Behaviour Change Intervention Provided By Dietitians To Improve Nutrition In Head And Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,156,299.00
Summary
Maintaining nutrition in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients is challenging. Radiotherapy and the burden of the cancer make it difficult for HNC patients to maintain sufficient nutrition. HNC patients also have higher levels of mental illness and substance dependence including alcohol misuse. This trial aims to build on promising pilot data to evaluate for the first time a dietitian delivered health behaviour intervention (Eating As Treatment) to improve nutritional status among HNC patients.
Television Advertising To Promote NHMRC Guidelines For Low Risk Alcohol Consumption: Experimental Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,013.00
Summary
This project aims to experimentally assess the impact of television advertising that promotes the 2009 NHMRC Guidelines on alcohol consumption, on adults' (aged 18-64) estimates of drinking levels that incur an increased risk of short and long term harm. The Guidelines advise that adults should limit consumption to 2 standard drinks/day to reduce the risk of lifetime harm, and to 4 standard drinks on any single drinking occasion to reduce the risk of short-term harm from that occasion.
Preventing Early Internalising Problems In The Preschool Setting: Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$893,870.00
Summary
Internalising mental health problems reflect inner emotional distress and encompass all symptoms of anxiety and depression. Affecting 1 in 7 Australian school-age children, many internalising problems persist into adulthood, impacting on personal wellbeing, family relations and workforce capabilities. This randomised prevention trial in the preschool-setting, screens for children at-risk and tests if a parenting program can reduce internalising problems across the population by school-entry.