An Exploration Of The Nature And Meaning Of Informal Communities In Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,745.00
Summary
The interactions that occur in cancer treatment with other patients, family members and staff are often unavoidable. Recent research examining patient's interactions has demonstrated the importance of these communications, as social support, a forum to exchange information and ideas, and a gathering of people facing the same challenges. This study aims to examine the role of these interactions between patients, staff and family members to explore the purposes and effects of these interactions.
Ischaemic Stroke And Atrial Fibrillation: Development Of A Novel Artificial Intelligence System Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,335.00
Summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm which is a common cause of stroke. AF can often go unrecognized as patients may have no symptoms. This project aims to develop computer software which can automatically detect underlying AF based on MRI brain scan pattern, in patients who have had an acute stroke. This project has the potential to offer several benefits, including reduced need for costly investigations, improved AF detection and a larger pool of patients being treated for AF.
Exploring HIV Sexual Risk Behaviours Among ‘hidden’ MSM In Myanmar And Opportunities To Improve Health Through Information Communication Technology (ICT) Platforms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,364.00
Summary
This research will describe sexual risk behaviours and perceptions of HIV vulnerability among 'hidden' MSM in Myanmar. It will characterise their sexual and social networks with both male and female partners, as well as identify barriers to accessing sexual health and HIV testing and support services. This study will also assess the potential for digital technology to deliver sexual health promotion and facilitate service access among hidden MSM in Myanmar.
Mechanisms Of Retinal Functional Hyperaemia In Humans With And Without Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,526.00
Summary
Fenofibrate has been shown to reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes by up to 40%, however the mechanisms behind this result are poorly understood. This research will investigate measures of local and systemic endothelial dysfunction and levels of lipids and lipoproteins to determine how fenofibrate affects the progression of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes and in doing so form the basis of further basic and clinical research.
Understanding The Pathogenesis, Phenotypic Variation And Risk Prediction Of Childhood Asthma Using Computational Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,714.00
Summary
Asthma is a common respiratory illness in Australia. It is important to be able to predict who gets asthma, because those who get early treatment tend to fare better. We plan to run complex tests on data collected from hundreds of Australian children. The collected data includes genetic variations, chest infections, and differences in immune responses. From this data we hope to achieve a better understanding of the driving forces behind asthma, and to make better predictions for those at risk.
An Integrated “omic” Approach To Neurodevelopmental Disorders Using Disease-discordant Monozygotic Twins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$84,800.00
Summary
This project targets neurodevelopment disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and epilepsy and focuses on studying the environmental factors (epigenetics) affecting the disease mechanisms in these disorders. The study will be performed on twin samples and will help in the diagnosis of the disease risk at an earlier stage. It will also help to understand the causes of these important neurological diseases.
Transferring International Models Of Aboriginal-centered Health Care Into Australian Hospital Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,666.00
Summary
Chile and Australia have similar health care systems, levels of economic development and Indigenous demographics. Effective approaches to improve Chilean Aboriginal health may therefore be transferable to Australia. The research will examine barriers and facilitators to Aboriginal-centred health care practices within Chile and use these findings to understand how similar strategies may be applied to an Australian context and the possible benefits of successful implementation.
Determinants Of Outcomes In SLE: Impact Of Models Of Care, Socioeconomic Factors And Biologic Variables In A Multiethnic Australian Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$134,124.00
Summary
Lupus is a chronic disease where the immune cells attack multiple systems in the body, which can lead to severe organ damage and even death. It is known that genes, socioeconomics and models of care all individually influence the outcomes in lupus. The exact contribution of each one is poorly understood, because they are studied in isolation. This project will take an integrated approach to investigating the factors that influence outcomes in lupus, looking for potentially addressable effects.
Treating Adult Obesity: Can A Tailored, Low Cost Dietetic Service Turn Around The Obesity Epidemic?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$90,567.00
Summary
Dietitians are trained to treat obesity, yet Australia is in an obesity crisis. In this study we investigate the clinical service dietitians offer to treat obesity in adults from the dietitian and the client perspective. From this information, we will model a computer-based system with the ability to report financial, and health progress. This work will result in a model of care that is better, faster, more accessible, and improves the health of Australians.
Improving Health Services Around The Time Of Childbirth In Places Where Death Rates Are High And Home-births Common
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$119,335.00
Summary
In settings close to Australia where death rates among mothers and newborns remain high, it is common for childbirth to take place outside of health facilities. This research will develop feasible options for countries aiming to simultaneously improve care in first-line health facilities (which often takes some years), and simultaneously provide some limited services in the home that can reduce deaths immediately.