Ryanodine Receptor Inhibitors As Therapy For Ca2+ Store Overload Induced Arrhythmias
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,892.00
Summary
This study investigates a new therapeutic action recently discovered for flecainide, an antiarrhythmic agent that we find to completely prevent and inherited form of stress-induced arrhythmias called CPVT. The findings will provide the first detailed mechanistic understanding of an antiarrhythmic drug, findings that will also give a new direction for drug design to control common arrhythmias such as occur in diseases such as coronary artery disease.
A COMMUNITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE WORK TASK PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,649.00
Summary
This study will compare the outcomes of a 10 week twice a week community-based weight training program for young adults with Down syndrome with an art program. It will establish if a student-led exercise program can improve their performance of work tasks and their activity levels. Should the program prove beneficial, we aim to achieve the long-term outcome of exercise being implemented as a sustainable, inclusive recreation option for this group.
Interactions Between The ? And ? Subunits Of The DHPR - A Missing Link In Skeletal Muscle Excitation-contraction Coupling And A Role In Sarcopenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$690,832.00
Summary
Calcium signaling is disrupted in muscle diseases, including muscle weakness in the elderly. This is a significant problem as all mobility depends on calcium signaling and its disruption can cause serious disability and death. To alleviate defective calcium signaling, the underlying molecular machinery must be fully understood, yet we have only a broad outline of the processes. We will address this problem to provide a platform for alleviating age-related muscle weakness.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of The Effect Of Hydrocortisone On Mortality In Critically Ill Patients With Septic Shock
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,432,452.00
Summary
This study performed across Australia and New Zealand will evaluate whether hydrocortisone, a cheap drug when administered to critically ill patients with severe infection, will save lives.
Plasma Exchange And Glucocorticoids In Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody Associated Systemic Vasculitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial (PEXIVAS Australia)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,110.00
Summary
ANCA-associated vasculitis is a life-threatening disease. The PEXIVAS trial will investigate whether plasma exchange, in addition to immunosuppressive therapy and glucocorticoids, will reduce death and the development of severe kidney failure due to this disease. Additionally, the project will also look at whether using a reduced dose of glucocorticoids is just as effective as larger doses in lessening the infectious complications of treatment.
Community-wide Active Case Finding For Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,422,325.00
Summary
During 2010, 8.8 million people developed TB and 1.45 million people died due to the disease. In this project, which will be conducted in Vietnam, one of the countries in our region with a particularly high prevalence of TB, we will test a new form of an old intervention: community-wide screening for TB, not with x-rays but by testing sputum. If the project is successful it has the potential to lead to a giant leap forward towards the elimination of TB as a global health problem.
Gene Expression Profiling In Critically Ill Patients With Septic Shock: The ADRENAL-GEPS Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,304.00
Summary
Sepsis refers to a whole body inflammation caused by severe infection. Approximately one in three adults admitted with septic shock die within 28 days and it is unclear whether treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs is beneficial in terms of patient survival. The aim of this study is to develop a clinical test based on gene activity that can be used to predict patient survival and also determine what the best treatment might be for individual patients.
Improving Skin Cancer Prevention: Motivating Preventive Behaviours Using Knowledge Of Personalised Genomic Risk Of Melanoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,041,720.00
Summary
The aim of our study is to evaluate whether we can improve the Australian public’s skin cancer prevention behaviours, particularly reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, by giving personalised information about melanoma genetic risk. We will also explore the psycho-social, ethical, and economic implications of receiving this information. The results of our study are likely to influence the future of skin cancer prevention in Australia.
A Randomised Evaluation Of The Appropriateness Of Anatomic Coronary Investigation In Cardiac Injury/MI Type 2
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,516,561.00
Summary
Myocardial infarction occurring in the context of another concurrent illness is associated with a higher morbidity, and mortality than patients presenting with spontaneous myocardial infarction. Significant variation in the use of coronary angiography for the investigation of these patients exists, and currently no trial evidence or guidelines define best practice. This trial will establish the optimal investigation and treatment approaches for the care of this very common clinical condition.
The Impact Of Cleaner Cookstoves To Reduce Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes In Low Resource Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,043,188.00
Summary
Around the world each year household air pollution causes 4.3 million deaths. Mothers, babies and children, who spend the most time at home are extremely vulnerable. The impact on pregnant women has not been accurately measured despite it being known to be as dangerous as smoking. The best method to reduce household air pollution is to use stoves that reduce emissions. We will conduct a large trial of cleaner cooking stoves and measure the impact on pregnant women.