Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation To Relieve Chronic Constipation In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,450.00
Summary
1 in 300 children suffer from chronic constipation that is not fixed by changing their diet or taking laxatives. They continue to suffer the problem into adulthood. They also have fecal incontinence or soiling that causes problems with socialising and schooling. We are testing a method of electrical stimulation through the skin on the belly to increase the movement of the bowel. Initial results are encouraging, showing that the rate of movement of the bowel is increased and soiling is decreased.
Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation To Relieve Chronic Constipation In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,995.00
Summary
We have over 300 children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. We have a new physiotherapy technique that may overcome constipation and stop soiling in many of these children. In 2003-4, we ran a pilot study to test a technique used by physiotherapists to treat urinary incontinence. We have called the method TESIC (transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current). TESIC uses suction electrodes placed on the belly and back at the ....We have over 300 children with chronic treatment-resistant constipation at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. We have a new physiotherapy technique that may overcome constipation and stop soiling in many of these children. In 2003-4, we ran a pilot study to test a technique used by physiotherapists to treat urinary incontinence. We have called the method TESIC (transcutaneous electrical stimulation using interferential current). TESIC uses suction electrodes placed on the belly and back at the level of the belly button. The electrical stimulation is applied using a current (interferential current) that stimulates deep into the abdomen. We tested 8 children and had very encouraging results with improved constipatio in 5-8 and all with soiling stopped. Parents and children are keen to use this technique but first we need to establish that the results are reproducible in a larger group of 70 children. We also need to know if the effect was just a placebo response (due to time spent with the physiotherapists), and how long the effect lasts. We will also measure changes in soiling. Faecal soiling is smelly and antisocial. Relief of soiling has a big impact on a child's ability to fit in at school and to attend normal schooling. We will measure outcomes using daily diaries kept by children, questionnaires, how quickly food moves through the bowel and pressures within the bowel. We have a multidiciplinary team of experienced clinicians and scientists with expertise in these techniques and in constipation and incontinence in children (paediatric surgeon, gastroenterologist, manometry nurse, incontinence paediatrician and physiotherapist, expert in electrical stimulation and gut nervous system scientist). This technique could revolutionise treatment of chronic constipation. Most physiotherapists have TESIC machines, allowing delivery Australia wide. It is non-invasive and should also be able to be used by adults, including the elderly in nursing homes.Read moreRead less
Wheat Proteins, The Duodenal Microbiome And Immune Activation In The Aetiopathogenesis Of Non-coeliac Gluten Sensitivity And Functional Dyspepsia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,997,150.00
Summary
Functional dyspepsia, characterised by troublesome pain in the upper abdomen, or an inability to finish a regular sized meal, is common, affecting up to 15% of Australians. There are no effective treatments. This project will evaluate the role of diet, in particular wheat, as a driver of the subtle inflammation and disturbances in the microbiome seen in the small intestine of functional dyspepsia patients, and test whether a gluten or wheat free diet is an effective treatment option.
Characterisation Of Erusiolin - A New Peptide Hormone
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,202.00
Summary
Obesity and type II diabetes are epidemic diseases in Australia. Gut-derived hormones are key mediators in these diseases, due to their role in regulating appetite and blood glucose levels. Therapeutic modulation of these hormones also provides significant benefits for patients. In this proposal, we will determine the metabolic functions, such as appetite control, for a previously uncharacterised hormone, which is an unexplored therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes.
Crohn’s disease (CD), an inflammatory disorder of the gut, is thought to result from an inappropriate response to an environmental trigger, likely gut bacteria. This project will assess differences in microbial communities and host gene expression of early- and late-stage CD tissues. A greater understanding of the differences in mucosal gene expression induced by specific bacteria may provide insights into the pathophysiology of CD, and could conceivably guide therapeutic choices in the future.
Construction And Immunogenic Evaluation Of Recombinant HBsAg-S Virus-like Particles Containing B And T Cell Epitopes Of
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,000.00
Summary
Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen impacting on the health and well being of not only thousands of Australians, but also millions of people world-wide. However, the task of developing a vaccine against H. pylori remains important. Vaccination is the most effective mechanism to prevent disease associated with this infection, particularly gastric cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer death world-wide. However, current attempts to develop an effective vaccine for humans h ....Helicobacter pylori is a significant human pathogen impacting on the health and well being of not only thousands of Australians, but also millions of people world-wide. However, the task of developing a vaccine against H. pylori remains important. Vaccination is the most effective mechanism to prevent disease associated with this infection, particularly gastric cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer death world-wide. However, current attempts to develop an effective vaccine for humans has been limited by the non-availability of an effective and safe adjuvant. The aim is to construct a recombinant Virus-Like Particle which can be used as a safe and effective vaccine against Helicobacter pylori infections. We specifically aim to: · determine the most efficacious singular or combinatorial route-s of delivery of Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) which will induce the desired Th2 and B cell responses in mice · define the Th2 and B cell epitopes of H.pylori Kat A carboxyl terminus that can be used to construct chimeric HBsAg-S-Kat A VLPs · determine if the induction of desired immunological responses in mice are protective against wild type challengeRead moreRead less