Improving The Functional Outcomes Of Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
While orthopaedic surgery usually achieves pain relief and improves function somewhat, it can often leave a patient unable to perform certain activities. And these abnormal movement patterns are likely to cause further problems. This project will objectively measure post-surgical function, in order to improve the surgery and rehabilitation of some of the most complex orthopaedic conditions. The goal is that patients receive the maximum benefit from surgery.
Addressing Important Evidence Gaps In The Management Of Severe Infectious Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$256,839.00
Summary
There are currently large gaps in the evidence base for management of common severe bacterial infections. My research plan focuses on the most common of these: Staphylococcus aureus infections, bone and joint infections, skin infections, and severe sepsis. In order to both generate important evidence to inform practice, as well as to develop my own skills and experience as an expert in clinical trials, I have initiated randomised controlled trials in each of these areas.
Toward An Evidence-based Approach For Treating End-stage Knee Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
World-wide more than one million total knee replacements (TKR) will be performed for end-stage knee osteoarthritis in 2016 alone. With an ageing population, demand for this procedure will increase dramatically, placing burden on a constrained health system. Up to 25% of TKR recipients experience on going pain after surgery and are dissatisfied with TKR. My research seeks to improve efficiencies and equitability of this important surgical procedure and in doing so optimise patient outcomes
Public Health Policies And Interventions To Reduce Tobacco-related Harms Among Socially Disadvantaged Populations And ‘low Probability Quitters’
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
Tobacco continues to be a leading cause of preventable death and disease in Australia. Those who are socially disadvantaged are at higher risk of smoking, which contributes to the health gap between the rich and poor. This research will provide evidence for policy makers on interventions which could reduce smoking among the most disadvantaged in society. It will also examine whether less harmful nicotine products could a reduce health risks in smokers who find quitting difficult.
Improving The Prevention And Outcomes Of Knee And Hip Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is a major public health problem. No current treatment slows disease progression with end-stage osteoarthritis treated by joint replacement surgery. This project will identify new approaches for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis and the improvement of patients’ outcomes after total joint replacement surgery. The findings will have both public health and clinical impact, informing clinical practice of strategies to improve the prevention and outcomes of osteoarthritis.
Tumour-on-a-chip Models For Ex-vivo Profiling Of Immune Checkpoint Blockades
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$431,000.00
Summary
The overall goal of this project is to build novel 3D biochips to culture primary human tumors with their immune cells, and to investigate patient specific responses to immune checkpoint blockade ex-vivo. Since there are currently no validated methodologies to study immunotherapy response in patient-derived cancer specimens, this proposal has the potential to provide a state-of-the art technology for the ‘personalization’ of immunotherapy.
Using Human 3D Engineered Heart Tissue For Discovery Of Novel Biology And Novel Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$425,048.00
Summary
The goal of this project is to develop a model of miniaturised 3D human heart tissue for research into cardiac biology and also drug discovery applications. This will hopefully result in better, cheaper drugs in the future with less reliance on animal testing.