Efficacy Of Melatonin For Sleep Disturbance Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$225,119.00
Summary
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, in alleviating sleep disturbances in people with traumatic brain injury. If successful, melatonin therapy could substantially improve the quality of life of individuals with TBI, improving their participation in vocational, leisure and social activities and enhancing their emotional well-being.
Radiotherapy Treatment For Prostate Cancer - A Change In Practice Based On Direct Evidence For Targeting And Toxicity Effects Using Real Outcomes Data
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$555,129.00
Summary
Radiotherapy for prostate cancer treatment will be more effective when we have better knowledge of what patient anatomy needs to be targeted, and what needs to be avoided. This project will combine data collected during a large Australasian prostate cancer radiotherapy trial, ‘RADAR’, with data collected using new patient imaging methods to determine how patient anatomy impacts on the effectiveness of their treatment and the side-effects they experience.
Electrical Stimulation With A “Random Noise” Pattern: A New Approach For The Treatment Of Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,160.00
Summary
This study is a world first, examining the use of a novel technology to treat depression by stimulating the brain mildly and non invasively. The study will examine the effectiveness of a 4-week course of Transcranial “Random Noise” Stimulation to treat depression, and will also measure whether improvement in mood is accompanied by a restoration of brain plasticity or adaptability.
Novel Inhalation Formulation Of Bacteriophages Against ‘superbugs’ Causing Respiratory Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,621.00
Summary
Emergence of superbugs has led to life-threatening respiratory infections that are resistant to most antibiotics. There is an urgent need for alternative treatments not relying on antibiotics. Bacteriophages (or ‘bacteria eaters’) are natural predators of bacteria and are unaffected by antibiotic resistance. This multi-disciplinary project will develop novel therapeutics using inhaled bacteriophages against bacterial infections in the lungs.
The Impact Of The Neonatal Gut Microbiome On Specific And Nonspecific Vaccine Responses.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,496.00
Summary
Humans are colonised by a large and diverse group of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. The gut microbiome, in particular, hosts an enormous abundance and diversity of bacteria, which perform a range of essential beneficial functions. Our study will investigate whether disruption of the gut microbiome in newborns, for example through antibiotic usage or maternal diet, leads to an impairment of subsequent immune responses to childhood immunisations.
A New, Low-cost E-health Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder Using Mental Imagery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$895,032.00
Summary
This project offers the first large-scale test of phone-based Functional Imagery Training (FIT), a new, low-cost way to help people change behaviours using mental imagery, regardless of where they live. The trial addresses Alcohol Use Disorder—a common problem with substantial health and social impacts, comparing FIT with verbal motivational treatments, and testing effects on alcohol use and quality of life over 12 months. Cost-effectiveness and predictions of outcome are also examined.
Targeting Schistosome Calcium Signalling To Improve And Broaden Praziquantel Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,661.00
Summary
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms, treatment relies solely on praziquantel (PZQ). Schistosomes respond and recover from PZQ exposure through modulation of the gene CamKII. We will target this gene to both increase and extend the efficacy of PZQ in both adult parasites and in refractory juvenile parasites. Research will expand into assaying CamKII inhibitors to maximise effectiveness and take this work into animal models of this disease.
Prevention Of Multi-drug Resistant Tuberculosis In A High Prevalence Setting: ‘Connecting The DOTS’ In Vietnam
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,382,020.00
Summary
The close contacts of people with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have a high risk of developing the disease. The V-QUIN MDR-TB Trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an oral antibiotic (levofloxacin) in preventing drug resistant TB among infected household contacts of TB patients. Household contacts from 10 Provinces in Vietnam will be randomly allocated to receive six-months of either levofloxacin or a placebo, and then followed for two years to see if they develop tuberculosis.
Multistage Vaccines For The Prevention Of Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$884,290.00
Summary
Almost two million people die from tuberculosis (TB) each year. The current vaccine, BCG, is ineffective at controlling TB and the type of immune response needed to protect against the disease is poorly understood. We have discovered new antigens of the TB bacterium, and we will combine them with novel delivery strategies to develop new TB vaccines. We will also determine the type of immune response needed to protect against TB, which will aid progression of vaccines into clinical trials.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Of Oxytocin Nasal Spray For Alcohol Dependence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$673,035.00
Summary
Alcohol use disorders account for 5% of the worlds burden of disease. Current treatments are very limited. While there is existing animal research, this study determines the benefits of a novel treatment, oxytocin nasal spray, to reduce cravings and drinking levels in dependent populations. Outcomes could establish a new, effective and safe treatment to manage alcohol dependence in the community.