Evaluation Of Renal Masses Using Magnetic Resonance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$657,897.00
Summary
This project will investigate use of an imaging instrument to identify renal cancers that are potentially harmless from aggressive renal cancers. Currently, such differentiation requires biopsies, and the outcome is often unnecessary surgical removal of whole or part of the diseased kidney. Long term, this project will provide knowledge to determine aggressiveness of a renal cancer non-invasively, without having to perform an operation. The approach was previously successful for breast cancer.
Role Of Neurogenesis In Clinical Recovery From Depression During ECT: Application Of A Novel In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$587,478.00
Summary
Neurogenesis refers to the generation of new brain cells, which is now known to continue well into adulthood. On the basis of animal studies, deficiencies in neurogenesis have been implicated in development of depression, and stimulation of neurogenesis proposed as one of the ways that anti-depressants may work. Using the latest technological advances in brain imaging, we will for the first time assess the merit of these theories in humans with depression before and after treatment.
Radiological Features Correlating With Seizures In Patients With Supratentorial Gliomas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$47,877.00
Summary
Gliomas are the most common brain tumours, with more than 1,500 new cases diagnosed in Australia each year. Around 50% of all glioma patients suffer from seizures, which are difficult to control with current anti-epileptic drugs. The epilepsy and the side-effects of the drug therapies are a major cause of morbidity and impaired quality of life. It is also a significant burden on the economy, leading to more and longer hospital admissions, and loss of productivity for both patients and carers.
Identification And Quantification Of HIV Latency Biomarkers In The Central Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$814,618.00
Summary
One major obstacle in curing HIV is the brain’s role as a potential reservoir of HIV infection. It is unknown if “reawakening” of HIV may lead to uncontrollable brain damage given that current antiretroviral drugs vary in their ability to treat brain infection. Not all patients have HIV brain infection so eradication therapies in themselves may be safe. We aim to identify and quantify biomarkers of HIV latency in the brain to stratify patients into these two cohorts.
A Selective Prevention Trial Using Novel Pharmacotherapies In An Older Age Cohort At Risk For Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$975,259.00
Summary
The study will examine whether omega-3 fatty acids or antidepressants prevent the onset of depression in a group of older community participants who have previously been identified as being "at risk" of depression. The study will incorporate sophisticated brain scanning methods, as well as tests of brain functioning to determine acute brain changes, reduction in cognitive decline and prevention of depression over a one-year period.