Development And Application Of A Novel Ultrasensitive LC-MS Estradiol Assay
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$240,400.00
Summary
This project will develop a new ultrasensitive method using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure extremely low level of circulating estrogens in the bloodstream especially in mice. This will allow for the first time the ability to study the natural regulation of fertility in mice and other sub-primate mammals for which the present assay methods are not adequate.
Risk Stratification Of Older People In Hospital: Validation And Influence On Clinical Decision Making
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,067.00
Summary
Older people in hospital are at high risk of adverse outcomes, a vulnerability commonly referred to as frailty. In community-dwelling older people, frailty status can be measured precisely with a Frailty Index score. This research aims to develop a Frailty Index from a standardised comprehensive geriatric assessment instrument used in the routine care of many patients in hospital. This would assist clinicians to identify vulnerable older inpatients, improving their care in the acute setting.
Improving Radiation Therapy Of Static And Moving Targets Using High Spatial Resolution Real-time Dosimeters
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$544,425.00
Summary
Radiation therapy is a major oncology modality for cancer treatment and more than 50% of cancer patients can benefit from radiotherapy at some stage of management. This project will develop two real-time, high spatial resolution dosimetry systems for quality assurance of contemporary radiation treatments of static and movable targets. It will be possible to minimize human and robotic system error so as to guarantee accurate cancer treatment delivery and improve the clinical outcomes of radiother ....Radiation therapy is a major oncology modality for cancer treatment and more than 50% of cancer patients can benefit from radiotherapy at some stage of management. This project will develop two real-time, high spatial resolution dosimetry systems for quality assurance of contemporary radiation treatments of static and movable targets. It will be possible to minimize human and robotic system error so as to guarantee accurate cancer treatment delivery and improve the clinical outcomes of radiotherapy.Read moreRead less
Fast And Efficient Assessment Of Dose In Small Targets In Radiotherapy: Effect Of Motion In Clinical Research And Implementation Of Dynamic Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,265.00
Summary
The continued progress of radiation therapy for cancer patients has been driven by technology developments that have increased the complexity of radiation delivery, but has come at the cost of increased potential for errors in radiation planning and delivery. The aim of this project is to implement an instrument for verification of treatment delivered to organs with large variation of shape and position due to respiration. This will enhance treatment outcome and patient quality of life.
Measurement Of Residual Nervous System Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$779,159.00
Summary
Multiple serial physiological recording techniques will be used to assess sensory and motor function for 12 months after spinal cord injury. This detailed information will provide, for the first time, an insight into the changes, both beneficial and deleterious, in the sensory and motor systems over time. Such information may enable changes in the management of people with spinal cord injury to prevent deleterious effects on the nervous system and enhance function.
Infant Thyroid Hormone Levels And Long-term Child Educational Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$490,495.00
Summary
Adequate levels of newborn thyroid hormones are essential for brain development.Newborn screening for thyroid hormone deficiency ensures early identification, treatment & prevention of severe intellectual disability.But there is clinical uncertainty in mildly abnormal levels.We will assess thyroid hormone levels & subsequent educational outcomes in 1.5M Australian babies.There is potential to identify infants who, without treatment, may suffer longterm disability & lower educational achievement
Development And Population-based Validation Of Hierarchical Adaptive Mental Health Screeners
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,710.00
Summary
Although 45% of all Australians will experience a lifetime mental disorder, methods to identify mental health problems are inadequate. This project will develop and validate new mental health screening tools, building on a new generation of screeners developed in the US. These screeners will be tailored to the individual, resulting in highly precise and flexible assessment tools. The screeners will be tested in a large community survey, forming the basis for future tailored mental health service ....Although 45% of all Australians will experience a lifetime mental disorder, methods to identify mental health problems are inadequate. This project will develop and validate new mental health screening tools, building on a new generation of screeners developed in the US. These screeners will be tailored to the individual, resulting in highly precise and flexible assessment tools. The screeners will be tested in a large community survey, forming the basis for future tailored mental health services.Read moreRead less
Longitudinal Communication Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$798,171.00
Summary
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability in young Australians. The condition frequently manifests in impaired verbal communication. Communication is essential to successful rehabilitation, and return to society. However, the critical time for delivery of optimal treatment for communication remains unknown. This prospective longitudinal study will examine communication recovery following (TBI) to identify predictors of recovery and the best time to offer treatment.
Development And Valuation Of Cancer-specific Multi-attribute Health States For Use In Economic Evaluation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$707,671.00
Summary
Economic evaluation is used by the Australian government in deciding which medical services and pharmaceuticals should be funded. This study will develop quality of life utility measures for use in economic evaluation of cancer interventions in Australia and internationally. This represents a significant methodological contribution to the assessment of quality of life, effectiveness and efficiency in cancer, in one of Australia's national health priority areas.
Defining Epigenetic Predictors Of Long-term Outcomes Of Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$409,408.00
Summary
On average, those born premature do worse health-wise than those born at term. However, some do worse than others. Our aim is to identify these people at birth to better help doctors and parents to closely monitor their health. For this, we will be “reading the diary of pregnancy” in the molecules added to chromosomes in blood during pregnancy in young adults with will characterised states of health. We will analyse DNA from blood that we will extract from stored heel prick spots.