Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) - Improved Diagnosis With Quality Assurance Of Serological & Molecular Diagnost
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$249,019.00
Summary
This project aims to produce Quality Assurance (QA) algorithms to ensure accurate diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using serological and molecular techniques. The project will assess HPAI diagnosis accurately within the setting of other circulating respiratory illnesses, utilising a new HPAI module, ,in combination with existing modules within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA) Serology Quality Assurance Program (SQAP). This will ensure rapid, cost-efficie ....This project aims to produce Quality Assurance (QA) algorithms to ensure accurate diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) using serological and molecular techniques. The project will assess HPAI diagnosis accurately within the setting of other circulating respiratory illnesses, utilising a new HPAI module, ,in combination with existing modules within the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia (RCPA) Serology Quality Assurance Program (SQAP). This will ensure rapid, cost-efficient improvements in diagnostics by utilizing existing infrastructure. The key elements of the project are: Introduction of quality assurance processes to ensure accurate diagnosis and to evaluate existing and developing laboratory testing procedures, test accuracy, and result interpretation; Involvement of human and veterinary laboratories in the QA and development processes; Production of suitable antigenic material through molecular virology as targets for HPAI antibody and molecular diagnostics in QA programs. This will thereby allow large quantities of non-infectious material for HPAI QA assessment of serological and molecular assays around Australia, using baculovirus expressed antigens and cloned gene targets respectively. These projects are designed within a short (<12 month) time frame in order to fulfil the needs of the Australian community in controlling the developing HPAI avian pandemic, and the possible human pandemic. Significant positive outcomes in the next six months are assured by the existence of current QA processes, experience in influenza research already available in the human and animal health laboratories involved, the research records of the groups, and the close existing linkages between the research, QA, diagnostic and avian virology groups.Read moreRead less
Body Composition Changes In Cardiac Cachexia: Pathophysiology, Quantification And Approaches To Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,000.00
Summary
Cachexia is weight loss and weakness caused by disease, or as a side effect of illness. Congestive heart failure is a common cardiovascular condition that is accompanied by high mortality (up to 50% over 2 years) and considerable suffering. People with congestive heart failure often develop cachexia. This project will explore the mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia using an animal model of cardiac cachexia that the researchers have developed. It will be complemented by an exam ....Cachexia is weight loss and weakness caused by disease, or as a side effect of illness. Congestive heart failure is a common cardiovascular condition that is accompanied by high mortality (up to 50% over 2 years) and considerable suffering. People with congestive heart failure often develop cachexia. This project will explore the mechanisms responsible for the development of cachexia using an animal model of cardiac cachexia that the researchers have developed. It will be complemented by an examination of the effects of exercise on measures of cachexia in patients with congestive heart failure. The researchers believe that this study will supply valuable new information about the development of cachexia and lead to new therapies for this syndrome.Read moreRead less