A Multi-site Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing The Severity Of Constipation Symptoms Experienced By Palliative Care Patients Receiving Usual Care Compared To Those Diagnosed And Managed According To The Underlying Pathophysiology.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,795.00
Summary
This research aims to consider whether the problems of constipation in palliative care are less severe when the physical changes that underlie the problem are explored.
Mechanisms Of Ataxia In Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Transgenic Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$361,158.00
Summary
Degeneration of the coordination part of the brain (cerebellum) causes ATAXIA. There are many types, but few can be cured. The majority, affecting ~ 3,000 Australians, are progressive, and can only be helped by physical therapies. We are searching for a drug to improve the SYMPTOMS of ataxia, by analysing the chemical transmitters in the cerebellum in genetically ataxic mice. If we find an imbalance, we will trial appropriate drugs to try to correct this and lessen ataxia.
A Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomised Trial (SMART) Of Nursing Interventions To Reduce Pain Associated With Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$713,418.00
Summary
Modern chemotherapy treatments can result in damage to the peripheral nerves, resulting in a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This condition is characterised by a range of sensory and functional changes that can cause pain and reduced ability to perform daily activities. This project will test various non-pharmacological pain management measures to determine if they are effective in improving the quality of life of patients who experience this problem.
Cellular Modelling Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Risk Genes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$753,746.00
Summary
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a prevalent behavioural disorder affecting 7.4% of Australian children and adolescents. It has a strong genetic component with high heritability estimates (75–90%) comparable to other serious mental illness such as autism and schizophrenia. Identification and functional characterization of the genetic causes of this disorder will enhance our knowledge of its neurobiology and revolutionise the drug treatment of the disorder.
Use Of Oral Enzymes To Treat Carbohydrate Intolerance: Adjunct Therapy To The Low FODMAP Dietary Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,197.00
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting 1 in 7 Australians and fermentation of poorly digested short chain carbohydrates are major dietary triggers. The lack of certain digestive enzymes is a major reason why some carbohydrates are not digested. This project will explore the potential use of oral enzyme supplements to assist with the digestion of these indigestible carbohydrates with the potential for use as adjunct therapy to treat gut symptoms associated with IBS.
A Double-blind Randomised Controlled Multi-site Study Of Sertraline Compared With Placebo For Refractory Breathlessness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,517.00
Summary
People with optimally treated emphysema often have breathlessness at rest or with little effort (dressing, preparing a meal). No medications are registered to reduce this breathlessness. This 3 year project will study whether a commonly used anti-depressant, sertraline, can reduce this breathlessness even if people are not depressed. Across Australia, 150 people will take part for at least 4 weeks to rate the unpleasantness of their breathlessness on sertraline or an identical sugar tablet.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Aetiology Based Antiemetic Guidelines For Reducing Nausea In Advanced Cancer Patients.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,152,116.00
Summary
Nausea is a problem that can be very distressing to patients, and one that is difficult to assess and manage in patients with advanced cancer due to its multiple potential causes for this group. This study aims to test the effectiveness of an intervention which uses available anti-nausea medication specifically targeted to the likely cause of nausea for that individual to reduce the severity and impact of the symptom. It also tests second line medicatioins where nausea is unrelieved.
TIR Signalling Pathway Pharmacogenomics And Opioid Response: Beyond The Mu Opioid Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$246,396.00
Summary
This project will identify why some people respond poorly and others have toxic side effects to the major group of pain relieving medications, the opioids. The basis will be the genetics of the immune system and both acute postoperative and chronic cancer pain patients will be studied in this international pharmacogenetics project.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Daily Antibacterial Mouthwash To Reduce Pharyngeal Gonorrhoea Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,730.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among gay men, and the throat is the commonest site of infection. There is early data to suggest Listerine mouthwash can be used to prevent gonorrhoea. Our study will examine whether men use Listerine every day will reduce the risk of gonorrhoea in the throat compared those who use another mouthwash product which does not have an effect on gonorrhoea.
Can Systematically Developed Alcohol Health Warnings Reduce Drinking Intentions And Behaviours?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,617.00
Summary
This research will develop differently worded and formatted warnings about a wide range of harms of alcohol and assess adult drinkers’ responses to them, compared to current messages on alcohol containers. The study will use population surveys, discussion groups, message ratings and an experimental study with follow-up to determine the content and format of warnings with the greatest potential to encourage drinkers to reduce their alcohol-related risk.