The Role Of Flightless In The Formation Of Scar Formation And Potential As A Target For A Novel Therapy To Reduce Scarring
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$60,664.00
Summary
Scarring causes significant morbidity and suffering. It can lead to pain, disfigurement and impaired physical function, which require costly ongoing care. Flightless (Flii) is a novel protein, which acts as a negative regulator of wound healing. Flii neutralising antibody treatment has been shown to improve wound healing. However, the role of Flii in scarring has yet to be investigated. This project will investigate the role of Flii in scarring and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Evaluating The Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant And Wound-healing Properties Of Australian Native Stingless Bee Cerumen From Trigona Carbonaria, And The Effects Of Bee Foraging Behaviours On Cerumen Bioactivity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$95,313.00
Summary
I have a keen interest in evaluating the potential of natural products to promote wound-healing in humans. Cerumen, a resinous material produced by Australian native stingless bees, is easily obtained; however, the medicinal properties of this natural product have not been widely investigated. Therefore, the proposed PhD project aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and wound-healing properties of Australian native stingless bee cerumen.
Effect Of Cross-linking Cytokines To Natural And Synthetic Matrices On Post-implantation Fibrosis In Animal Models
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$77,154.00
Summary
My research will focus on the development and in vivo testing of cytokine cross-linked surgical implant materials in selected mouse and rat models. We hypothesise that Follistatin bound to heparin sulphate cross-linked natural and synthetic matrix implants will suppress the formation of Extra cellular matrix around the implant during wound healing in a mouse surgical model.
Early Origins Study Of Cystic Fibrosis-related Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,188.00
Summary
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes recurrent lung infections and early death. Some patients also develop diabetes which causes a more rapid decline. Many young children with CF have “pre-diabetes” but guidelines do not recommend screening high glucose in this group. In order to intervene early, this study aims to determine if “pre-diabetes” in very young children with Cystic Fibrosis causes poorer growth, lung function or an increase in bacterial infections to.
Design And Implementation Of A Human Challenge Model For Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea is a major public health problem that can lead to severe disease and promote the spread of HIV. Gonorrhoea infections are increasing worldwide and the spread of antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea is a critical health threat. This study aims to develop a controlled infection model for male throat and genital gonorrhoea infection in order to improve scientific understanding of gonorrhoea infection and responses to novel antibiotic treatment; and provide insights into vaccine development.
Rapid Point-of-Care (POC) Tests For Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Evaluation Of Accuracy, Acceptability And Impact In Australia And Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,883.00
Summary
This research, composed of three studies, aims to evaluate rapid point-of-care tests for selected sexually transmitted infections (including syphilis, Chlamydia and gonorrhoea) to determine their accuracy and acceptability, their potential role in and impact on control of STIs in Papua New Guinea and remote settings in Australia.
Exploring HIV Sexual Risk Behaviours Among ‘hidden’ MSM In Myanmar And Opportunities To Improve Health Through Information Communication Technology (ICT) Platforms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,364.00
Summary
This research will describe sexual risk behaviours and perceptions of HIV vulnerability among 'hidden' MSM in Myanmar. It will characterise their sexual and social networks with both male and female partners, as well as identify barriers to accessing sexual health and HIV testing and support services. This study will also assess the potential for digital technology to deliver sexual health promotion and facilitate service access among hidden MSM in Myanmar.
Treatment Of Rectal Chlamydia Infection In Gay And Bisexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$64,713.00
Summary
Rectal chlamydia is very common in gay men; it can exist for long periods without symptoms leading to ongoing transmission. There are two choices for antibiotic treatment: azithromycin and doxycycline, but there is uncertainty about which is more effective. This research will determine which treatment is best and what the economic implications are. The findings will update treatment guidelines and ensure that the most effective treatment is used to prevent ongoing transmission.
The HIV Treatment Cascade: Improved Individual And Population Health Outcomes Through A Better Understanding Of The Natural History Of HIV And Its Treatment In Modern Health Care Systems.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$93,124.00
Summary
To review the methodologies used to analyse the HIV care and treatment cascade in different settings and their limitations. To identify, design and evaluate pilot interventions to improve individual and population outcomes. I am not currently working on any research that requires ethics clearance.
Application Of Adult Stem Cells To Bioengineered Corneal Epithelium And Endothelium Autografts
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Damage to the cornea causes vision loss. Transplants can restore sight but carry risk of rejection and therefore require anti-rejection therapy, which has side effects. Bioengineered corneal components could replace transplants. Our goals are: 1) Growth of corneal endothelium and epithelium from adult stem cells to reduce the amount of tissue so the patient's own cells could be used. 2) Develop scaffolds that are suitable for implantation or other methods to deliver cells.