Improving The Treatment Of Breathlessness – A Phase III Randomised, Controlled Trial Of Sustained Release Morphine For The Symptomatic Treatment Of Chronic Refractory Breathlessness. A Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$902,732.00
Summary
More than 300000 Australians are chronically short of breath at rest or on minimal exertion despite optimal treatment of the underlying causes of their breathlessness, of whom 70000 cannot leave home. No medication in the world is registered to treat this. There is evidence that regular, low dose morphine safely helps breathlessness. This study will help clinicians adjust doses more effectively and understand whether using an additional medication to reduce anxiety helps relieve breathlessness.
Flavonoids are widely consumed in the diet in food, beverages and herbal preparations. They have diverse actions on the body. We wish to investigate how they might affect brain function. One of the most important transmitters in the brain is a chemical known as GABA. Many known CNS drugs, such as alcohol and the benzodiazepine Valium, influence the action of GABA as a transmitter. These drugs enhance the action of GABA in activating particular receptors in the brain. We have discovered that apig ....Flavonoids are widely consumed in the diet in food, beverages and herbal preparations. They have diverse actions on the body. We wish to investigate how they might affect brain function. One of the most important transmitters in the brain is a chemical known as GABA. Many known CNS drugs, such as alcohol and the benzodiazepine Valium, influence the action of GABA as a transmitter. These drugs enhance the action of GABA in activating particular receptors in the brain. We have discovered that apigenin, a flavonoid found in many herbal preparations and in beverages such as camomile tea, has a special action on GABA in that it enhances the enhancing action of benzodiazepines on GABA receptors. This is a novel mode of drug action that needs to be explored further. We will study the actions of a range of flavonoids known to occur in various popular products such as soy milk, red wine and green tea for their effects on GABA receptors. From the results we plan to design and synthesise new substances with a view to discovering new therapeutic agents to treat a range of CNS disorders, such as anxiety, epilepsy and memory deficits. This project will also yield information on the possible interactions between alcohol and prescription drugs like Valium with flavonoids consumed in the diet. Already it is known that a flavonoid in grape fruit juice may influence the metabolism of drugs like Valium. This project will be concerned with possible interactions within the brain. The novel mode of action that we have discovered is of significance in terms of our basic understanding of brain function. It could add another dimension to what we already know about the brain as our most complex organ.Read moreRead less
Reducing The Use Of Sedative Medication In Aged Care Facilities (Implementation Of The ‘RedUSe’ Project Into Everyday Practice)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,107.00
Summary
Sedative medications are often used in aged care facilities (ACFs), despite limited benefit and significant harm, including increased risk of falls, stroke and death. The RedUSe program, through a multi-strategic, interdisciplinary approach, has been shown to successfully promote the quality use of sedative medications in residential aged care. This project will widely implement RedUSe. A decline in sedative use will produce multiple benefits for older people, including increased mobility, decre ....Sedative medications are often used in aged care facilities (ACFs), despite limited benefit and significant harm, including increased risk of falls, stroke and death. The RedUSe program, through a multi-strategic, interdisciplinary approach, has been shown to successfully promote the quality use of sedative medications in residential aged care. This project will widely implement RedUSe. A decline in sedative use will produce multiple benefits for older people, including increased mobility, decreased fall and mortality rates.Read moreRead less