Rapid, Point Of Care Diagnostic Tests To Differentiate HA Subtypes In Patients Samples
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$168,293.00
Summary
A number of rapid, point-of-care tests are available for the detection of human and avian influenza types, but they vary greatly in sensitivity. In particular, these tests are based on current strains of H5 (avian) influenza, and may be unable to detect variant or pandemic strains, and negative results can give the false impression that patients do not have H5 influenza. We will develop rapid, point-of-care tests based on highly conserved parts of the virus, so that all H5 strains (current and f ....A number of rapid, point-of-care tests are available for the detection of human and avian influenza types, but they vary greatly in sensitivity. In particular, these tests are based on current strains of H5 (avian) influenza, and may be unable to detect variant or pandemic strains, and negative results can give the false impression that patients do not have H5 influenza. We will develop rapid, point-of-care tests based on highly conserved parts of the virus, so that all H5 strains (current and future) can be detected with equal sensitivity, along with the H1 and H3 strains that are currently found in man to provide a definitive diagnosis. These tests will be valuable in the identification and differentiation of pandemic influenza cases, allowing better use of public health resources, especially against a background of continuing standard (H1 and H3) influenza infections.Read moreRead less
Comprehensive Clinical Tests Of Vestibular Function To Track Vestibular Compensation And Meniere’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,625.00
Summary
This Project will apply new, fast, safe, comprehensive, balance tests we have developed to measure the function of the balance receptors of the inner ear. We will track changes in balance function during disease and recovery in the many, and increasing, number of Australian patients with balance disorders. These tests will give us insight into changes in the inner ear associated with severe attacks of vertigo and why some patients recover so poorly after damage to inner ear balance receptors.
ProbioticTreatment Of Diarrhoeal Disease And Malnutrition In Top End Aboriginal Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$332,036.00
Summary
Aboriginal children in the Top End of Australia have high rates of hospital admission for diarrhoea and malnutrition. We have discovered that underlying small intestinal damage in these children is an important contributor to the high complication rates and longer lengths of stay in hospital compared to non-Aboriginal children. This research proposes to continue our work on small intestinal damage by using two non-invasive tests of gut function, namely a sugar absorption test and novel breath te ....Aboriginal children in the Top End of Australia have high rates of hospital admission for diarrhoea and malnutrition. We have discovered that underlying small intestinal damage in these children is an important contributor to the high complication rates and longer lengths of stay in hospital compared to non-Aboriginal children. This research proposes to continue our work on small intestinal damage by using two non-invasive tests of gut function, namely a sugar absorption test and novel breath test. The sugar permeability test involves the children drinking a solution of the two sugars lactulose and rhamnose, and measuring their absorption into the blood 90 minutes later using a sophisticated measuring instrument called HPLC, which can measure minuscule amounts of sugars and is set up at Royal Darwin Hospital. The breath test involves children drinking another sugar solution with a special non-radioactive marker called a stable isotope of carbon, and measuring changes in the amount of this marker in carbon dioxide from the breath at timed periods after drinking the sugar solution. The breath is analysed in Adelaide using another sophisticated instrument. These tests are being used to measure abnormal sugar absorption due to intestinal damage, which is particularly common in Aboriginal children during the weaning period of 4-18 months. Our hypothesis is that treatment with 'healthy germs' (probiotics) like those in certain yoghourts will colonise the gut, stimulate immunity and reduce the presence of 'nasty germs' (pathogenic bacteria) in the intestines of Aboriginal children which contribute to the need for their hospitalisation with diarrhoea and malnutrition. If this hypothesis is correct, then this research will provide the best kind of evidence for reducing the need for hospital treatment by treating all cases of diarrhoea with these probiotics and possibly even decreasing the gut damage of children in the weaning period by including probiotics in their dietsRead moreRead less
A Prospective Study Investigating Implications Of Bioactive Lipids For Diagnosis And Treatment Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,480.00
Summary
This study will investigate the role of fatty acids (lipids) in schizophrenia. Studies in blood cells and in the brains of patients with schizophrenia have shown that these lipids and related products are altered in schizophrenia. We are now able to measure separate lipid metabolites in the living human brain using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Until recently it was only possible to assess lipid metabolites as a group, limiting interpretation. Thanks to a newly available im ....This study will investigate the role of fatty acids (lipids) in schizophrenia. Studies in blood cells and in the brains of patients with schizophrenia have shown that these lipids and related products are altered in schizophrenia. We are now able to measure separate lipid metabolites in the living human brain using a technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Until recently it was only possible to assess lipid metabolites as a group, limiting interpretation. Thanks to a newly available imaging system at the Brain Imaging Research Institute and a new analysis technique, we will be able to measure single lipid metabolites in the living human brain. Simultaneously we will also measure lipids and related enzymes in red blood cells that are responsible for the regulation of these lipids. Preliminary data has shown that there is a strong correlation between these two measures. Furthermore we will investigate the genes that are responsible for the production of these enzymes. By repeating the same tests after 12 weeks we hope to understand how the newer antipsychotic drugs act. Two easy clinical tests (a skin and breath test) will help us to implement the findings in daily clinical practice (diagnostic markers for patients at risk) . With such a multi-level approach we hope to contribute to a new understanding of the origins of schizophrenia going beyond the traditional concepts. The findings might also have direct implications for treatment. Preliminary results are very promising but also contradictory. Therefore it is even more important to carefully investigate the role of these lipids in schizophrenia.Read moreRead less
An abnormal blood pressure (BP) response to a clinical exercise stress test is a signal for increased cardiovascular disease risk. However, current clinical guidelines do not provide evidence based information surrounding values that may constitute this increased risk. The EXERcise stress Test collaboratION (EXERTION) aims to fill this knowledge gap via establishment of a large, national database of exercise stress test results, linked to acute and chronic cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Repeat Expansions In Neurological Disease: Discovery, Interpretation And Enhanced Diagnostics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$889,937.00
Summary
Identifying the mutation or genetic cause of disease in an individual is the first step in the provision of appropriate clinical care and treatment. This diagnostic process is being revolutionised through the ability to sequence the entire human genome in a time and cost effective manner. This project will enable identification of novel and known repeat expansion using whole genome sequencing, providing rapid diagnoses and better clinical care for individuals with neurogenetic disorders.