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A Motion Correction Technique For Accurate PET/CT Brain Imaging In Paediatric And Dementia Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,450.00
Summary
PET-CT imaging is a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of patients with brain disorders including dementia, epilepsy and cancer. However images are often distorted by patient motion, particularly in demented and paediatric patients. The CI has recently developed a motion tracking and correction method to derive images nearly free of motion effects. This aim of this project is to evaluate its impact on image quality in a variety of patients referred for PET- CT brain investigations.
Development Of Small Molecule IRAP Inhibitors For Treating Memory Deficits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$369,898.00
Summary
We have identified a series of small molecule compounds based on their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of a protein, IRAP using a computer model of IRAP to screen chemical libraries. This research proposal aims to investigate the properties of these compounds and their ability to treat Alzheimer's dementia. At the conclusion of this project, we will have 2 families of lead compounds suitable for development into a new class of therapeutic agents for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Development Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Of IRAP - Potential Use For The Treatment Of Memory Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,450.00
Summary
This research project provides proof of concept that IRAP is a suitable target for use in the development of a new class of clinically valuable cognitive-enhancing agents. We have recently Identified a family of small molecule compounds that inhibited the catalytic activity of the enzyme using a molecule model of IRAP to screen virtual libraries. This research proposal aims to validate that this family of compounds have memory-enhancing properties by acting specifically on IRAP. At the conclusio ....This research project provides proof of concept that IRAP is a suitable target for use in the development of a new class of clinically valuable cognitive-enhancing agents. We have recently Identified a family of small molecule compounds that inhibited the catalytic activity of the enzyme using a molecule model of IRAP to screen virtual libraries. This research proposal aims to validate that this family of compounds have memory-enhancing properties by acting specifically on IRAP. At the conclusion of this project, we will have elucidated important information on the specificity of the memory effects and the structure activity relationship of this family of compounds. We will have identified and characterised a lead compound for development into a new class of cognitive enhancers.Read moreRead less
Assessment Of Bilateral Oedema By Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Swelling of tissue due to fluid accumulation, known as oedema, is one of the earliest signs of diseases such as kidney failure, burn injury or lymphedema. All of these are not uncommon conditions. Lymphedema, for example, is a common sequela of radiotherapy or surgery in the treatment of malignancies such as breast, uterine, and prostatic carcinoma. It is reported to occur in up to 40% of patients depending on the type of surgery and whether or not the patient received radiotherapy. It is estima ....Swelling of tissue due to fluid accumulation, known as oedema, is one of the earliest signs of diseases such as kidney failure, burn injury or lymphedema. All of these are not uncommon conditions. Lymphedema, for example, is a common sequela of radiotherapy or surgery in the treatment of malignancies such as breast, uterine, and prostatic carcinoma. It is reported to occur in up to 40% of patients depending on the type of surgery and whether or not the patient received radiotherapy. It is estimated that at any time 100000 women are suffering from post- mastectomy lymphedema in Australia alone. Treatment of breast cancer alone therefore, given the incidence of the disease, produces a large at-risk population. Add to this other causes of oedema and the magnitude of the problem becomes clearly apparent. The presence of chronic oedema is often a disfiguring and disabling disorder, usually accompanied by pain, recurrent infection, reduced mobility and impaired function. In acute oedema the problem often resolves with recovery from the underlying pathology. In chronic oedema, progression may be arrested by early intervention including complex physical therapy (exercise regimen, compression bandaging, and massage) which is effective in reducing limb volume, in improving the quality of life, function and body image of patients. Although the assessment of oedema is clearly of clinical importance, relatively few objective and accurate techniques for its measurement exist. Research conducted over the past decade by the applicants has pioneered the Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for the assessment of lymphedema. This study aims to translate this basic research into clinical practice. Sensitivity and specificity studies will establish normative and threshold values for impedance measurements that can be used as presumptive indicators of oedema. User friendly technology and equipment suitable for clinical use will be developed which should improve treatment therapies.Read moreRead less
We will conduct a clinical trial of the effectiveness of a continuous auditory display of an anesthetized patient's respiratory status. Expired carbon dioxide monitoring has helped reduce respiratory incidents since its widespread introduction in the late 1980s, but a continuous auditory display of respiratory status may reduce incidents further. We will conduct a clinical trial with 10 anaesthetists of continuous auditory respiratory monitoring. Successful outcome may lead to commercial uptake.
Development And Clinical Evaluation Of A Depth Of Anaesthesia Monitor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$424,785.00
Summary
Waking up during surgery (awareness under anaesthesia) is a frightening reality for some patients. Although uncommon (occurring in about 1 in 1000 operations), it remains one of the main concerns of patients before their surgery. Recent studies (including our own) have demonstrated that processed EEG monitoring using bispectral index (BIS) can markedly reduce the risk of awareness. Other EEG monitors are being developed, but each have weaknesses. As approximately two million Australians have a g ....Waking up during surgery (awareness under anaesthesia) is a frightening reality for some patients. Although uncommon (occurring in about 1 in 1000 operations), it remains one of the main concerns of patients before their surgery. Recent studies (including our own) have demonstrated that processed EEG monitoring using bispectral index (BIS) can markedly reduce the risk of awareness. Other EEG monitors are being developed, but each have weaknesses. As approximately two million Australians have a general anaesthetic each year, about 2000 will suffer an episode of awareness. More than 60 million people around the world have an anaesthetic, and so the problem is substantial. This suggests the potential benefits (health outcomes, commercial gains) are very great. In 2000 less than 5% of US hospitals used BIS monitoring; the current figure in the US is about 69% of the best-rated hospitals (US News and World Report) and 78% of teaching hospitals. A similar rapid growth is occurring in Australia and Europe. We are working with a successful Australian Company (Compumedics Ltd) to develop a better awareness monitor. We plan studies in groups of patients have surgery.Read moreRead less
A Novel Treatment For Ameliorating Retinal Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$366,685.00
Summary
Retinal vascular disease is a leading cause of blindness and is currently treated by laser photocoagulation surgery. Although successful, this treatment is associated with serious side effects. Recently, Ellex Pty has developed a novel laser called the 2RT laser that is likely to be effective without the accompanying side effects. This study will allow examine the effect of the 2RT laser in animal models of retinal vascular disease so as to complete preclinical development of this laser.
Development Of A Smart Arthroscopy System And Prototype Probe For Joint Tissues
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,632.00
Summary
This project relates to the ever growing use of arthroscopy in the management of joint defects. An innovative probe that will combine all the molecular, microstructural and biomechanical characteristics of joint articular cartialge and bone for the purposes of diagnosis, treatment, treatment-related decisions, comparison of the effectiveness of treament methods and post treatment evaluation will be developed. This system will produce spin-offs for artrhoscopy of other soft tissues and bodies.
Development And Evaluation Of Novel Anti-inflammatory Products Derived From An Indigenous Medicinal Plant
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$276,598.00
Summary
This collaborative project between researchers at the University of South Australia and Indigenous traditional owners from Northern Kaanju homelands (Cape York Peninsula, Qld) will develop and evaluate products derived from the Northern Kaanju medicinal plant Dodonaea polyandra. Extracts of the plant and novel compounds isolated from it have anti-inflammatory activity. These have the potential to be used in inflammatory diseases such as dermatitis, arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.