Knee Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: The Relationship Between Function And Neuromechanics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$76,252.00
Summary
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction allows most people to return to their previous level of function, but does not prevent the onset of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The development of OA in young people after ACL reconstruction may be caused by the initial injury, altered movement patterns, or changes in muscle control. This study will investigate the relationship between these factors. The findings will help to improve understanding of the causes of OA following ACL reconstruction.
Radiostereometric Analysis Of The Effect Of A Large Articulation On Prosthetic Wear And Migration After Hip Replacement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$192,186.00
Summary
At total hip replacement, there has been a recent trend to use prostheses with a larger ball and liner in the socket. This may decrease the risk of post-operative dislocation, but may also increase the amount of wear, leading to bone loss and loosening of prostheses, which may then require replacement. This project will use a special type of x-ray to determine whether wear and movement of these new prostheses is clinically acceptable, so that they can be used with confidence in patients.
Molecular Mechanisms Of Joint Degeneration In Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$718,273.00
Summary
Arthritis is a major clinical and socio-economic problem. Arthritis involves the destruction of cartilage in joints. However, the mechanisms of initiation and progression of cartilage destruction remain poorly understood. Our studies will for explore the role of a new regulator of gene expression, microRNA, in the initation and progression of osteoarthritis. This will provide important new information on disease mechanisms for the development of diagnostic biomarkers and therapies
Investigating Deregulation Of Mitosis As A Mechanism Of Tumourigenesis In MYCN-driven Neuroblastoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$372,298.00
Summary
Neuroblastoma chemotherapy often only works temporarily because a small number of tumour cells can resist drugs and eventually regrow as a new tumour. These resistant cells resemble the very first cells that turn into a cancer cell at tumour initiation. We have used single cell technology to uncover genetic markers of tumour initiating cells. In this project we will determine how these marker genes cause tumour initiation and develop therapies that target them in drug resistant neuroblastoma.
Mechanistic And Functional Drivers Of Neochromosome Evolution
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,771.00
Summary
Neochromosomes are Frankenstein chromosomes--massive extra chromosomes that are stitched together from 100s of pieces of normal chromosomes. They are found in 3% of cancers, but are common in some types, such as liposarcoma. We have mapped their structure and found they form through punctuated chromosome shattering and gene amplification. We will investigate the precise molecular mechanisms that cause this and the recurrent transcriptional and epigenetic drivers lead to their formation.
The Design, Development And Clinical Assessment Of A New Metacarpophalangeal Joint Prosthesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,450.00
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling form of arthritis that affects many people in the community. It commonly involves the finger joints in the hands resulting in deformity, pain and subsequent loss of function. There have been implants designed for finger joint replacement, but unfortunately these implants have had only moderate benefits and can break and lead to further joint destruction resulting in the worsening of deformity and pain. A new implant for finger joint replacement has been develo ....Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling form of arthritis that affects many people in the community. It commonly involves the finger joints in the hands resulting in deformity, pain and subsequent loss of function. There have been implants designed for finger joint replacement, but unfortunately these implants have had only moderate benefits and can break and lead to further joint destruction resulting in the worsening of deformity and pain. A new implant for finger joint replacement has been developed. This implant has several potential advantages. Firstly the unique design acts to prevent recurring deformity in the fingers with rheumatoid disease while allowing functional motion. Secondly, it is thought that patients will return to function earlier and avoid the need for further finger surgery as this implant design relies less on the tissues around it for stability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical and clinical benefits of this new implant for finger joint replacement. The new design will undergo specific laboratory tests and be used in a clinical trial to quantify the therapeutic benefits it provides to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Read moreRead less