Multi-centre RDBC Trial Of Oxygen Vs Air For Relief Of Breathlessness In Terminally-ill Patients With Intractable Dyspno
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$149,701.00
Summary
This study will compare the effects of oxygen and air in the relief of breathlessness in patients at the end of life who do not currently qualify for home oxygen. This landmark study will provide accurate information about any benefits that oxygen offers for breathlessness in this setting. This international multi-site study will ask 226 people to participate using either oxygen or air for 7 days while keeping a diary. We will measure breathlessness, quality of life, anxiety and side effects exp ....This study will compare the effects of oxygen and air in the relief of breathlessness in patients at the end of life who do not currently qualify for home oxygen. This landmark study will provide accurate information about any benefits that oxygen offers for breathlessness in this setting. This international multi-site study will ask 226 people to participate using either oxygen or air for 7 days while keeping a diary. We will measure breathlessness, quality of life, anxiety and side effects experienced.Read moreRead less
Safety Of Hendra Virus Anti-G Glycoprotein Monoclonal Antibody In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$400,000.00
Summary
Hendra virus infection in humans is a serious, and often fatal, disease. No cure exists for Hendra infection and existing treatments are ineffective. Recently, a human monoclonal antibody has shown great promise in protecting animals from developing the disease. This project aims to perform preclinical safety testing and a Phase I clinical trial to establish the safety profile of this antibody such that it can be used to prevent Hendra infection in humans exposed to the disease.
Development Of Site-specific Predictive Assay For Periodontal Disease Progression Using Mass Spectrometric &RT- PCR Anal
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
In this project new DNA-based technology will be developed to determine the numbers of specific bacteria in the dental plaque of patients. The project will also use new mass spectrometric analysis techniques for the determination of compounds in gingival crevicular fluid, an exudate from the gums. These two techniques will be used in a clinical trial to determine if periodontal (gum) disease progression can be predicted by changes in the numbers of bacteria or in the composition of gingival crev ....In this project new DNA-based technology will be developed to determine the numbers of specific bacteria in the dental plaque of patients. The project will also use new mass spectrometric analysis techniques for the determination of compounds in gingival crevicular fluid, an exudate from the gums. These two techniques will be used in a clinical trial to determine if periodontal (gum) disease progression can be predicted by changes in the numbers of bacteria or in the composition of gingival crevicular fluid. This could provide insight into the development of periodontal disease and lead to new preventive and treatment regimes.Read moreRead less
Optimising Current Therapeutic Approaches To Schizophrenia: The OPTiMiSE Consortium
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,016,659.00
Summary
Despite modern treatments advances (medications and psychological treatments), the prognosis of schizophrenia has only improved marginally and is individually variable. The OPTiMiSE Consortium, consisting of leading experts in schizophrenia research across Europe and a group in Australia, will commence a 5-year research program world-first in scale and scope. We will investigate the biological markers related to treatment response in over 1000 individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia. Schizop ....Despite modern treatments advances (medications and psychological treatments), the prognosis of schizophrenia has only improved marginally and is individually variable. The OPTiMiSE Consortium, consisting of leading experts in schizophrenia research across Europe and a group in Australia, will commence a 5-year research program world-first in scale and scope. We will investigate the biological markers related to treatment response in over 1000 individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic disease and despite modern medication and psychological treatments the outcome is highly variable and often poor. The Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre is part of the European based OPTiMiSE Consortium, the largest ever research program evaluating why individuals with schizophrenia vary in response to different medications. We will examine what characteristics predict which drugs are most helpful to 120 individuals with first episode schizophreniaRead moreRead less
Improving The Psychological Wellbeing Of Family Caregivers Of Home Based Palliative Care Patients: A Randomised Controll
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Support for family caregivers during the care giving phase and into bereavement is a core element of palliative care philosophy and practice. The majority of people report a preference to be cared for at home yet only about a quarter of Australians receiving palliative care services have a home death. Family caregivers provide the bulk of support to patients receiving palliative care at home and without this contribution the well-being of patients and their capacity to remain at home would be co ....Support for family caregivers during the care giving phase and into bereavement is a core element of palliative care philosophy and practice. The majority of people report a preference to be cared for at home yet only about a quarter of Australians receiving palliative care services have a home death. Family caregivers provide the bulk of support to patients receiving palliative care at home and without this contribution the well-being of patients and their capacity to remain at home would be compromised. Many research studies have acknowledged the negative psychological, physical, social and financial impact experienced by family caregivers who care for a relative requiring palliative care at home. Family caregivers report a variety of unmet needs throughout the palliative care and bereavement process, despite input from health care services and have been referred to as �hidden patients�. Support for family caregivers is often crisis driven. Resource issues in rural areas add to the challenges of providing optimal family centred support. Hence, it is difficult to claim that palliative care services pro-actively provide effective targeted support for family caregivers and for the most part, family situations with unmet needs prevail. Family caregivers want information that prepares them for what is involved in supporting a dying relative, on how to provide patient comfort, practical care needs and strategies to minimise their own psychological burden. Our study specifically responds to these identified needs by evaluating a home based intervention that aims to enhance the psychological well-being of family caregivers. Family caregivers will receive two home visits from a palliative care nurse, written resources and phone support. A care plan will be developed in partnership with the local palliative care service.Read moreRead less
A RCT Of An Innocative Supportive Care Program Designed To Reduce Perceived Needs & Psychological Distress & Enhance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$111,043.00
Summary
The diagnosis of incurable lung cancer is a very distressing event, and patients have a high level of psychological and informational needs. An innovative evidence-based program has been designed to address these unmet needs in an emotionally supportive environment at this critical time. This study tests whether the program meets the needs of these people, reduces their psychological distress and enhances their quality of life. If successful, it will be integrated into the standard care to impro ....The diagnosis of incurable lung cancer is a very distressing event, and patients have a high level of psychological and informational needs. An innovative evidence-based program has been designed to address these unmet needs in an emotionally supportive environment at this critical time. This study tests whether the program meets the needs of these people, reduces their psychological distress and enhances their quality of life. If successful, it will be integrated into the standard care to improve the experience of this large and under-supported group.Read moreRead less
Clinical And Physiological Evaluation Of Chinese Herbal Medicine For Constipation Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,705.00
Summary
This innovative study examines the effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action of a complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is the most common chronic medical disorder of the digestive tract with 10% prevalence in the Australian population. Characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, it significantly affects quality of life and has major socioeconomic implications. IBS is increasingly recognized as a complex multi-factorial condition with ps ....This innovative study examines the effectiveness, safety and mechanisms of action of a complex Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is the most common chronic medical disorder of the digestive tract with 10% prevalence in the Australian population. Characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, it significantly affects quality of life and has major socioeconomic implications. IBS is increasingly recognized as a complex multi-factorial condition with psychogenic, hormonal and immune components. It is poorly addressed by current pharmaceutical treatments. Medical treatment of IBS remains unsatisfactory, with incomplete benefits offered by a single drug approach. The multi-factorial nature of IBS renders it an ideal candidate for evaluation with a more complex mix of low dose agents offered by herbal medicine. Specifically, CHMs by their complex chemical nature have substantial potential in the treatment of IBS because of their range of physiological effects on both bowel function and the central nervous systems We will perform a clinical trial of 8 weeks to determine the effectiveness of a chemically standardised CHM preparation in 160 patients with constipation predominant IBS patients compared to an identical placebo (sham). This project builds on our previous studies that demonstrated an effectiveness of CHM for IBS superior to current interventions. We’ve validated methods to ensure chemical standardisation of herbal medicines; validated approaches to psychosocial assessment of cognitive and behavioural changes in IBS patients; and have validated physiological, mechanistic evaluation of the lower bowel in response to treatment. The significance of the current proposal lies in its ability to provide a standardised, multi-component CHM (8 herbs) for the comprehensive clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this type of therapy for IBS, and to provide insight into the relevant mechanisms of action. This project draws together the unique skills and previous studies from the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research (UWS), and the Gastrointestinal Investigation Unit of RNSH, USYD. This innovative project is medically important because it addresses a common gastrointestinal disorder with high socioeconomic implications for which conventional western medicine has failed to produce a cure or adequate palliative treatment.Read moreRead less
RCT Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids As Treatment Of Subthreshold Symptoms In Young People At Ultra-high Risk For
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,102.00
Summary
Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fat which has long been thought to be beneficial for health. The body cannot make its own omega-3 fats - they must be taken in through the diet, or in supplement form. Large population-based studies have suggested that a diet rich in omega-3 fats can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, cut the risk of cancers such as prostate and skin. The fats have also been touted as a treatment for arthritis, asthma, and inflamed bowels. ....Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fat which has long been thought to be beneficial for health. The body cannot make its own omega-3 fats - they must be taken in through the diet, or in supplement form. Large population-based studies have suggested that a diet rich in omega-3 fats can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, cut the risk of cancers such as prostate and skin. The fats have also been touted as a treatment for arthritis, asthma, and inflamed bowels. A lack of omega-3s during foetal development can hinder brain and eye development. Other work has suggested that a diet rich in omega-3 may help improve mental health. Studies revealed beneficial effects in a broad range of mental health problems including violent and aggressive behaviour in teenagers, major depression, bipolar affective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce symptoms in schizophrenia and other major psychiatric disorders make omega-3 fatty acids an optimal candidate for further evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy, in particular in young people in early illness stages of psychosis where specific intervention is controversial due to potential risks and medication side-effects. The proposed 12-week intervention study aims to establish a new treatment strategy alternative to antipsychotic medication in the young people with subthreshold symptoms at high risk for psychosis. Omega-3 fatty acids have no clinically relevant side effects which often accompany therapy with antipsychotics (such as diabetes and weight gain). A widely available, easy applicable, biological treatment without clinically relevant side effects could help to improve compliance and outcome in psychosis. Schizophrenia is often prolonged and results in a considerable economic burden. Early treatment has the potential to offset future costs to both mental health providers and the recipients of these services.Read moreRead less
A Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial Of A Herbal Preparation In Functional Dyspepsia:
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$643,680.00
Summary
Functional dyspepsia is characterisd by relapsing upper abdominal symptoms (pain, early satietation, fullness, bloating) without identifiable cause if routine diagnostic measures are utilised. This condition is highly prevalent affecting between 10 and 25 % of the population and causes substantial costs to the society due to medical consultations, diagnostic work-up and treatment. So far, treatments with chemically defined medication are disappointing with only a small proportion of patients exp ....Functional dyspepsia is characterisd by relapsing upper abdominal symptoms (pain, early satietation, fullness, bloating) without identifiable cause if routine diagnostic measures are utilised. This condition is highly prevalent affecting between 10 and 25 % of the population and causes substantial costs to the society due to medical consultations, diagnostic work-up and treatment. So far, treatments with chemically defined medication are disappointing with only a small proportion of patients experiencing sufficient relief. More recently, some herbal preparations have been tested in Europe in clinical trials and found to be effective, but comparisons with chemically defined treatments. However, data from Australia are lacking. In addition no study has been conducted so far that assessed and compared the cost-efficacy of a herbal preparations and a chemically defined treatment. Thus this project aims to assess and compare the effects of a standardised herbal preparation (STW-9) and-or a proton pump inhibitor on the relief of symptoms and the cost-efficacy in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia. In addition, we will assess whether there is an association between the clinical response (complete or substantial improvement of symptoms) and the symptom pattern, the changes of the sensitivity of the stomach (as assessed with a standardised nutrient challenge) and we will elucidate the role of specific receptor channels called Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels that are involved in the manifestation of abdominal sysmptoms such as pain or discomfort. This study will establish the cost-efficacy of a standardised herbal preparation (as compared to the stablshed treatment standard), allows to identify subgroups of patients who will most likely respond to therapy and gain insights into the underlying mechanisms. Thus, this study bears the potential to substantially improve the quality of care and cost efficacy of treatment of patients with this highly prevalent disease.Read moreRead less