Novel, High-throutyput Platform For Rapid Identification, Quantintation, Differential Diagnosis, And Resistance Testing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$333,362.00
Summary
This proposal utilizes a newly invented process (multiplex tandem polymerase chain reaction, MT-PCR) to measure multiple (up to 100) genetic targets (eg RNA or DNA) in one sample. A range of different virus and bacterial genes can be detected, including those which make the influenza virus different (eg H1N1 or H5N1) and allow it to bypass vaccine immunity or resist drug therapy (due to neuraminidase inhibitor resistance). We will simultaneously target infections which are influenza-like (ILI) o ....This proposal utilizes a newly invented process (multiplex tandem polymerase chain reaction, MT-PCR) to measure multiple (up to 100) genetic targets (eg RNA or DNA) in one sample. A range of different virus and bacterial genes can be detected, including those which make the influenza virus different (eg H1N1 or H5N1) and allow it to bypass vaccine immunity or resist drug therapy (due to neuraminidase inhibitor resistance). We will simultaneously target infections which are influenza-like (ILI) or which might make influenza infection worse (eg staphylococcal pneumonia) as well as their resistance genes (eg MRSA). The test is rapid and automated and includes a specimen processing (DNA and RNA extraction) function that is being developed in parallel. We expect to be able to conduct high-throughput screening of multiple samples for a limited number of targets or conduct multiple tests on fewer specimens, simply by adjusting assay configuration. Measurement of the rise and fall in concentrations of influenza virus in infected persons will allow us to understand when they are no longer infectious to others, to predict when they are getting better or worse, and allow us to better understand the pattern of illness in people who are immunized against influenza or on drug therapy, or are in some other special category (eg immune compromise due to organ transplantation). While this will be able to be rolled out by our industry partners in the event of an influenza pandemic, it does not require an outbreak for successful development, and has value well beyond influenza diagnosis.Read moreRead less
The Optimization Of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) For Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,934.00
Summary
The ability to reliably diagnose malaria infections is key to both the management of individual patients as well as public health efforts to control the disease. Current Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for malaria have unacceptable sensitivity. The project will determine the low sensitivity of current malaria RDTs available on the market and help produce a malaria RDT with higher sensitivity and stability. This will bring great health benefits to millions of people.
Predicting, Diagnosing And Treating Synucleinopathies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,738,220.00
Summary
Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia carry a high socioeconomic burden and there are currently no disease-modifying treatments. Existing symptomatic therapies focus on replacing neurotransmitters that are made by neurons that have mostly degenerated prior to clinical diagnosis, warranting a clear need to identify cases at a stage when they might benefit most from neuroprotective interventions, as well as improving symptomatic and developing disease modifying treatments.
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
A Trial Of Prehospital Rapid Sequence Intubation In Patients With Severe Head Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,000.00
Summary
In Australia, major trauma is a leading cause of death in people between the ages of one and 44 years. In addition to mortality, there is a high morbidity rate and quality adjusted life-years lost from injury is vast. In broad terms, major trauma is defined as those injuries with the highest severity, requiring time critical medical care. Over 10% of major trauma patients have a severe head injury and approximately 40% of these patients die and another 40% have significant long-term morbidity. F ....In Australia, major trauma is a leading cause of death in people between the ages of one and 44 years. In addition to mortality, there is a high morbidity rate and quality adjusted life-years lost from injury is vast. In broad terms, major trauma is defined as those injuries with the highest severity, requiring time critical medical care. Over 10% of major trauma patients have a severe head injury and approximately 40% of these patients die and another 40% have significant long-term morbidity. Following severe head injury, it is common for patients to have decreased oxygen levels and this is associated with a significant increase in brain damage. To prevent or treat this, patients with severe head injury require endotracheal intubation (a tube is placed in the airway to provide oxygen to the patient) as soon as possible following injury. However, in most patients with severe head injury, endotracheal intubation requires the use of drugs to facilitate placement of the endotracheal tube. The usual technique involves the administration of both a sedative drug and an appropriate muscle-relaxant. This technique is known as rapid sequence intubation (RSI). However, it is unknown whether RSI should be undertaken by paramedics early after injury or be delayed until arrival at the hospital. Since better evidence of improved outcome is required to justify the possible risk and considerable expense of training ambulance paramedics in the skill of RSI, it is proposed that a randomized, controlled trial of RSI in adults with severe head injury be conducted. This trial will compare rapid sequence intubation with standard airway management (no intubation) by ambulance paramedics for major trauma patients with severe head injury. This study will assess differences in patient outcome at 6-months post injury. The study will involve head injury patients treated by paramedics in Victoria.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102503
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Circulating tumor cell isolation and detection: an integrated microfluidic capture device based on alternating current (AC) electrohydrodynamics. The detection of circulating tumor cells in clinical samples plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and management. This project aims to develop microfluidic technology by incorporating AC electric field-induced vortices with three-dimensional microstructured electrodes that will advance our ability to analyse rare cells and proteins in clinical sam ....Circulating tumor cell isolation and detection: an integrated microfluidic capture device based on alternating current (AC) electrohydrodynamics. The detection of circulating tumor cells in clinical samples plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis and management. This project aims to develop microfluidic technology by incorporating AC electric field-induced vortices with three-dimensional microstructured electrodes that will advance our ability to analyse rare cells and proteins in clinical samples.Read moreRead less