Pathophysiology Of Postprandial Hypotension In The Elderly - Role Of Gastric And Small Intestinal Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,176.00
Summary
A fall in blood pressure after a meal (known as postprandial hypotension) is an important clinical problem, particularly in the elderly, occurring in ~50% of nursing home residents and ~30% of healthy older subjects. Postprandial hypotension is associated with a substantial increase in the incidence of falls, stroke, as well as mortality. The mechanisms responsible for the fall in blood pressure after a meal are not well understood, although changes in gastrointestinal blood flow and the release ....A fall in blood pressure after a meal (known as postprandial hypotension) is an important clinical problem, particularly in the elderly, occurring in ~50% of nursing home residents and ~30% of healthy older subjects. Postprandial hypotension is associated with a substantial increase in the incidence of falls, stroke, as well as mortality. The mechanisms responsible for the fall in blood pressure after a meal are not well understood, although changes in gastrointestinal blood flow and the release of gut hormones, have been implicated. While ingestion of carbohydrate, particularly glucose, has been reported to decrease blood pressure most potently, there is inadequate and conflicting information about the effects of other nutrients such as fat and protein. Current therapies are less than optimal. Studies by our research group have established that the fall in blood pressure in response to meals is related to the rate at which nutrients enter the small intestine ie the fall in blood pressure is greater when the stomach empties more quickly. In contrast, gastric distension reduces the fall in blood pressure. Hence, treatment could be directed at facilitating gastric distension and-or slowing the rate of nutrient delivery into the small intestine. Our previous studies have not included any assessment of changes in blood flow to the gut after meals, or of the interaction between gastric distension and small intestinal mechanisms, and have involved healthy older subjects and patients with type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes rather than individuals with known postprandial hypotension. We now have the capacity to measure blood flow in the gut with ultrasound. The studies proposed in the current application represent a logical development from our previous work and have important implications for the management of postprandial hypotension.Read moreRead less
3D integrated crystalline UV optical lens-fiber couplers for astronomy. This project aims to create micro-optics for astronomical and bio medical applications by 3D sculpturing them out of crystals by ultra-short pulse lasers. This project will introduce a new 3D fabrication approach of optical probes which have self-aligned micro-optical elements and optical fibres for a wide spectral range and with high quality optical surfaces. Expected outcomes of this project include building new capabiliti ....3D integrated crystalline UV optical lens-fiber couplers for astronomy. This project aims to create micro-optics for astronomical and bio medical applications by 3D sculpturing them out of crystals by ultra-short pulse lasers. This project will introduce a new 3D fabrication approach of optical probes which have self-aligned micro-optical elements and optical fibres for a wide spectral range and with high quality optical surfaces. Expected outcomes of this project include building new capabilities in micro-optical probes for industrial environments, establishing new solutions for international astronomy partners, and developing new techniques to image through optical fibres. This should provide significant benefits by improving astronomical instrumentation and also lead to less invasive endoscopy.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101344
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,854.00
Summary
Hierarchical Ta-Ti lattice materials by 3D printing and nanofabrication . This project aims to develop a novel approach to the manufacture of hierarchical Ta-Ti lattice materials with a fine nanoporous Ta surface through capitalizing on the advantages of metal 3D printing and a unique post nanofabrication process. This project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge in the design and manufacture of hierarchical metal lattice materials. Expected outcomes include a new advanced manufacturing ....Hierarchical Ta-Ti lattice materials by 3D printing and nanofabrication . This project aims to develop a novel approach to the manufacture of hierarchical Ta-Ti lattice materials with a fine nanoporous Ta surface through capitalizing on the advantages of metal 3D printing and a unique post nanofabrication process. This project expects to generate new fundamental knowledge in the design and manufacture of hierarchical metal lattice materials. Expected outcomes include a new advanced manufacturing method and a new class of highly biocompatible hierarchical Ta-Ti lattice materials. The former should benefit the Australian Manufacturing Industry for the manufacture of a variety of novel metal lattice materials or products while the latter has the potential for applications as implant materials.Read moreRead less
Mid-Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IM230100090
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,053,046.00
Summary
Multi material 3D Printing. This project aims to further develop a new 3D printing technique commercialised by an Australian start-up company. Current electronics manufacturing is extremely capital intensive, slow and restrictive in 3D design. The 3D printing method proposed in this application will disrupt the current advanced manufacturing eco system; creating unique methods to unlock advances in diverse markets for example, photovoltaics, printed circuit boards and sensors. The expected outco ....Multi material 3D Printing. This project aims to further develop a new 3D printing technique commercialised by an Australian start-up company. Current electronics manufacturing is extremely capital intensive, slow and restrictive in 3D design. The 3D printing method proposed in this application will disrupt the current advanced manufacturing eco system; creating unique methods to unlock advances in diverse markets for example, photovoltaics, printed circuit boards and sensors. The expected outcomes of this project are to create new commercial opportunities for the next generation of 3D printed electronics. This will provide significant benefits, creating unique capability to manufacture devices in 3D - faster, cheaper and with reduced reliance on global supply chains.Read moreRead less
Empowering Wearable Smart Devices with 3D Printed Energy Storage. This project aims to design and develop functional nanomaterials and nanocomposites for high-performance wearable energy storage devices. A functional materials approach, together with precise control of device architecture through multi-materials additive manufacturing will be used to achieve maximum device performance. The expected outcomes include (i) fundamental understanding the structural-property relationships of materials ....Empowering Wearable Smart Devices with 3D Printed Energy Storage. This project aims to design and develop functional nanomaterials and nanocomposites for high-performance wearable energy storage devices. A functional materials approach, together with precise control of device architecture through multi-materials additive manufacturing will be used to achieve maximum device performance. The expected outcomes include (i) fundamental understanding the structural-property relationships of materials and devices and (ii) the establishment of the fundamental principles on the microfabrication of flexible energy storage devices. The project secures Australia’s leading position in materials chemistry and advanced manufacturing, bringing economic benefit through the commercialisation of wearable devices.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100960
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,198.00
Summary
Reverse Design of Tuneable 4D Printed Materials for Soft Robotics. This project aims to facilitate the design and manufacture of specialised objects that can change their shape over time. These types of objects are made from ‘tuneable metamaterials’, which can be made by 4D printing: 3D printing with an added dimension of time. These materials are becoming indispensable in many fields- including non-metallic soft robots used in medicine or the exploration of harsh environments like space- but ar ....Reverse Design of Tuneable 4D Printed Materials for Soft Robotics. This project aims to facilitate the design and manufacture of specialised objects that can change their shape over time. These types of objects are made from ‘tuneable metamaterials’, which can be made by 4D printing: 3D printing with an added dimension of time. These materials are becoming indispensable in many fields- including non-metallic soft robots used in medicine or the exploration of harsh environments like space- but are currently onerous to make. This project will develop a revolutionary new method for a user to work backward from defining the desired qualities to the manufacture of the object that satisfies their needs. It will also create a library that will allow users to quickly select a material that will be appropriate.Read moreRead less
Progesterone Regulation Of Epithelial Cell Lineages In The Breast
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$534,186.00
Summary
The ovaries play a pivotal role in breast cancer in ways that are unknown. Progesterone increases breast cancer risk, and response to hormonal treatments is critically associated with tumour progesterone receptor content, but how it does this is unknown. We will pursue our findings that progesterone influences cell types in the breast similar to those that become cancerous. This will uncover critical vulnerabilities in breast cancer development and potential targets for prevention and treatment.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE240100120
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,254.00
Summary
Powder Manufacturing Facility for Additive Manufacturing. This proposal aims to enhance Australian capability in advanced manufacturing by enabling academia and industry to access a new Powder Manufacturing Facility for Additive Manufacturing (AM) to produce and characterise metallic powders for AM. There is presently an urgent need to develop metallic powders specific to AM instead of relying on alloys that were developed for traditional processes and that are not performing optimally in AM due ....Powder Manufacturing Facility for Additive Manufacturing. This proposal aims to enhance Australian capability in advanced manufacturing by enabling academia and industry to access a new Powder Manufacturing Facility for Additive Manufacturing (AM) to produce and characterise metallic powders for AM. There is presently an urgent need to develop metallic powders specific to AM instead of relying on alloys that were developed for traditional processes and that are not performing optimally in AM due to the fundamental physical differences between modern and traditional manufacturing technologies. Additionally, within this new facility, investigations on recycling metal products into powders to be used in AM will be conducted, providing new opportunities to achieve a circular economy.Read moreRead less