Neural Control Of Human Respiratory Muscles In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$450,132.00
Summary
This research examines how human inspiratory muscles that ‘pump’ air into the lungs are controlled in health and disease. We will study the interaction between automatic and voluntary control of breathing, about which very little is known. The control of breathing in patients who breathe against an inspiratory load (eg. asthma) and mechanically ventilated patients will be a focus of this research. Outcomes include better understanding of the control of breathing and improved patient care.
Combined Therapy To Ameliorate Ventilatory Instability In Patients With Heart Failure And Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,648.00
Summary
Sleep apnea is highly prevalent, particularly in patients with heart failure, and treatment remains limited to applying pressure via a face mask which can be intolerable. Although instability in breathing control is a major cause of apnea in many patients, treatments targeting instability with sufficient efficacy are unavailable. This project will combine two treatments, acetazolamide and oxygen, to powerfully reduce instability and provide relief from sleep apnea in a subgroup of patients.
The Economic Impact Of Managing Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, Barretts Oesophagus And Oesophageal Cancer.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$301,764.00
Summary
Cancer of the oesophagus is a deadly disease with less than 20% of patients expected to live beyond one year after diagnosis. Oesophageal cancer is strongly linked to acid reflux and obesity. This study will look at the economic impact of treating patients for oesophageal cancer and associated precursor conditions and explore the cost-effectiveness of potential screening options for individuals at high-risk.
Dissecting The Molecular Mechanisms Behind Actin Filament Disassembly - An Essential Process In Malaria Parasite Cell Movement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
The malaria parasite’s survival is reliant on efficient cell movement - a process that depends on the remodeling of the parasite actin cytoskeleton. The aim of this project is to understand how the actin cytoskeleton is disassembled when the parasite moves and to dissect the role of a key parasite protein, PfADF1, in the process. This project will elucidate fundamental insights into a key aspect of malaria parasite biology and, significantly, will shed light on how parasite movement can be inhib ....The malaria parasite’s survival is reliant on efficient cell movement - a process that depends on the remodeling of the parasite actin cytoskeleton. The aim of this project is to understand how the actin cytoskeleton is disassembled when the parasite moves and to dissect the role of a key parasite protein, PfADF1, in the process. This project will elucidate fundamental insights into a key aspect of malaria parasite biology and, significantly, will shed light on how parasite movement can be inhibited.Read moreRead less
Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea And Motor Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,798.00
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is a major health concern, affecting at least 4% of the population, associated with obesity, and aging. The symptoms of sleep apnoea are definitively associated with cardiovascular complications. I am focused on understanding how sleep apnoea patients are remodelled with the rewiring of connections between the brain and muscles. Using neurophysiological techniques, this project will study how the anatomy and functional connections of circuits change with sleep apnoea.