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An Objective Screening Test For Deglutitive Aspiration And Swallowing Function In Children With Dysphagia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,641.00
Summary
Swallowing dysfunction (dysphagia) is common in children with neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy which affects 1:400 births. Fluid in the lungs during swallow (aspiration) is a serious complication causing chest infections and potentially death. We have developed a new test measuring pressures and flows during swallow which can detect abnormalities predisposing to aspiration and we will evaluate this as a screening tool.
Targeting The Sympathetic Nervous System To Reduce The Burden Of Fatty Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$728,152.00
Summary
The metabolic syndrome is characterised by abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and an increased risk of diabetes development. It is clear from our own observations that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is important in the generation of obesity-related illness and, through its stimulation of the liver, plays an important role in the development of obesity-related liver disease. We will target the SNS in order to reduce the burden of obesity-related liver disease.
Use Of Oral Enzymes To Treat Carbohydrate Intolerance: Adjunct Therapy To The Low FODMAP Dietary Treatment Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,197.00
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting 1 in 7 Australians and fermentation of poorly digested short chain carbohydrates are major dietary triggers. The lack of certain digestive enzymes is a major reason why some carbohydrates are not digested. This project will explore the potential use of oral enzyme supplements to assist with the digestion of these indigestible carbohydrates with the potential for use as adjunct therapy to treat gut symptoms associated with IBS.
The Role Of The Adiponectin Receptors In Liver Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$393,159.00
Summary
Advanced liver scarring (fibrosis) contributes to the death of 1500 Australians annually. Two-thirds of our community is overweight or obese, and this worsens liver disease. A protein secreted by fat, adiponectin, may be important as it acts on liver cells to promote fibrosis. To understand adiponectins role, we will use mice null for adiponectin receptor genes and study its action on liver cells. This study will improve our understanding of liver scarring biology and patient treatments.
Neuroimmune Interactions In Functional And Organic Gastrointestinal Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are chronic, incurable diseases of the lower gastrointestinal tract with unknown causes and poor treatment options. Both the immune and nervous systems are altered in GI disease, but have traditionally been studied in isolation. My research investigates how the neuro-immune axis is altered in these diseases, using animal models and human tissue samples to identify novel treatment options for these debilitating diseases.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation As A Novel Therapy In Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,502.00
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is common exerting a large personal and societal burden to the Australian population. Current medications used to treat IBD are expensive, have many side effects and at times require hospitalisation for their administration. We aim to develop the non invasive and inexpensive technique of vagal nerve stimulation as a novel treatment strategy for IBD.
The Role Of Wheat Gluten In The Genesis Of Gastrointestinal Symptoms And Fatigue In Patients With Non-coeliac Gluten Intolerance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$686,242.00
Summary
Currently �gluten- and wheat-intolerances� are poorly recognised by the medical profession and yet many Australians who do not have coeliac disease claim to be wheat- or gluten-intolerant. The most common complaints relate to chronic fatigue and gut symptoms such as wind and bloating. Our research team have new and recent evidence that wheat-gluten does trigger symptoms in some patients who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This project aims to improve our understanding in this area.
A Novel Mechanism For Intestinal Propulsion: Transit Without Neurons Or Pacemakers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$256,973.00
Summary
A significant complication of premature births is that the mechanisms that regulate normal intestinal movements have not yet fully developed. We have recently identified a novel pattern of contraction that is seen predominantly in the colon of mice that have not yet developed either the normal nerve circuits that control gut movement and also lack the pacemaker cells that are intrinsic to the muscle coat. This motor pattern appears to be responsible for the movement of gut content during the dev ....A significant complication of premature births is that the mechanisms that regulate normal intestinal movements have not yet fully developed. We have recently identified a novel pattern of contraction that is seen predominantly in the colon of mice that have not yet developed either the normal nerve circuits that control gut movement and also lack the pacemaker cells that are intrinsic to the muscle coat. This motor pattern appears to be responsible for the movement of gut content during the development and maturation of the nerve circuits that regulate this process in more adult animals. However, the mechanisms responsible for this process have not been identified. This project is directed at identifying these mechanismsRead moreRead less
Immune Activation In Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$471,597.00
Summary
Up to 30% of Australians are estimated to suffer from Functional Gastrointestinal Diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia, but the cause of these chronic diseases is unknown. Alterations in the immune system are increasingly suggested, but little is known about how this leads to the debilitating symptoms of discomfort and pain. This project combines immunology studies with neuroscience to determine the key mediators involved and how they communicate with nerves.