Inhaling asbestos fibres causes cancer (both mesothelioma and lung cancer). These are related to the amount of asbestos inhaled. This study will look at lung tissue removed from people for other medical reasons to see if those at high risk (e.g. construction workers) have benefited from the laws restricting asbestos use. We hope to predict rates of these cancers in the future from these results, based on the numbers of fibres seen in the lungs.
Novel Strategies For Improving Respiratory Support And Outcomes For Very Preterm Babies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$8,381,820.00
Summary
Very premature birth is the commonest cause of illness and death in newborn babies, making it one of the most serious and costly issues in perinatal medicine. The major problem suffered by very premature babies is lung immaturity and its associated harmful effects on brain development. Most very premature babies require resuscitation followed by ventilatory support,often for several weeks. This is extremely expensive and places an enormous financial burden on health care systems. Furthermore, it ....Very premature birth is the commonest cause of illness and death in newborn babies, making it one of the most serious and costly issues in perinatal medicine. The major problem suffered by very premature babies is lung immaturity and its associated harmful effects on brain development. Most very premature babies require resuscitation followed by ventilatory support,often for several weeks. This is extremely expensive and places an enormous financial burden on health care systems. Furthermore, it increases the risks of respiratory illnesses, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and chronic lung disease which can impair breathing and increase susceptibility to respiratory disease such as asthma later in life. The overall aim of this program is to improve outcomes for very premature babies, including less lung injury, better respiratory health and shorter stays in hospitals. In order to reduce the health burden caused by very premature birth on the community we need to know more about how it alters the normal development of the lungs in the newborn period and into later life. In particular, we need to understand the cellular and molecular processes involved in lung development so that we can identify gene networks and developmental processes that are disrupted by severe premature birth. Such knowledge is necessary to provide a more rational, scientific basis for managing and treating the alterations in lung structure and function caused by premature birth. We also need to develop better ways of resuscitating and ventilating these infants so that lung injury is minimized.The research team is led by two neonatologists and three biomedical research scientists with a proven record of effective collaboration. This team is internationally unique in that it includes practicing neonatologists, respiratory physiologists and molecular biologists who have collaborated together productively and are regarded as world leaders in their respective fields. New talents have been brought into the team to provide expertise in pulmonary stem cell biology, the design of novel steroid drugs, and clinical follow-up. Together, this team has the potential (a) to greatly enhance the understanding of the impact of very premature birth on the developing lung, (b) to improve resuscitation and ventilation techniques, and (c) to translate the new knowledge into clinical practice to improve the outcome for prematurely born babies. Using well characterized animal models we will determine gene networks involved in fetal lung development and how these are altered by premature birth. The successful transition from fetal to postnatal life is critical for survival at birth but more information is needed. Using newborn lambs and rabbits, we will trial novel strategies for enhancing the transformation of the immaturelung into an effective gas exchange organ at birth. New data on lung aeratioRead moreRead less
Career Development Fellowship_Y C Gary Lee_Translational Research On Malignant Pleural Effusion And Pleural Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$321,489.00
Summary
My pleural research program uniquely combines a clinical and a lab research arm integrated with a tertiary clinical service. It has a strong track record in improving clinical care in pleural cancer and infection through patient-oriented research. My program has a high productivity and strong commitment to training future pleural researchers. This Fellowship will allow me to continue the upward trajectory in research publication, training of fellows, and making advances that impact patient care.
This application will allow me to restructure my work to provide sufficient time to do full justice to the current and planned commitments of our Respiratory Research Group. Our research programme includes the immunopathology of chronic airway diseases; the epidemiology of respiratory disease (TAHS); clinical physiology technology to service these studies; respiratory clinical pharmacology; microbe-host interactions in CF and COPD; and EBM in chronic respiratory disease self-management .
Cancers can induce fluid build up within the chest cavity leading to breathlessness impairing quality of life. These three studies are focused on improving MPE care. The PLEASE study aims to determine the mechanism of breathlessness and provide predictors for patient selection for fluid drainage. The AMPLE-2 trial will determine the optimal drainage regime to improve patient related outcomes. The FRAME study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of a novel therapy in mesothelioma.
Stephen Stick Practitioner Fellowship In Paediatric Respiratory Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,272.00
Summary
Fellowship will facilitate the further study of mechanisms of chronic childhood respiratory disease and strategies for intervention to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life for patients and families.
Indwelling Pleural Catheter For Management Of Cancer-related Pleural Effusions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$123,688.00
Summary
Most cancers can be complicated by fluid accumulation (effusion) in the (pleural) cavity between the lung and chest wall, causing significant breathlessness. Indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is a new method that allows patients to drain the effusion outside the hospital and avoid further invasive interventions. This study aims to provide important information that will help guide use of IPC and manage its complications, especially infection, improve patient outcomes and save healthcare costs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes airway narrowing and lung destruction resulting in breathlessness and cough. Earlier detection of acute attacks of breathlessness may improve treatment, prevent progression and reduce risk of death. The forced oscillation technique can detect attacks earlier and is easy to perform. It will be used in this study for home monitoring with application of time series analyses to accurately detect change so that acute attacks can be treated earlier.
Transition From Childhood To Adult Asthma: Predicting Persistent And Adult-onset Asthma In Young Adults In The Raine Longitudinal Birth Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,018,496.00
Summary
While many children grow out of their asthma a significant number continue to have asthma in later life. The Raine community birth cohort has followed newborn infants from birth and has contributed to our understanding of how asthma develops throughout childhood. The proposed project aims to assess those factors that contribute to the persistence of asthma throughout childhood in into early adult life in the as well as investigate the predictors of adult onset asthma at 23 years of age.
Clinical And Physiological Features Of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Phenotypes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,331.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea has variable causes and clinical effects in different patient groups. My research will quantify the contribution of various physiological processes to the development of upper airway obstruction in different sub-types of sleep apnoea and to determine how this affects clinical presentation. I will be measuring a number of physiological parameters, and finding out how sleep apnoea manifests in terms of symptomatology and adverse health effects.