Biomechanical, Neural And Sensory Phenotyping Of The Upper Airway In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$746,138.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder where the upper airway closes repeatedly during sleep. It results in daytime sleepiness, increased risk of accidents and cardiovascular disease. But not all patients are the same, and individually tailored treatments are needed. This project will develop new ways to identify the causes of OSA in individual patients, using new MRI imaging methods, sensory testing, and measurements of the neural activity in the muscles that keep the airway open.
Functional Characterisation Of Novel Metabolites In Asthma And Identification Of New Biomarkers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,922.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that represents a major health burden. Severe asthma represents 10% of those suffering the disease and poses an urgent problem due to exacerbations and resistance to current therapies. We have conducted the first study of the metabolites that are altered in the airways of patients with severe asthma and identified functional metabolites and disease biomarkers. We now aim to assess the function of these molecules in asthma disease models.
Experimental Investigation Of Driving Impairment In Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,764.00
Summary
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects 2-4% of the adult population. Repetitive throat obstructions at night lead to sleep disturbance and oxygen deprivation which in turn lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and poor concentration. Studies in severely affected OSA patients have demonstrated driving simulator performance impairment and a 2-7 fold increased rate of motor vehicle accidents. Current data suggest that up to 50,000 MVAs may be caused each year in Australia by OSA. While driving impair ....Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects 2-4% of the adult population. Repetitive throat obstructions at night lead to sleep disturbance and oxygen deprivation which in turn lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and poor concentration. Studies in severely affected OSA patients have demonstrated driving simulator performance impairment and a 2-7 fold increased rate of motor vehicle accidents. Current data suggest that up to 50,000 MVAs may be caused each year in Australia by OSA. While driving impairment and increased crash risk in severe OSA seems clear it is not known whether patients with mild-moderate disease are also affected. This is an important question since patients with mild-moderate disease make up the great majority of OSA sufferers and therefore potentially pose the greatest concern for overall public safety. This study will determine whether mild-moderate, as well as severe, OSA is associated with driving impairment. The study will also determine how partial sleep deprivation and low dose alcohol impact on driving performance in OSA. These two behaviours are considered part of the norm for modern societies, yet we recently showed that they act synergistically to markedly impair driving in healthy subjects. We suspect that years of prior sleep disturbance and oxygen deprivation will render OSA sufferers more vulnerable to the effects of these additional central nervous system insults. Finally, we will determine how well driving impairment in severe OSA responds to nose mask CPAP treatment. We will find out what minimum level of treatment adherence is needed to produce significant improvement and whether driving impairment is ever truly reversed. The information obtained in this study will inform and significantly improve patient care,fitness to drive guidelines and driver safety campaigns.Read moreRead less
We will conduct a survey of respiratory symptoms, lung function, smoking status, occupational exposures, and other risk factors among 3200 people aged 40 years and over living in five Australian communities: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Busselton (WA), and the Kimberley region (WA). In the Kimberley we will survey 400 Aboriginal people and 400 non-Aboriginal people. We will use a survey methodology that has been developed by an international expert panel and has been implemented in many other co ....We will conduct a survey of respiratory symptoms, lung function, smoking status, occupational exposures, and other risk factors among 3200 people aged 40 years and over living in five Australian communities: Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Busselton (WA), and the Kimberley region (WA). In the Kimberley we will survey 400 Aboriginal people and 400 non-Aboriginal people. We will use a survey methodology that has been developed by an international expert panel and has been implemented in many other countries (in North and South America, Asia, and Europe). This study will provide the first nationally-representative information on the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the opportunities for health gain by improving the management of this illness. In Australia, COPD is a relatively silent and under-recognised disease but nevertheless is the third most important contributor to the burden of disease and the third leading cause of hospital admission as well as being the underlying cause of 4.2% of all deaths. The information we will collect is needed to form a basis for prevention and disease management interventions to reduce the burden of COPD, particularly among population sub-groups who are disproportionately affected, either due to greater exposure to risk factors (mainly tobacco smoking and occupation), greater susceptibility, under-recognition and under-diagnosis, or inadequate disease management. Importantly, the study will serve to raise awareness about the hazards of smoking for all Australians. By identifying target groups, prevalent exposures and management deficiencies, it will lead the way towards policy-relevant randomised controlled trials testing community-based interventions to prevent COPD and-or manage it more effectively. The information collected will help advance knowledge of the prevalence, burden and treatment of COPD that will be relevant to communities throughout the world.Read moreRead less
The Emerging Problem Of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Infection: Understanding Aetiology, Geospatial Epidemiology And Developing Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$988,791.00
Summary
This project will be largest study of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection in cystic fibrosis. By combining growing the bacteria with detailed information from the CF patient data registry, geographical location and environmental conditions, this study will provide novel insights into factors associated with NTM. Gene sequencing and airway infection profiling will extend understanding and has the potential to identify novel risk factors and biomarkers for NTM-related airways disease.
The health effects of electronic cigarette use are virtually unknown. They have only recently been introduced into widespread use, and as such their effects on human health will not be known for many years. We will use our expertise in exposure models and health outcome measurement to provide timely hard-data on their potential to impact health – data that are urgently required to guide policy makers in this area.
The Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Chronic Lung Disease Is Due To Increased Airway Smooth Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,067.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem. It is becoming increasingly evident that vitamin D deficiency increases the severity of chronic lung disease. In this study we propose to examine a mechanism that we think clearly explains this association. These studies are critical to understanding how deficiencies in key nutrients can impact on chronic lung disease and will provide the data necessary to guide public health policy to reduce the burden of disease in the community.
Examining The Early Origins Of Asthma And Chronic Respiratory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$384,768.00
Summary
Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease of childhood. Birth cohort studies show that early life environmental stressors may increase asthma risk. This study will examine the impact of multiple early-life stressors using a novel ‘exposome’ model in international birth cohort studies, to identify the most significant factors. This will allow for interventions in a planned Australian birth cohort study, leading to improved health for Australians.