Development Of An Effective Therapy For Cheyne-Stokes Breathing In Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,030.00
Summary
During sleep, patients with heart failure often exhibit a cyclic pattern of breathing in which a period of regular breathing alternates with a period when breathing ceases. This breathing pattern is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life but to date no effective treatment for it exists. We have developed a method to calculate an exact level of carbon dioxide to stabilise breathing in each individual, offering the prospect of a better night’s sleep and a longer life.
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.
Immune Recognition Of Upper Airway Microbiota In Early Life As A Determinant Of Respiratory Health In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,135,837.00
Summary
The study will investigate the impact of respiratory infections during infancy on lung & immune function & respiratory health between 3-7 years of age. Children were previously enrolled in a population based birth cohort study (ORChID study) which collected detailed information about the respiratory health during the first 2 years of life with daily respiratory diary & weekly nasal swab collection. In this study lung function & immune function will be assessed annually in the same children (3-7)
A Novel Optical Stimulation Method For Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$510,913.00
Summary
This project aims to develop and characterize a novel optogenetic pharyngeal stimulation system to dilate the upper airway using a light stimulus. This will provide proof-of-concept for a new minimally invasive treatment option for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Breathe Well: A Centre For Research Excellence In Chronic Respiratory Diseases And Lung Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,527,082.00
Summary
Our CRE is based on common respiratory conditions covering wide spectrum of ages and severity. We will investigate how to maintain optimal respiratory health, through innovative approaches to early detection, improved therapy and adherence. We have a strong multi-disciplinary team of collaborators and we will build capacity through post-doctoral fellowships to improve our structural balance and optimise translational outputs. Tasmania is an ideal community to host a strong CCRE.
Mucous In Heterogeneous And Progressive Early Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$347,948.00
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically acquired, life-shortening chronic illness affecting young Australians today. Individuals with CF have a reduced ability to clear mucous from the airways resulting in respiratory infections and inflammation. This project will quantify the biochemical and biophysical properties of mucous in young children with CF to generate novel insights into the pathogenesis of early disease, biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic targets.
Impact Of Exposure To Air Pollutants During The Prenatal Period On Lung Function In Infancy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,093.00
Summary
The lungs undergo rapid development both before birth and in the early years of life and therefore may be susceptible to the impacts of exposure to environmental pollutants. Poor lung function in early childhood may increase the risk for respiratory disease in later life. This study will investigate if exposure to air pollution, indoors and outdoors, before birth significantly affects lung function and the respiratory health of young children.
Optimising Respiratory Care Of The Preterm Infant Using Regional Volumetric Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$282,086.00
Summary
Preterm birth is defined by the fragile under-developed lung needing to engage in air-breathing. Most preterm babies need respiratory support, but used inappropriately these life-saving therapies can increase the risk of long-term lung injury. This Fellowship will support a program designed to generate clinically meaningful outcomes through molecular, translational and clinical studies founded on strong physiological and biological principles and innovative research techniques.
Neurons and neurotransmitters that control the apnoeic response to irritation of the larynx. Normal function of the larynx enables breathing, cough, singing, speech and many other normal functions. This project will reveal how nerves in the brain coordinate to achieve these many functions; in particular the way that breathing stops if fluid or smoke enters the larynx.
Investigation Of The Influence Preterm Birth On Lung Structure And Function In School Age Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$204,482.00
Summary
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most significant chronic lung complication of premature birth. While some information on the long term respiratory outcomes in BPD exist there are no comprehensive studies linking lung structure, function and respiratory symptoms and relating these changes to neonatal history. Studies of this kind are essential to ensure future healthcare for these children can be planned accordingly.