Synchrotron X-ray Assessment Of Airway Surface Physiology For Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$778,228.00
Summary
We seek a cure or long-lasting therapy for the fatal airway disease in cystic fibrosis. Disease is caused by a shallow and dehydrated airway surface liquid (ASL), allowing bacteria to infect the lung. We can introduce a corrective gene into mouse airways where it can be effective for over 1 yr, but no fast, accurate and non-invasive measurement exists to test if treatments are successful. We will develop methods using synchrotron light to directly measure ASL depth changes in live mouse airways.
Single Shot X-ray Tomography For Real-Time Functional X-ray Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,641.00
Summary
Computed Tomography (CT) scanners produce three-dimensional images of vital organs that cannot be obtained by conventional two-dimensional (single projection) x-ray radiographs. However, the radiation exposure is hundreds of times higher than conventional radiography. We will develop the world’s first CT scanner that uses no more radiation than a single conventional x-ray image that will provide four-dimensional reconstructions of a patient’s moving internal organs.
Muir Torre Syndrome: The Role Of IHC And Genotyping In Sebaceous Neoplasia To Facilitate Prevention Strategies In Colorectal And Endometrial Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,786.00
Summary
Sebaceous neoplasia (SN), may be an early warning sign for Lynch syndrome (LS), an inherited cancer predisposition caused by mutations in a group of genes. There are high lifetime risks of bowel and uterine cancer, for which there are effective risk management plans if the risk is known. Clinicians are challenged by the role of SN in identifying LS. At present, it is hard to differentiate. We aim to determine features to improve the diagnosis of LS carriers.
Identifying The Microbiological Risk Factors For Acute Lower Respiratory Infection In Indigenous Children To Inform Future Intervention Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$495,745.00
Summary
Lung infections such as pneumonia are common in Indigenous children, and can lead to repeated hospitalisation and permanent lung damage. They are also an important cause of preventable death in children. This study will look at the role of bacteria and viruses in lung infections, and will inform interventions to reduce the burden and consequences of lung infections in Indigenous children.
Revolutionising The Diagnosis And Monitoring Of CF Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$818,391.00
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease starts early in childhood and relentlessly progresses, with early death a common outcome. There is currently no method capable of detecting very early disease onset nor directly assessing the effectiveness of putative treatments. This project will apply our globally unique X-ray imaging tools, which are capable of imaging lung function at any point across the entire lung, for the very early detection of CF and assessment of clinically applicable treatments.
Developing Interpretable Machine Learning Models For Clinical Imaging And Single-cell Genomics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,312,250.00
Summary
Machine learning methods will be vital to make best use of the deluge of data generated by high-throughput technologies in biomedical science. To get the most out of these models, however, we need to be able to unpack the 'black box'. I will use curated clinical and public research data to benchmark and develop interpretable deep learning models and software tools. These models will be used for breast cancer screening programs and for analysis of complex, large-scale single-cell genomics data.
Optimising Non-invasive Ventilation At Birth For Preterm Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$735,912.00
Summary
Infants born very premature require respiratory support at birth to make the transition to newborn life. As these infants are very immature and prone to injury, modern respiratory care strategies utilise the least invasive approaches mainly applied using a facemask. However, we have discovered that the larynx is closed at birth and thereby prevents air from entering the lung. This application is focussed on optimising the efficiency of facemask ventilation at birth and stimulating breathing.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Phenotypes And Treatment In Quadriplegia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$599,635.00
Summary
Losing function in your arms and legs after an injury (quadriplegia) is a catastrophic event. Quadriplegia also results in obstructive sleep apnoea; a condition where the throat closes repeatedly while asleep causing sleepiness, poor concentration and cardiovascular diseases like stroke. Despite most people with quadriplegia having this disease, the cause is unknown. This project will thoroughly investigate obstructive sleep apnoea causes in people with quadriplegia and test a possible treatment
From The Synchrotron To The Clinic: Translation Of A Novel Functional Lung Imaging Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$891,834.00
Summary
Our team has recently developed a synchrotron technology with a startling capacity for dynamic functional imaging that can act as a sensitive regional indicator of lung disease. We will demonstrate that this technology can be translated from the synchrotron to the lab and eventually the clinic. We will provide proof of this concept by the application of this technology to emphysema, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis lung disease and neonatal resuscitation.
Imaging Neutrophil And Endothelial Function In Acute Glomerulonephritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$545,517.00
Summary
The glomerulus is a group of small blood vessels which form the filtering component of the kidney. In many diseases, it can be the target of an inappropriate inflammatory response during which white blood cells accumulate in the glomerular blood vessels and cause damage. In this project, we will visualise the blood vessel lining of the glomerulus in order to understand how white blood cells damage this region and cause leakage of protein leak into the urine.