Supplemental Oxygen In Pulmonary Rehabilitation Trial (SuppORT)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$693,838.00
Summary
Approximately 50% of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are referred to pulmonary rehabilitation have a reduction in oxygen during exercise. It is unknown whether providing oxygen during exercise training is beneficial in improving exercise capacity and quality of life in these people with COPD. This national multi-centre research will provide evidence to develop guidelines for the use of oxygen during exercise training in COPD.
Domiciliary Oxygen Therapy In Interstitial Lung Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,608.00
Summary
Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are chronic lung diseases with significant health impacts, but limited drug treatment options. Although home oxygen treatment (HOT) is commonly used in these patients, its clinical benefits are uncertain with potential risks and significant costs for both patients and the health care system. Very little published information is available on the use of HOT in these patients. These studies aim to improve our knowledge and management of HOT in patients with ILD.
Transgenerational Effects Of Male Obesity - Mechanisms And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$829,143.00
Summary
Childhood obesity is associated with obesity in either parent, and obese children tend to become obese adults, forming an intergenerational cycle that promotes obesity. We have identified paternal obesity as an important novel target for intervention to stop the progression of the obesity epidemic. This project investigates supplementation of obese fathers with folate to prevent the adverse impact of paternal obesity on subsequent generations.
A Dietary Intervention For Sarcopenia In Cirrhosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$128,224.00
Summary
Patients with chronic liver failure, or cirrhosis, suffer many complications. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle and muscle weakness, is one of these. It is associated with reduced survival. Patients with cirrhosis have low levels of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are used as building blocks for protein and energy in muscle. We aim to explore how oral supplements of BCAAs might improve muscle in this population. If this improves muscle mass, we also expect it may improve other outcomes.
While is important to prevent vitamin D deficiency, controversies exist about optimal vitamin D intakes and concentrations. Our aim is to evaluate safety concerns with dosages of vitamin D which are routinely promoted for unsupervised public use with over the counter products. We will do this by evaluating long-term health effects for infant vitamin D supplementation, and by using a genetic approach to evaluate the causal effects of high vitamin D and calcium concentrations.
Understanding The Biology Of Pregnancy To Prevent Morbidity And Mortality
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,746.00
Summary
Progress in the care of the unborn baby, and thus optimisation of life-long health, will only come with a greater understanding of the fundamental processes that underlie pregnancy. My research is aimed at saving babies lives and reducing the long-term burdens (health, emotional and economic) of major perinatal conditions. I am uniquely placed to carry out this research, using the research tools I have developed to deliver real outcomes that will change clinical practice
Can Vitamin D Prevent Diabetes By Improving Insulin Sensitivity And Secreation In Overweight Humans?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$715,371.00
Summary
Vitamin D is mainly produced by the action of sunlight on skin. Low levels of vitamin D are becoming more common, as we work more indoors and avoid the sun and have been associated with type 2 diabetes. In proposed study, healthy overweight people, with low vitamin D, will be given vitamin D for 16 weeks to optimise blood levels of this vitamin. We will examine the changes in sugar metabolism. This study should provide important evidence on how vitamin D protects against diabetes and will suppor ....Vitamin D is mainly produced by the action of sunlight on skin. Low levels of vitamin D are becoming more common, as we work more indoors and avoid the sun and have been associated with type 2 diabetes. In proposed study, healthy overweight people, with low vitamin D, will be given vitamin D for 16 weeks to optimise blood levels of this vitamin. We will examine the changes in sugar metabolism. This study should provide important evidence on how vitamin D protects against diabetes and will support novel approaches to diabetes prevention.Read moreRead less
Creatine, A Multi-organ Protectant Against Hypoxic Injury In The Neonate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,802.00
Summary
The WHO estimates that up to 9 million babies suffer birth hypoxia each year, leading to 29% of global neonatal deaths, and significant rates of severe disability. We hypothesise that creatine, given as a supplement to the mothers diet during pregnancy, will protect her babies organs should low oxygen around the time of birth occur. The low cost of creatine is particularly relevant for rural and remote communities and the developing world where, currently, there are no effective therapies.