Clarifying The Pathogenic Role Of Arousal-hyperventilation In Obstructive And Central Sleep Apnoea: Testing Fundamental Pathophysiological Mechanisms And A Strategic New Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$414,717.00
Summary
This project is designed to understand the mechanisms underpinning much more stable breathing during deep sleep in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A newly developed analytical technique will be used to examine breathing effort changes across sleep, and interactions with respiratory-induced awakenings in OSA patients. In addition, a new treatment designed to stabilise breathing will be tested and refined towards a new treatment option for OSA and for central sleep apnoea.
Pathophysiology And Treatment Of Pharyngo-oesophageal Dysfunction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$168,275.00
Summary
A number of oral and respiratory tract diseases such as laryngitis, asthma, unexplained cough, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea, have been linked with gastroesophageal reflux disease. These particular respiratory complications carry significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of regurgitation of gastric acid, via the oesophagus into the pharynx, are unknown. We have recently validated a novel technique to reliably detect acid regurgitation events into the pharynx. We propose to us ....A number of oral and respiratory tract diseases such as laryngitis, asthma, unexplained cough, sinusitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea, have been linked with gastroesophageal reflux disease. These particular respiratory complications carry significant morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms of regurgitation of gastric acid, via the oesophagus into the pharynx, are unknown. We have recently validated a novel technique to reliably detect acid regurgitation events into the pharynx. We propose to use this technique, combined with pressure recordings from the oesophagus and its valves, to determine the precise mechanisms underlying acid regurgitation into the throat. Such studies should lead to better means of treating these disorders.Read moreRead less
Motor Patterns Of Colonic Transit And Pathophysiology Of Severe Constipation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,018.00
Summary
This project aims to clarify the contractile patterns of the human colon which underlie the very common and distressing condition of constipation. We will be relating symptoms of constipation from a large number of sufferers with actual measurements of contractions and flow of content along the colon in these patients. The aim will be to try and identify abnormal patterns responsible for the constipation so that future studies can target appropriate drugs at the responsible defect. A better unde ....This project aims to clarify the contractile patterns of the human colon which underlie the very common and distressing condition of constipation. We will be relating symptoms of constipation from a large number of sufferers with actual measurements of contractions and flow of content along the colon in these patients. The aim will be to try and identify abnormal patterns responsible for the constipation so that future studies can target appropriate drugs at the responsible defect. A better understanding of clusters or symptoms and how they might predict such underlying abnormalities is crucial for the safer and more cost effective diagnosis and treatment of affected patients. Pharmacological studies in the human as well as on tissue obtained from affected patients at surgery will be conducted to better understand the presumptive abnormalities affecting the nerves within the colon in constipation.Read moreRead less
I research the physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of astro-oesophageal reflux disease and gastrointestinal motility disorders as well as feeding disorders in infants and children. This work includes innovation of novel diagnostic tests a
The Micro-structural Basis Of Bone Loss And Fragility After Menopause: A Longitudinal Co-twin Control Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$873,950.00
Summary
Every woman becomes postmenopausal. Not all lose bone or sustain fractures after menopause. We will identify women who lose bone and those who don't and so identify women at risk for fracture so that they can be targeted for treatment and identify those who do not need to be treated. This will be done by measuring bone structure and how strong the bone is using a new, safe, quick technology that can be used in clinical practice
Investigating The Role For Microparticles In The Pathogenesis Of Cerebral Malaria.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$293,931.00
Summary
Fatal malaria is one of the world's most destructive disease burdens. A major complication is Cerebral Malaria (CM). Small vesicles originating from cell membranes, known as microparticles (MP), have recently been shown to play an important role in CM. This project aims to determine the role MP play in CM, the cells they interact with and the consequences of such interactions. It is hoped that project outcomes may provide new approaches in the prevention and treatment of fatal malaria.