Central Ghrelin Regulates Peripheral Glucose Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,938.00
Summary
Recent evidence shows ghrelin is a key anti-starvation hormone that increases glucose production in order to maintain appropriate blood glucose concentrations. How ghrelin acts in the brain to control blood glucose concentrations remains unknown and will be the focus of this project. This project is relevant to disorders such as anorexia nervosa and will help us understand blood glucose regulation during conditions of food scarcity.
I am a physiologist focused on the role of dietary protein on excess weight gain. In the proposed study, I will examine energy balance in lean and overweight individuals in response to a 4-day covertly manipulated 10, 15 or 25% protein diet. We will measure effects on hunger using subjective ratings and hormone levels and the affects on energy expenditure including resting metabolic rate, the energy it takes to digest food and physical activity levels.
Balance disorders are very common, but particularly in those conditions that involve the brain 'balance centres' are often difficult for doctors to diagnose. When diseases are difficult to diagnose, then recommending helpful treatment is particularly challenging. We will use a group of specialized tests to better understand these balance conditions in order to help patients receive accurate diagnoses and therefore, better treatment.
Determining The Mechanism Of Obesity Induced Elevated Blood Pressure And Glucose Dysregulation.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
My research focuses on determine the link and mechanisms behind the development of metabolic diseases in obesity and specifically determining the reason for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this area I have been able to generate strong physiological techniques which have enabled answering these questions possible, and I endeavor to continue to create and establish new techniques to continue to answer physiological questions.
Safer Fluid Resuscitation- Which (type), What (to Expect) And How (mechanisms)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Intravenous fluid administration to patients is the most common clinical intervention, often done to help sick patents get better, however paradoxically it is associated with worsening oxygen levels and increased death rates. In humans and animal I have demonstrated increased respiratory dysfunction with its administration. This study aims to understand the efficacy, compare different types of fluids and establish safer fluid administration thereby decreasing patient suffering and death rates.
I am a physiologist investigating how the brain controls balance and movement. Many neurological disorders cause unsteady balance and problems with movement, and consequently a poor quality of life. I study people with disorders of the sensory and movement processing areas of the brain to discover how the brain combines different sensory information to control balance. This work will improve understanding of human balance and movement, and lead to new clinical techniques for assessment and treat ....I am a physiologist investigating how the brain controls balance and movement. Many neurological disorders cause unsteady balance and problems with movement, and consequently a poor quality of life. I study people with disorders of the sensory and movement processing areas of the brain to discover how the brain combines different sensory information to control balance. This work will improve understanding of human balance and movement, and lead to new clinical techniques for assessment and treatment.Read moreRead less
Trials To Prevent The Transmission And Complications Of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Including HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$306,123.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are important causes of illness in some sectors of the community. Even though they can be effectively prevented and treated, many health services do not give them priority. This research project will study ways in which general practitioners can better diagnose and treat STIs. We will carry out trials that compare new approaches to supporting doctors in this area, that involve a mixture of training, reminders and technical support as needed.
Combined Therapy To Ameliorate Ventilatory Instability In Patients With Heart Failure And Sleep Apnea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$386,648.00
Summary
Sleep apnea is highly prevalent, particularly in patients with heart failure, and treatment remains limited to applying pressure via a face mask which can be intolerable. Although instability in breathing control is a major cause of apnea in many patients, treatments targeting instability with sufficient efficacy are unavailable. This project will combine two treatments, acetazolamide and oxygen, to powerfully reduce instability and provide relief from sleep apnea in a subgroup of patients.