Circulatory Biomarkers For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Improving Patient Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,625.00
Summary
We are going to find molecules in the blood that would improve the diagnosis and treatment of a lung condition called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). The project brings together well characterized patients from the Australian IPF registry, blood samples we have collected from them and cutting edge technologies to complete this project.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Interventional Versus Conservative Treatment Of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$412,315.00
Summary
Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a collapsed lung that occurs in otherwise healthy people without underlying lung disease. Current standard treatment is to insert a chest drain into the chest to remove the air around the collapsed lung so that the lung re-inflates rapidly ("interventional treatment"). We will determine whether doing nothing, i.e. letting the lung re-inflate slowly on its own over several weeks ("conservative treatment"), is just as good or even better for patients.
The Role Of Cross-reactive T Cells In Severe Lung Disease Following Viral Respiratory Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,003,390.00
Summary
Why do some patients clinically deteriorate at a greater rate than others during acute respiratory viral infections despite similar or identical clinical management? One explanation is the reactivation immunity towards ubiquitous viruses that then go on to cross-react against the new respiratory pathogen leading to an overly aggressive and destructive response in the lung. We will examine this potential of existing anti-viral immune responses to exacerbate disease in lung transplantation, as suc
Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) To Diagnose Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,032,884.00
Summary
This study aims to examine strategies for improving the effectiveness of lung cancer screening for reducing lung cancer deaths, and reducing the burden of the disease in the community. We will test the use of CT screening combined with a package of diagnostic measures, including the US NLST criteria, to determine if lung cancer nodules can be reliably detected at an earlier stage. Our aim in early detection is to also improve the potential for effective treatment approaches and health outcomes.
Understanding The Parameters Of Innate Immune Activation That Govern Protection During Influenza Virus And Secondary Bacterial Infection: Development Of A TLR2-based Antimicrobial Agent.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,420.00
Summary
Lower respiratory infections are the leading infectious cause of death worldwide. We have discovered a compound that reduces the impact and disease caused by viral and bacterial infections. This study will develop the prophylactic capabilities of this agent against transmission of influenza virus A and development of secondary bacterial disease. In addition, we will identify the mechanism of action for this compound, and its utility as a broad-spectrum intervention measure against viral and bact ....Lower respiratory infections are the leading infectious cause of death worldwide. We have discovered a compound that reduces the impact and disease caused by viral and bacterial infections. This study will develop the prophylactic capabilities of this agent against transmission of influenza virus A and development of secondary bacterial disease. In addition, we will identify the mechanism of action for this compound, and its utility as a broad-spectrum intervention measure against viral and bacterial infections.Read moreRead less
Novel Pharmacological Strategies To Treat Cognitive Dysfunction In COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$872,455.00
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major incurable global health burden and is the 4th largest cause of death worldwide. Up to 60% of COPD patients suffer from cognitive dysfunction (i.e. a brain disorder which affects learning, memory, attention) which often leads to dementia. The reason for this is unknown so the aim of this study is to determine why people with COPD suffer from mental disorders then develop novel treatments to treat these disorders in COPD patients.
Lung, Heart And Respiratory Muscle Disease After Preterm Birth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,328,858.00
Summary
Breathing problems persisting into infancy and later life is an important complication of premature birth with lifelong consequences. Breathing problems often occur together with lung disease, but prematurity can also affect heart and blood vessel development, and weakness of the main breathing muscle (the diaphragm). We will find out how much the heart and diaphragm contribute to breathing problems in babies, and will help us to better predict, diagnose and treat severe breathing problems.
The Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency And Chronic Lung Disease Is Due To Increased Airway Smooth Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$644,067.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health problem. It is becoming increasingly evident that vitamin D deficiency increases the severity of chronic lung disease. In this study we propose to examine a mechanism that we think clearly explains this association. These studies are critical to understanding how deficiencies in key nutrients can impact on chronic lung disease and will provide the data necessary to guide public health policy to reduce the burden of disease in the community.
Prediction Of Clinical Outcomes In COPD From Home Monitoring Of Lung Function Variability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$513,102.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects close to 30% of the elderly and is the fourth leading cause of male deaths in Australia. There are currently no objective ways to assess disease status and predict future risk of deterioration. We aim to apply novel, sophisticated analysis methods to data from daily home telemonitoring, in order to describe the variability of disease over time and predict risk of exacerbations and quality of life.
Role Of Viruses In The Development Of Lung Disease In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,223,186.00
Summary
This study will investigate how lung disease starts in babies with cystic fibrosis and the role of viral infections in this process. The new knowledge gained will help us move towards treatments that prevent or delay the start of lung disease, something not currently possible. We believe this new treatment paradigm will lead to improved quality and extent of life of those with cystic fibrosis.