Differentiation Of Respiratory Behaviour In The Mammalian Fetus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$434,839.00
Summary
Mammalian fetuses are highly active from early in gestation, manifesting patterns of activity that are gradually transformed throughout fetal life, ultimately producing a repertoire of behaviours essential for postnatal survival. These behaviours are of fundamental importance to animals, and none more so than breathing which must perform effectively from the moment of birth. We plan to examine neural control mechanisms that transform a primitive pattern of breathing in the early gestation fetus ....Mammalian fetuses are highly active from early in gestation, manifesting patterns of activity that are gradually transformed throughout fetal life, ultimately producing a repertoire of behaviours essential for postnatal survival. These behaviours are of fundamental importance to animals, and none more so than breathing which must perform effectively from the moment of birth. We plan to examine neural control mechanisms that transform a primitive pattern of breathing in the early gestation fetus into the functional form that effectively ventilates the lungs after birth. In addition to examining the prenatal development of breathing, our program will focus on the developmental fate of a transient behaviour restricted to early development. This early behaviour plays a fundamental role in the development of the motor system before being extinguished under the influence of supraspinal inputs. This program will therefore provide a basis for understanding the mechanisms by which the brain establishes control of the motor circuits of the spinal cord during development. Further, the program is designed to provide a basis for understanding the respiratory problems so common in the preterm human infant.Read moreRead less
Identification And Characterisation Of Phosphorylation Events Taking Place During Human Sperm Capacitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$280,400.00
Summary
Male infertility affects one in every twenty Australian males and one third of all infertile couples worldwide. The most common cause of human infertility is not a failure to produce sperm, but a failure of these cells to express a normal capacity for fertilization. The cause of this loss of functional competence is unclear. We are going to use our technical expertise in proteomics to characterize the molecular pathways responsible for the defective sperm function seen in infertile patients.
Foetal Determinants Of Sleep Disordered Breathing In Infants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,691.00
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified and recorded in infants, however the factors that lead to the development of OSA and its prevalence in infants is unknown. We have recorded OSA in some infants and we demonstrated that the severity of apnea was at its peak at approximately 2 months of age and then resolved by 1 year. We hypothesised that these infants possibly had a maturational delay of breathing control during sleep. This project is designed to examine the development and preva ....Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been identified and recorded in infants, however the factors that lead to the development of OSA and its prevalence in infants is unknown. We have recorded OSA in some infants and we demonstrated that the severity of apnea was at its peak at approximately 2 months of age and then resolved by 1 year. We hypothesised that these infants possibly had a maturational delay of breathing control during sleep. This project is designed to examine the development and prevalence of sleep and breathing disorders in infants. The prenatal factors that possibly influence development of sleep and breathing disorders in infants, in particular, the effects of maternal smoking will be determined. Pregnant women will be recruited for the study during their third trimester. The foetal movements, foetal breathing movements, heart rate and sleep state will be monitored continuously overnight in the patients home between 32 and 36 weeks gestation using a newly developed foetal movement monitor. The infants will be subsequently studied using overnight polysomnography at 2 months of age to assess their breathing, sleep patterns, arousal behaviour, and the presence and severity of central and obstructive apnea. A group from these infants will be selected and studied longitudinally to examine the development of sleep and breathing disorders more closely. These infants will undergo overnight sleep studies during the first week of life, then at 2 and 6 months of age. A detailed medical history will also be collected regarding the pregnancy, the perinatal history of the infant, exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and postnatally, and the medical history of other family members. We will examine the quality and quantity of foetal movements and its association with the development of OSA. The occurrence of sleep and breathing disorders in the infants will be correlated with the foetal behaviour and, the prenatal and postnatal factors.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Environmental Factors And Early Lung Problems Can Be Related To Allergy And Poor Lung Development In Preschool Age Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,032.00
Summary
This important new collaboration between the Murdoch ChildrenÍs Research Institute and Barwon Health explores the impact of early lung development on longer term respiratory health. It utilises a newly validated, accurate and safe technique to measure lung function in young babies and children. Data on environmental factors and lung function will help us explore the risk factors for the development of allergy, asthma and lung infections in early life.
Development Of An Effective Therapy For Cheyne-Stokes Breathing In Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,030.00
Summary
During sleep, patients with heart failure often exhibit a cyclic pattern of breathing in which a period of regular breathing alternates with a period when breathing ceases. This breathing pattern is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life but to date no effective treatment for it exists. We have developed a method to calculate an exact level of carbon dioxide to stabilise breathing in each individual, offering the prospect of a better night’s sleep and a longer life.
Targeting Cystic Fibrosis Using A Novel Inhalation Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,545.00
Summary
Currently treatments for cystic fibrosis infection are via oral, intravenous or lengthy inhalation processes. This can lead to significant side effects, consequent poor patient compliance, and limited therapeutic efficacy. We will develop and test a novel high-dose inhalation dry power device containing an antibiotics for the rapid treatment of infection in cystic fibrosis therapy.
First-in-human Evaluation Of A Novel Immunobiotic To Prevent Respiratory Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,180,080.00
Summary
Respiratory infections are a leading cause of death and illness throughout the world. We have discovered a 'friendly' bacteria that can be applied up the nose to prevent ear infections and the 'flu in mice. We will now test this novel therapy in humans to check it is safe and that it stimulates the human immune system in the same way that it does in mice. This will provide essential information to conduct clinical trials, with the aim to produce a medicine that prevents respiratory infections.
Breathe Well: A Centre For Research Excellence In Chronic Respiratory Diseases And Lung Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,527,082.00
Summary
Our CRE is based on common respiratory conditions covering wide spectrum of ages and severity. We will investigate how to maintain optimal respiratory health, through innovative approaches to early detection, improved therapy and adherence. We have a strong multi-disciplinary team of collaborators and we will build capacity through post-doctoral fellowships to improve our structural balance and optimise translational outputs. Tasmania is an ideal community to host a strong CCRE.