Airway Wall Thickness And Heterogeneity Are Key Determinants Of Asthmatic Airway Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,509.00
Summary
Asthma is a common disease which is typified by excessive narrowing of the airways in response to stimuli that are trivial to non-asthmatic individuals. However, little is known about what causes asthmatic airways to be able to narrow so excessively. In this study, we will be looking at the importance of thickening of the airway walls in relation to excessive airway narrowing in asthmatics. We will also look to see how patchy the airway narrowing is in asthmatics and how this relates to excessiv ....Asthma is a common disease which is typified by excessive narrowing of the airways in response to stimuli that are trivial to non-asthmatic individuals. However, little is known about what causes asthmatic airways to be able to narrow so excessively. In this study, we will be looking at the importance of thickening of the airway walls in relation to excessive airway narrowing in asthmatics. We will also look to see how patchy the airway narrowing is in asthmatics and how this relates to excessive airway narrowing that occurs in severe asthmatic attacks. We will therefore be studying asthmatics of varying degrees of disease severity as well as those admitted to hospital because of acute severe attacks of asthma, and comparing them with a group of non-asthmatic subjects.Read moreRead less
Osteocytes (OY) are the most abundant cell type in bone whose high density and viability are essential for healthy bone. We have found that vitamin K, vitamin D and strontium, promote human OY differentiation. We will test these in novel models of human OY differentiation and survival, and in animal models of bone loss associated with vitamin D deficiency, menopause and glucocorticoid treatment. Our work will lead to a better understanding of human OY and give a new approach to treat osteoporosi ....Osteocytes (OY) are the most abundant cell type in bone whose high density and viability are essential for healthy bone. We have found that vitamin K, vitamin D and strontium, promote human OY differentiation. We will test these in novel models of human OY differentiation and survival, and in animal models of bone loss associated with vitamin D deficiency, menopause and glucocorticoid treatment. Our work will lead to a better understanding of human OY and give a new approach to treat osteoporosis.Read moreRead less
Obesity In The Elderly: Impact Of Weight Loss Therapy On Physiology And Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$613,213.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to assess the safety, tolerability, weight-loss efficacy, change in lean body mass and impact of cognition of three approaches to treat obesity in the elderly. We will compare dietary advice, an energy reduced diet and a very low calorie diet. All three groups will also have an exercise program. This study will be of major assistance in developing management guidelines for obesity in the elderly, which will likely be an emerging public health issue.