- Asthma and respiratory diseases
- Allergic Rhinitis and Sensitization
- Respiratory and Cough-Related Research
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research
- Inhalation and Respiratory Drug Delivery
- Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Research
- Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure
- Climate Change and Health Impacts
- Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Pediatric health and respiratory diseases
- IL-33, ST2, and ILC Pathways
- Contact Dermatitis and Allergies
- Eosinophilic Disorders and Syndromes
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Noise Effects and Management
- Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Air Quality and Health Impacts
- Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions
- Occupational exposure and asthma
- Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Respiratory Support and Mechanisms
- Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies
- Lichen and fungal ecology
Box Hill Hospital
2013-2025
Eastern Health
2016-2025
Monash University
2016-2025
Isabela State University
2023
The Alfred Hospital
2001-2020
The University of Melbourne
2001-2020
National Health and Medical Research Council
2020
Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute
2020
Favaloro Foundation
2020
University of South Florida
2020
BackgroundA multidisciplinary collaboration investigated the world's largest, most catastrophic epidemic thunderstorm asthma event that took place in Melbourne, Australia, on Nov 21, 2016, to inform mechanisms and preventive strategies.MethodsMeteorological airborne pollen data, satellite-derived vegetation index, ambulance callouts, emergency department presentations, data hospital admissions for as well leading up following were collected between March 31, 2017, analysed. We contacted...
There is a major need for effective, well-tolerated treatments idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).To assess the efficacy and safety of autotaxin inhibitor ziritaxestat in patients with IPF.The 2 identically designed, phase 3, randomized clinical trials, ISABELA 1 2, were conducted Africa, Asia-Pacific region, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America (26 countries). A total 1306 IPF (525 at 106 sites 781 121 2). Enrollment began November 2018 both trials follow-up was completed...
Global warming and climate change have increased the pollen burden frequency intensity of wildfires, sand dust storms, thunderstorms, heatwaves—with concomitant increases in air pollution, heat stress, flooding. These environmental stressors alter human exposome trigger complex immune responses. In parallel, pollutants, allergens, other factors increase risks skin mucosal barrier disruption microbial dysbiosis, while a loss biodiversity reduced exposure to diversity impairs tolerogenic...
Current treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis slow the rate of lung function decline, but may be associated with adverse events that affect medication adherence. In phase 2 trials, pamrevlumab (a fully human monoclonal antibody binds to and inhibits connective tissue growth factor activity) attenuated progression without substantial events.
ABSTRACT Background and objective A new taxonomic management approach, termed treatable traits, has been proposed for airway diseases including severe asthma. This study examined whether traits could be identified using registry data particular were associated with future exacerbation risk. Methods The Australasian Severe Asthma Web‐Based Database (SAWD) enrolled 434 participants asthma a comparison group of 102 non‐severe Published mapped to fields their prevalence was described....
Summary Background The use of allergy tests to guide dietary treatment for eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is controversial and data are limited. Aeroallergen sensitisation patterns food triggers have been defined in Northern Hemisphere cohorts only. Aims To determine if that routinely available can predict adult patients with EoE. define the aeroallergen a novel Southern (Australian) cohort patients. Methods Consecutive EoE who elected undergo therapy were prospectively assessed,...
<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> There is an increase in vascularity the asthmatic airway. Although inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are effective anti-inflammatory treatment asthma, there few data on any effects structural changes. <h3>METHODS</h3> Endobronchial biopsy specimens from seven subjects not receiving ICS and 15 200–1500 μg/day beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) were immunohistochemically stained with anti-collagen type IV antibody to outline endothelial basement membrane of vessels. These...
The addition of long-acting β2 agonists to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy in symptomatic patients with asthma improves clinical status more than increasing the dose ICS. It has been suggested that these benefits could be at cost an increase airway inflammation, but few histopathological studies have performed relevant group. In a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study, we randomly assigned 50 who were receiving ICS (range, 100 –500 μ g/d) 12 wk supplementary treatment...
There are few data regarding the potential effects of antiasthma treatment on indices airway remodeling, such as increased subepithelial vascularity in patients with asthma. We studied 45 symptomatic subjects asthma who were receiving low dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (range 200-500 microg twice a day) and 28 normal without control population. Subjects underwent bronchoscopy biopsy then randomized to receive supplementary salmeterol 50 day, fluticasone propionate 100 or placebo for 3 mo...
Consensus recommendations for managing chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD) and bronchiectasis, based on systematic reviews, were developed Australian New Zealand children adults during a multidisciplinary workshop. The diagnosis of bronchiectasis requires high-resolution computed tomography scan the chest. People with symptoms but non-diagnostic scans, have CSLD, which may progress to radiological bronchiectasis. CSLD/bronchiectasis is suspected when wet cough persists beyond 8 weeks....
Severe asthma is a high impact disease. Omalizumab targets the allergic inflammatory pathway; however, effectiveness data in population with significant comorbidities are limited.To describe severe asthma, omalizumab treatment outcomes and predictors of response among Australian Xolair Registry participants.A web-based post-marketing surveillance registry was established to characterise use, adverse effects (Xolair) for asthma.Participants (n = 192) (mean age 51 years, 118 female) from 21...
Summary Background Elimination diets and high‐dose proton pump inhibitors ( PPI ) are advocated as first‐line treatments in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). Aim To record the treatment outcome for EoE prospectively managed according to a clinical algorithm. Methods Patients oesophageal eosinophilia commenced esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily 8 weeks. Those histological remission were re‐classified ‐responsive eosinophilia. Nonresponders offered 6‐food elimination diet , or topical...
Summary Background Severe asthma affects quality of life; however, its impact on workplace productivity is poorly understood. Objective To compare productivity—absenteeism and presenteeism—and impairment in daily activities severe non‐severe over time identify characteristics associated with presenteeism asthma. Methods The Asthma Web‐based Database an ongoing observational registry from Australia, New Zealand Singapore. At April 2017, 434 patients 102 were enrolled (18‐88 years; 59%...
Abstract Background The world's most catastrophic and deadly thunderstorm asthma epidemic struck Melbourne, Australia, on November 21, 2016. Objective Among thunderstorm‐affected patients presenting to emergency rooms ( ER s), we investigated risk factors predicting severe attacks requiring admission hospital. Methods Thunderstorm‐affected were identified from records at the eight major Melbourne health services interviewed by telephone. Risk for hospital analyzed. Results We 1435/2248 (64%)...
Abstract Background Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for grass pollen allergy can modify the natural history of allergic rhinitis and is associated with increased allergen‐specific IgG 4 . competitively inhibits functional IgE on surface effector cells, such as mast cells basophils, from binding to allergens. To further understand important role memory B‐cell (Bmem) responses play in mediating beneficial effects SLIT, we assessed changes Bmem subsets induced by SLIT allergy. Methods Blood...
Urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4) concentrations were measured in six asthmatic subjects after treadmill exercise, and five allergen challenge. Exercise challenge produced a 42 ± 18% (mean SD) 22 8% fall FEV1, respectively. The baseline concentration of urinary LTE4 challenged with exercise was 64 (27 to 150) pg/mg creatinine (geometric mean 95% confidence interval), those it 36 (23 59) creatinine. did not change significantly the 24 h exercise. In contrast, there 4-fold increase during 3
Background Recent epidemiological studies suggest that the adverse respiratory health effects caused by inhalation of fungal propagules are substantial. Knowledge prevalence and environmental determinants indoor levels is essential in designing effective avoidance measures. Aim To investigate fungi influence residential characteristics on within homes Melbourne, Australia. Methods Floor dust air samples were collected from bedrooms 485 houses over 1 year. The was analysed for ergosterol, a...
Australia has one of the highest prevalence rates internationally allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema. Atopy is hallmark for development disease predisposes to inflammation in target organs. omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs) are thought act precursors formation less active inflammatory mediators, with potential reduce inflammation.