We have particular expertise in design and analysis of occupational and environmental epidemiological surveys.
In addition to our specific research projects, we provide assistance with:
- statistical design
- data management
- analysis
- presentation of results
- dissemination of findings
We also have a well-established, highly thought-of teaching programme.
- Dr Johanna Feary and Professor Paul Cullinan
Jo Feary and Paul Cullinan were developing a protocol for a multi-centre, case-control study of the aetiology of CHP; 50% or more of cases had no identified cause. The focus was on mould exposures but other exposures, and genetic determinants, were considered.
Jo Feary is conducted pilot work which includes ‘fungome’ analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage samples for patients with CHP.
- Jate Ratanachina, Sara De Matteis, Paul Cullinan and Peter Burney
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While smoking is the main cause of the disease, the first findings of the multinational BOLD study found that low income countries with a low smoking prevalence are prone to higher than expected "COPD" mortality. As farming is a common occupation in developing countries and has been associated with chronic lung disease, farming exposures, particularly to pesticides, could be an important cause of chronic lung disease in these countries.
To test the relationship between chronic lung disease and agricultural exposures with a specific focus on low- and middle-income settings, this PhD project:
- undertook a systematic review of the association between pesticide exposure and lung function
- developed a new instrument for assessing risks to respiratory health in farming settings
- analysed occupational effects on lung function in the BOLD study
- conducted a cross-sectional survey of farming communities in north Thailand in the remaining 18 to 24 months.
- Carl Reynolds, Paul Cullinan, Chris Barber (Northern General Hospital, Sheffield) and Sara De Matteis
IPFJES is a UK based multi-centre case-control study that aimed to find out if job exposures are an under-recognized cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Men with IPF and hospital controls were interviewed to collect information about previous job exposures; blood was drawn to investigate genetic susceptibility.
The study was supervised by Prof Paul Cullinan and funded by a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Training Fellowship awarded to Dr Carl Reynolds. See http://ipfjes.org/ for further information.
