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DSM staff profile

Jan Cowan

PositionResearch Manager and DHSO
DepartmentDepartment of Medicine (Dunedin)
Research summaryRespiratory research including breath analysis, biomarkers, sputum biomarkers, and clinical trials

Research

  • 30 years’ experience in undertaking investigator led and commercial clinical trials. Very experienced in trial set-up, ethics and regulatory submissions, and all aspects of undertaking a clinical trial.
  • 40 years’ experience in laboratory skills,including HSNO requirements.

Research interests include asthma, COPD, CF, IPF, bronchiectasis, OSA, breath analysis, inflammatory biomarkers, FeNO, sputum, and airway challenges.

Publications

Singh, A., Cowan, J., & Dummer, J. (2020). The effect of mode of inhaled salbutamol delivery on measures of small airways obstruction in asthma: A comparison of treatment delivered via spacer and nebuliser. New Zealand Medical Student Journal, (30), 21-25.

Hannaway, R. F., Wang, X., Schneider, M., Slow, S., Cowan, J., Brockway, B., Schofield, M. R., Morgan, X. C., Murdoch, D. R., & Ussher, J. E. (2020). Mucosal-associated invariant T cells and Vδ2+ γδ T cells in community acquired pneumonia: Association of abundance in sputum with clinical severity and outcome. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 199(2), 201-215. doi: 10.1111/cei.13377

McEvoy, R. D., Antic, N. A., Heeley, E., Luo, Y., Ou, Q., Zhang, X., … for the SAVE Investigators and Coordinators, including Epton, M. J., Brockway, B., Cowan, J., Taylor, D. R., Palmay, R., Ferrier, K., & Neill, A. (2016). CPAP for prevention of cardiovascular events in obstructive sleep apnea. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(10), 919-932. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1606599

Amer, M., Cowan, J., Gray, A., Brockway, B., & Dummer, J. (2016). Effect of inhaled β2-agonist on exhaled nitric oxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PLoS ONE, 11(6), e0157019. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157019

Wang, G., Baines, K. J., Fu, J. J., Wood, L. G., Simpson, J. L., McDonald, V. M., Cowan, D. C., Taylor, D. R., Cowan, J. O., & Gibson, P. G. (2016). Sputum mast cell subtypes relate to eosinophilia and corticosteroid response in asthma. European Respiratory Journal, 47, 1123-1133. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01098-2015

Hannaway, R. F., Wang, X., Schneider, M., Slow, S., Cowan, J., Brockway, B., Schofield, M. R., Morgan, X. C., Murdoch, D. R., & Ussher, J. E. (2020). Mucosal-associated invariant T cells and Vδ2+ γδ T cells in community acquired pneumonia: Association of abundance in sputum with clinical severity and outcome. Clinical & Experimental Immunology, 199(2), 201-215. doi: 10.1111/cei.13377

Journal - Research Article

Singh, A., Cowan, J., & Dummer, J. (2020). The effect of mode of inhaled salbutamol delivery on measures of small airways obstruction in asthma: A comparison of treatment delivered via spacer and nebuliser. New Zealand Medical Student Journal, (30), 21-25.

Journal - Research Article

Amer, M., Cowan, J., Gray, A., Brockway, B., & Dummer, J. (2016). Effect of inhaled β2-agonist on exhaled nitric oxide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PLoS ONE, 11(6), e0157019. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157019

Journal - Research Article

McEvoy, R. D., Antic, N. A., Heeley, E., Luo, Y., Ou, Q., Zhang, X., … for the SAVE Investigators and Coordinators, including Epton, M. J., Brockway, B., Cowan, J., Taylor, D. R., Palmay, R., Ferrier, K., & Neill, A. (2016). CPAP for prevention of cardiovascular events in obstructive sleep apnea. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(10), 919-932. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1606599

Journal - Research Article

Wang, G., Baines, K. J., Fu, J. J., Wood, L. G., Simpson, J. L., McDonald, V. M., Cowan, D. C., Taylor, D. R., Cowan, J. O., & Gibson, P. G. (2016). Sputum mast cell subtypes relate to eosinophilia and corticosteroid response in asthma. European Respiratory Journal, 47, 1123-1133. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01098-2015

Journal - Research Article

Cowan, D. C., Taylor, D. R., Peterson, L. E., Cowan, J. O., Palmay, R., Williamson, A., … Comhair, S. A. A. (2015). Biomarker-based asthma phenotypes of corticosteroid response. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 135(4), 877-883.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.10.026

Journal - Research Article

Baines, K. J., Simpson, J. L., Wood, L. G., Scott, R. J., Fibbens, N. L., Powell, H., Cowan, D. C., Taylor, D. R., Cowan, J. O., & Gibson, P. G. (2014). Sputum gene expression signature of 6 biomarkers discriminates asthma inflammatory phenotypes. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 133(4), 997-1007. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2013.12.1091

Journal - Research Article

van der Schee, M. P., Palmay, R., Cowan, J. O., & Taylor, D. R. (2013). Predicting steroid responsiveness in patients with asthma using exhaled breath profiling. Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 43(11), 1217-1225. doi: 10.1111/cea.12147

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Cowan, D. C., Aldridge, R. E., Cowan, J. O., Palmay, R., Williamson, A., Town, G. I., & Taylor, D. R. (2012). Asthma phenotypes: Consistency of classification using induced sputum. Respirology, 17(3), 461-466. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.02113.x

Journal - Research Article

Leon de la Barra, S., Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2011). Predicted versus absolute values in the application of exhaled nitric oxide measurements. Respiratory Medicine, 105(11), 1629-1634. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2011.06.001

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, D. R., Palmay, R., Cowan, J. O., & Herbison, G. P. (2011). Long term performance characteristics of an electrochemical nitric oxide analyser. Respiratory Medicine, 105(2), 211-217. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2010.09.001

Journal - Research Article

Cowan, D. C., Cowan, J. O., Palmay, R., Williamson, A., & Taylor, D. R. (2010). Effects of steroid therapy on inflammatory cell subtypes in asthma. Thorax, 65(5), 384-390. doi: 10.1136/thx.2009.126722

Journal - Research Article

Cowan, D. C., Cowan, J. O., Palmay, R., Williamson, A., & Taylor, D. R. (2010). Simvastatin in the treatment of asthma: Lack of steroid-sparing effect. Thorax, 65(10), 891-896. doi: 10.1136/thx.2010.138990

Journal - Research Article

Cowan, D. C., Cowan, J. O., Palmay, R., Williamson, A., & Taylor, D. R. (2010). The effects of steroid therapy on inflammatory cell subtypes in asthma. Thorax, 65, 384-390. doi: 10.1136/thx.2009.126722

Journal - Research Article

Cowan, D. C., Hewitt, R. S., Cowan, J. O., Palmay, R., Williamson, A., Lucas, S. J. E., Murrell, C. J., Thomas, K. N., & Taylor, D. R. (2010). Exercise-induced wheeze: Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide-directed management. Respirology, 15, 683-690. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2010.01740.x

Journal - Research Article

Dummer, J. F., Epton, M. J., Cowan, J. O., Cook, J. M., Condliffe, R., Landhuis, C. E., Smith, A. D., & Taylor, D. R. (2009). Predicting corticosteroid response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using exhaled nitric oxide. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 180(9), 846-852. doi: 10.1164/rccm.200905-0685OC

Journal - Research Article

Hewitt, R. S., Modrich, C. M., Cowan, J. O., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2009). Outcomes using exhaled nitric oxide measurements as an adjunct to primary care asthma management. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 18(4), 320-327. doi: 10.4104/pcrj.2009.00060

Journal - Research Article

Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., & Taylor, D. R. (2009). Exhaled nitric oxide levels in asthma: Personal best versus reference values. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 124(4), 714-718. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.07.020

Journal - Research Article

van Dalen, C. J., Aldridge, R. E., Chan, T., Senthilmohan, R., Hancox, R. J., Cowan, J. O., Taylor, D. R., Town, G. I., & Kettle, A. J. (2009). Bromotyrosines in sputum proteins and treatment effects of terbutaline and budesonide in asthma. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 103(4), 348-353.

Journal - Research Article

Hewitt, R. S., Modrich, C. M., Medlicott, T., Cowan, J. O., & Taylor, D. R. (2008). Supporting the diagnosis of non-specific respiratory symptoms in primary care: The role of exhaled nitric oxide measurement and spirometry. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 17(2), 97-103. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2007.064493

Journal - Research Article

Hewitt, R. S., Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Schofield, J. C., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2008). Serial exhaled nitric oxide measurements in the assessment of laboratory animal allergy. Journal of Asthma, 45, 101-107. doi: 10.1080/02770900701767696

Journal - Research Article

Sutherland, T. J. T., Cowan, J. O., & Taylor, D. R. (2008). Dynamic hyperinflation with bronchoconstriction: Differences between obese and nonobese women with asthma. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 177, 970-975.

Journal - Research Article

Sutherland, T. J. T., Cowan, J. O., Young, S., Goulding, A., Grant, A. M., Williamson, A., Brassett, K., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2008). The association between obesity and asthma: Interactions between systemic and airway inflammation. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 178, 469-475. doi: 10.1164/rccm.200802-301OC

Journal - Research Article

Sutherland, T. J. T., Goulding, A., Grant, A. M., Cowan, J. O., Williamson, A., Williams, S. M., Skinner, M. A., & Taylor, D. R. (2008). The effect of adiposity measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on lung function. European Respiratory Journal, 32, 85-91. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00112407

Journal - Research Article

McLachlan, C. R., Poulton, R., Car, G., Cowan, J., Filsell, S., Greene, J. M., Taylor, D. R., Welch, D., Williamson, A., … Hancox, R. J. (2007). Adiposity, asthma, and airway inflammation. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 119(3), 634-639.

Journal - Research Article

Sutherland, T. J. T., Taylor, D. R., Sears, M. R., Cowan, J. O., McLachlan, C. R., Filsell, S., Williamson, A., … Poulton, R., & Hancox, R. J. (2007). Association between exhaled nitric oxide and systemic inflammatory markers. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 99(4), 334-339.

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, D. R., Mandhane, P., Greene, J. M., Hancox, R. J., Filsell, S., McLachlan, C. R., Williamson, A. J., Cowan, J. O., Smith, A. D., & Sears, M. R. (2007). Factors affecting exhaled nitric oxide measurements: The effect of sex. Respiratory Research, 8. Retrieved from http://respiratory-research.com/content/8/1/82

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Poulton, R., Taylor, D. R., Greene, J. M., McLachlan, C. R., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E. M., Herbison, G. P., … Talley, N. J. (2006). Associations between respiratory symptoms, lung function and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in a population-based birth cohort. Respiratory Research, 7. doi: 10.1186/1465-9921-7-142

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Milne, B. J., Poulton, R., Taylor, D. R., Greene, J. M., McLachlan, C. R., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E. M., Herbison, G. P., & Sears, M. R. (2005). Sex differences in the relation between body mass index and asthma and atopy in a birth cohort. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 171(5), 440-445.

Journal - Research Article

Mandhane, P. J., Greene, J. M., Cowan, J. O., Taylor, D. R., & Sears, M. R. (2005). Sex differences in factors associated with childhood- and adolescent-onset wheeze. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 172(1), 45-54.

Journal - Research Article

Skinner, M. A., Choudhury, M. S., Homan, S. D., Cowan, J. O., Wilkins, G. T., & Taylor, D. R. (2005). Accuracy of monitoring for sleep-related breathing disorders in the coronary care unit. Chest, 127(1), 66-71.

Journal - Research Article

Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Brassett, K. P., Filsell, S., McLachlan, C., Monti-Sheehan, G., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2005). Exhaled nitric oxide: A predictor of steroid response. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 172, 453-459.

Journal - Research Article

Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Brassett, K. P., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2005). Use of exhaled nitric oxide measurements to guide treatment in chronic asthma. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(21), 2163-2173.

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, D. R., Cowan, J. O., Greene, J. M., Willan, A. R., & Sears, M. R. (2005). Asthma in remission: Can relapse in early adulthood be predicted at 18 years of age? Chest, 127(3), 845-850.

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, D. R., Epton, M. J., Kennedy, M. A., Smith, A. D., Iles, S., Miller, A. L., Littlejohn, M. D., Cowan, J. O., Hewitt, T., Swanney, M. P., Brassett, K. P., & Herbison, G. P. (2005). Bronchodilator response in relation to β2-adrenoceptor haplotype in patients with asthma. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 172(6), 700-703.

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Milne, B. J., Taylor, D. R., Greene, J. M., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E. M., Herbison, G. P., McLachlan, C. R., Poulton, R., & Sears, M. R. (2004). Relationship between socioeconomic status and asthma: A longitudinal cohort study. Thorax, 59, 376-380.

Journal - Research Article

Kingshott, R. N., Cowan, J. O., Jones, D. R., Flannery, E. M., Smith, A. D., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2004). The role of sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness, and impaired performance in motor vehicle crashes: A case control study. Sleep & Breathing, 8(2), 61-72.

Journal - Research Article

Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Filsell, S., McLachlan, C., Monti-Sheehan, G., Jackson, P., & Taylor, D. R. (2004). Diagnosing asthma: Comparisons between exhaled nitric oxide measurements and conventional tests. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 169, 473-478.

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, E. S., Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2004). Effect of caffeine ingestion on exhaled nitric oxide measurements in patients with asthma. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 169(9), 1019-1021.

Journal - Research Article

Wraight, J. M., Smith, A. D., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E. M., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2004). Adverse effects of short-acting beta-agonists: Potential impact when anti-inflammatory therapy is inadequate. Respirology, 9, 215-221.

Journal - Research Article

Sears, M. R., Greene, J., Willan, A. R., Wiecek, E. M., Taylor, D. R., Flannery, E., Cowan, J. O., Herbison, G. P., Silva, P. A., & Poulton, R. (2003). A longitudinal, population-based, cohort study of childhood asthma followed to adulthood. New England Journal of Medicine, 349(15), 1414-1422.

Journal - Research Article

Wraight, J. M., Hancox, R. J., Herbison, G. P., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., & Taylor, D. R. (2003). Bronchodilator tolerance: The impact of increasing bronchoconstriction. European Respiratory Journal, 21, 810-815.

Journal - Research Article

Aldridge, R. E., Hancox, R. J., Cowan, J. O., Frampton, C. M., Town, G. I., & Taylor, D. R. (2002). Eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein in induced sputum and blood: Effects of budesonide and terbutaline treatment. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 89(5), 492-497.

Journal - Research Article

Jones, S. L., Herbison, G. P., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Hancox, R. J., McLachlan, C., & Taylor, D. R. (2002). Exhaled NO and assessment of anti-inflammatory effects of inhaled steroid: Dose-response relationship. European Respiratory Journal, 20, 601-608. doi: 10.1183/09031936.02.00285302

Journal - Research Article

McRae, W. M., Flannery, E., Cowan, J. O., McLachlan, C. R., Herbison, G. P., Siebers, R. W. L., Crane, J., & Wong, C. S. (2002). House dust mite allergen levels in University student accommodation in Dunedin. New Zealand Medical Journal, 115(1157), U30. Retrieved from http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/115-1157/30

Journal - Research Article

Rasmussen, F., Taylor, D. R., Flannery, E., Cowan, J. O., Greene, J., Herbison, G. P., & Sears, M. R. (2002). Risk factors for airway remodeling in asthma manifested by a low postbronchodilator FEV1/vital capacity ratio: a longitudinal population study from childhood to adulthood. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 165, 1480-1488.

Journal - Research Article

Rasmussen, F., Taylor, D. R., Flannery, E., Cowan, J. O., Greene, J., Herbison, G. P., & Sears, M. R. (2002). Outcome in adulthood of asymptomatic airway hyperresponsiveness in childhood: A longitudinal population study. Pediatric Pulmonology, 34(3), 164-171.

Journal - Research Article

Rasmussen, F., Taylor, D. R., Flannery, E., Cowan, J. O., Greene, J., Herbison, G. P., & Sears, M. R. (2002). Risk factors for hospital admission for asthma from childhood to young adulthood; a longitudinal population study. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 110(2), 219-227.

Journal - Research Article

Sears, M. R., Greene, J. M., Willan, A. R., Taylor, D. R., Flannery, E., Cowan, J. O., Herbison, G. P., & Poulton, R. (2002). Long-term relation between breastfeeding and development of atopy and asthma in children and young adults: A longitudinal study. Lancet, 360, 901-907.

Journal - Research Article

Wraight, J. M., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Town, G. I., & Taylor, D. R. (2002). Adherence to asthma self-management plans with inhaled corticosteroid and oral prednisone: A descriptive analysis. Respirology, 7(2), 133-139.

Journal - Research Article

Jones, S. L., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Hancox, R. J., Herbison, G. P., & Taylor, D. R. (2001). Reversing acute bronchoconstriction in asthma: The effect of bronchodilator tolerance after treatment with formoterol. European Respiratory Journal, 17, 368-373.

Journal - Research Article

Jones, S. L., Kittelson, J. M., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Hancox, R. J., McLachlan, C., & Taylor, D. R. (2001). The predictive value of exhaled nitric oxide measurements in assessing changes in asthma control. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 164(5), 738-743.

Journal - Research Article

Aldridge, R., Hancox, R. J., Taylor, D. R., Cowan, J. O., Winn, M. C., Frampton, C. M., & Town, G. I. (2000). Effects of terbutaline and budesonide on sputum cells and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthma. American Journal of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, 161, 1459-1464.

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Herbison, G. P., McLachlan, C. R., & Taylor, D. R. R. (2000). Bronchodilator tolerance and rebound bronchoconstriction during regular inhaled β-agonist treatment. Respiratory Medicine, 94, 767-771.

Journal - Research Article

Taylor, D. R., Hancox, R. J., McRae, W. M., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., McLachlan, C. R., & Herbison, G. P. (2000). The influence of polymorphism at position 16 of the β2-adrenoceptor on the development of tolerance to β-agonist. Journal of Asthma, 37(8), 691-700.

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Aldridge, R., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Herbison, G. P., McLachlan, C., Town, G. I., & Taylor, D. R. (1999). Tolerance to beta-agonists during acute bronchoconstriction. European Respiratory Journal, 14(2), 283-287.

Journal - Research Article

Hancox, R. J., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., Herbison, G. P., McLachlan, C., Wong, C. S., & Taylor, D. R. R. (1999). A randomized trial of inhaled beta-agonist, inhaled corticosteroid and their combination in the treatment of asthma. Thorax, 54, 482-487.

Journal - Research Article

Ramsay, C. M., Cowan, J. O., Flannery, E., McLachlan, C., & Taylor, D. R. (1999). Bronchoprotective and bronchodilator effects of single doses of (S)-salbutamol, (R)-salbutamol and racemic salbutamol in patients with bronchial asthma. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 55(5), 353-359.

Journal - Research Article

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