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Vulnerable from the first breath - epithelial dysfunction and respiratory outcomes in childrenWe have been studying the importance of the epithelial cells lining the airways in the nose and lungs.
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A tonsil organ model to evaluate carriage, disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the treatment and prevention of Group A Streptococcus infectionsAnthony Tim Kicic Barnett BSc (Hons) PhD PhD Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research Head, Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics
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Viral Induced Effects on a Vulnerable Epithelium; Lessons Learned From Paediatric Asthma and Eosinophilic OesophagitisThe epithelium is integral to the protection of many different biological systems and for the maintenance of biochemical homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that particular children have epithelial vulnerabilities leading to dysregulated barrier function and integrity, that resultantly contributes to disease pathogenesis.
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Overcoming Challenges to Make Bacteriophage Therapy Standard Clinical Treatment Practice for Cystic FibrosisIndividuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are given antimicrobials as prophylaxis against bacterial lung infection, which contributes to the growing emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens isolated. Pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are commonly isolated from individuals with CF are armed with an arsenal of protective and virulence mechanisms, complicating eradication and treatment strategies.
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Pre-Post Intervention to Strengthen and Sustain the Paediatric ESCALATION System (The SPECS): Study ProtocolPromptly recognising changes in an acutely unwell child’s condition is fundamental to prevent tragic outcomes. Western Australian (WA) healthcare facilities used inconsistent and varied paediatric early warning systems. To improve care consistency, a standardised ESCALATION system, inclusive of family involvement and sepsis recognition, was developed.
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Wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 new variants BA.2.86 and offspring JN.1 in South and Southeast AsiaAnthony Kicic BSc (Hons) PhD Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research Anthony.Kicic@thekids.org.au Rothwell Family Fellow; Head,
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Phage Therapy as an Alternative Treatment Modality for Resistant Staphylococcus aureus InfectionsThe production and use of antibiotics increased significantly after the Second World War due to their effectiveness against bacterial infections. However, bacterial resistance also emerged and has now become an important global issue.
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Genome Sequences of Two Lytic Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophages Isolated from WastewaterTwo lytic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophages, belonging to the family Herelleviridae, were isolated from wastewater in Western Australia. Biyabeda-mokiny 2 appears to belong to the genus Kayvirus, and Koomba-kaat 1 to Silviavirus.
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Tracing the transmission of mpox through wastewater surveillance in Southeast AsiaHigh population density and tourism in Southeast Asia increase the risk of mpox due to frequent interpersonal contacts. Our wastewater surveillance in six Southeast Asian countries revealed positive signals for Monkeypox virus (MPXV) DNA, indicating local transmission. This alerts clinicians and helps allocate resources like testing, vaccines and therapeutics in resource-limited countries.
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The Contribution of Geogenic Particulate Matter to Lung Disease in Indigenous ChildrenThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dust levels and health in Indigenous children in Western Australia