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LPS binding protein and activation signatures are upregulated during asthma exacerbations in children

Asthma exacerbations in children are associated with respiratory viral infection and atopy, resulting in systemic immune activation and infiltration of immune cells into the airways. The gene networks driving the immune activation and subsequent migration of immune cells into the airways remains incompletely understood. Cellular and molecular profiling of PBMC was employed on paired samples obtained from atopic asthmatic children during acute virus-associated exacerbations and later during convalescence.

Conservation of gene expression patterns between the amniotic and nasal epithelium at birth

Amniotic epithelial cells are fetal-derived stem cells, capable of differentiating into all three germ layers, including mature epithelial cell populations. Here, we hypothesised that the amniotic epithelium might serve as a surrogate tissue source for investigating transcriptional profiles in the respiratory epithelium of newborns.

Assessing the unified airway hypothesis in children via transcriptional profiling of the airway epithelium

Upper and lower airways are conserved in their transcriptional composition, and variations associated with disease are present in both nasal and tracheal epithelium

Transiently increased IgE responses in infants and pre-schoolers receiving only (DTaP) vaccines compared to those initially receiving at least one dose of DTwP vaccine

Confirm the generalised IgE-trophic activity of the DTaP vaccine in pre-schoolers and demonstrate similar (albeit transient) effects in infants

BAL Inflammatory Markers Can Predict Pulmonary Exacerbations in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis are characterized by airway inflammation and may cause irreversible lung damage. Early identification of such exacerbations may facilitate early initiation of treatment, thereby potentially reducing long-term morbidity. Research question: Is it possible to predict pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis, using inflammatory markers obtained from BAL fluid?

Nasal Delivery of Haemophilus haemolyticus Is Safe, Reduces Influenza Severity, and Prevents Development of Otitis Media in Mice

Despite vaccination, influenza and otitis media (OM) remain leading causes of illness. We previously found that the human respiratory commensal Haemophilus haemolyticus prevents bacterial infection in vitro and that the related murine commensal Muribacter muris delays OM development in mice. The observation that M muris pretreatment reduced lung influenza titer and inflammation suggests that these bacteria could be exploited for protection against influenza/OM.

We won't find what we don't look for: Identifying barriers and enablers of chronic wet cough in Aboriginal children

Key barriers to effective management of chronic wet cough are limited training in chronic wet cough management combined with competing complexities

Evidence of functional cell-mediated immune responses to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in otitis-prone children

These data provide evidence that otitis-prone children do not have impaired functional cell mediated immunity

A BRIGHT day for little lungs

Families affected by bronchiectasis gathered in Kings Park recently for a special event hosted by the BRIGHT Study team, celebrating community, connections, and conversations.

Associate Professor Shannon Simpson

Head, Strong Beginnings Research, Co-head Foundations of Lung Disease