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Directing immune development to curb sky-rocketing disease

Once upon a time it was infectious diseases like polio, measles or tuberculosis that most worried parents. With these threats now largely under control, parents face a new challenge – sky-rocketing rates of non-infectious diseases such as asthma, allergies and autism.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

To determine the incidence, serotype distribution and clinical outcomes of invasive pneumococcal disease in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia following widespread use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.

Lung abscess: 14 years of experience in a tertiary paediatric hospital

Lung abscess is a rare condition in paediatrics with a paucity of literature. Intravenous antibiotics is the main therapy; however interventional radiological approaches have led to the use of percutaneous drainage. Surgery is reserved for the management of complications.

Early detection of lung function abnormalities in young children with cystic fibrosis

In this review, we have examined the role of lung function testing in infants and preschool children with CF.

Distinct Streptococcus pneumoniae cause invasive disease in Papua New Guinea

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a key contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality in Papua New Guinea (PNG). For the first time, whole genome sequencing of 174 isolates has enabled detailed characterisation of diverse S. pneumoniae causing invasive disease in young children in PNG, 1989-2014.

30% of children at risk of future heart disease

Almost 30% of 14-year-old Australian children fall within a group identified as being at future increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes or stroke

Effect of N-acetylcysteine supplementation on oxidative stress status and alveolar inflammation in people exposed to asbestos

Inhalation of asbestos fibres produces persistent oxidative stress and inflammation in lungs.

Distribution, composition, and activity of airway-associated adipose tissue in the porcine lung

Patients with comorbid asthma-obesity experience greater disease severity and are less responsive to therapy. We have previously reported adipose tissue within the airway wall that positively correlated with body mass index. Accumulation of biologically active adipose tissue may result in the local release of adipokines and disrupt large and small airway function depending on its anatomical distribution. This study therefore characterized airway-associated adipose tissue distribution, lipid composition, and adipokine activity in a porcine model.

Enhancing the lung health for preterm birth survivors by uncovering treatable traits

A project to uncover treatable traits to improve the lung health of people born preterm has been made possible thanks to a $1.99 million Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant. 

A tonsil organ model to evaluate carriage, disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the treatment and prevention of Group A Streptococcus infections

Anthony Tim Kicic Barnett BSc (Hons) PhD PhD Head, Airway Epithelial Research; WA Cystic Fibrosis Research Collaborative Program Fellowship; Stan