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Airway macrophages display decreased expression of receptors mediating and regulating scavenging in early cystic fibrosis lung diseaseCystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by chronic inflammation, featuring neutrophil influx to the lumen. Airway macrophages (AMs) can promote both inflammation and resolution, and are thus critical to maintaining and restoring homeostasis. CF AM functions, specifically scavenging activity and resolution of inflammation, have been shown to be impaired, yet underlying processes remain unknown.
Research
Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand position statement: The safe clinical use of sputum induction for bio-sampling of the lower airways in children and adultsSputum induction is widely used in clinical settings for collection of biological samples from the lower airways. However, in recent years sputum induction has been associated with serious adverse events and even death. This position statement was commissioned by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand to address major adverse events of two deaths associated with sputum induction that have occurred in Australia in 2021, and outlines best practice for the safe use of sputum induction.
Research
Investigating the Implications of CFTR Exon Skipping Using a Cftr Exon 9 Deleted Mouse ModelSeverity and disease progression in people with Cystic Fibrosis is typically dependent on their genotype. One potential therapeutic strategy for people with specific mutations is exon skipping with antisense oligonucleotides. CFTR exon 9 is an in-frame exon and hence the exclusion of this exon would excise only 31 amino acids but not alter the reading frame of the remaining mRNA.
Research
Genome Sequence of a Lytic Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophage Isolated from Breast MilkWe identified a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) bacteriophage appearing to belong to Herelleviridae, genus Kayvirus. The bacteriophage, Biyabeda-mokiny 1, was isolated from breast milk using a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus.
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Development and validation of a miniaturized bacteriophage host range screening assay against antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosaAntimicrobial resistance is a current global health crisis, and the increasing emergence of multidrug resistant infections has led to the resurgent interest in bacteriophages as an alternative treatment.
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Preterm birth: Born too soon for the developing airway epitheliumThis review examines the consequences of preterm birth on the airway epithelium and explores the clinical relevance of currently available models

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Lung study helps history-making generation get a handle on their healthA lung function study carried out by Dr Shannon Simpson provided the most comprehensive follow-up of very pre-term children of any study so far carried out on the lung health of this vulnerable group.
Research
Effects of human rhinovirus on epithelial barrier integrity and function in children with asthmaThis study demonstrates novel intrinsic differences in tight junctions gene and protein expression between airway epithelial cells of children with and without asthma
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Visualisation of Multiple Tight Junctional Complexes in Human Airway Epithelial CellsApically located tight junctions in airway epithelium perform a fundamental role in controlling macromolecule migration through paracellular spaces.
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Assessment of p.Phe508del-CFTR functional restoration in pediatric primary cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cellsThis study assessed an alternative approach, using a small scale halide assay that can be adapted for a personalized high throughput setting to analyze CFTR function of pAEC.