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Research
The effect of azithromycin on structural lung disease in infants with cystic fibrosis (COMBAT CF): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialStructural lung disease and neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation is present from 3 months of age in children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after newborn screening. We hypothesised that azithromycin, given three times weekly to infants with cystic fibrosis from diagnosis until age 36 months, would reduce the extent of structural lung disease as captured on chest CT scans.
Research
Profiling epithelial viral receptor expression in amniotic membrane and nasal epithelial cells at birthChildren with wheeze and asthma present with airway epithelial vulnerabilities, such as impaired responses to viral infection. It is postulated that the in utero environment may contribute to the development of airway epithelial vulnerabilities.
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Suppression of TGF-β/SMAD signaling by an inner nuclear membrane phosphatase complexCytokines of the TGF-β superfamily control essential cell fate decisions via receptor regulated SMAD (R-SMAD) transcription factors. Ligand-induced R-SMAD phosphorylation in the cytosol triggers their activation and nuclear accumulation. We determine how R-SMADs are inactivated by dephosphorylation in the cell nucleus to counteract signaling by TGF-β superfamily ligands.
Research
Phage cocktail amikacin combination as a potential therapy for bacteremia associated with carbapenemase producing colistin resistant Klebsiella pneumoniaeThe increasing occurrence of hospital-associated infections, particularly bacteremia, caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) carbapenemase-producing colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae highlights a critical requirement to discover new therapeutic alternatives. Bacteriophages having host-specific bacteriolytic effects are promising alternatives for combating these pathogens.
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.

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Each year, 11% (15 million) of the world’s babies are delivered before 37 weeks’ gestation.

News & Events
Winners Announced: 2021 Inspiration AwardsMEDIA ENQUIRIES Media Contacts About the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre Please direct general enquiries to our reception on (08) 6319 1000.

News & Events
20-year MAVRIC study celebrates recruitment of its 1000th participantThe MAVRIC (Mechanisms of Acute Viral Respiratory Infection in Children) study recently celebrated the recruitment of the 1000th participant to the study, eight-year-old Sullivan Strahan.

News & Events
Vertex grants to support advances in cystic fibrosis careTwo outstanding researchers from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre have been awarded Vertex Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Mentored Innovation Research Awards.