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Research
Change in health outcomes for First Nations children with chronic wet cough: rationale and study protocol for a multi-centre implementation science studyIn children, chronic wet cough may be a sign of underlying lung disease, including protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) and bronchiectasis. Chronic (> 4 weeks in duration) wet cough (without indicators pointing to alternative causes) that responds to antibiotic treatment is diagnostic of PBB. Timely recognition and management of PBB can prevent disease progression to irreversible bronchiectasis with lifelong consequences. However, detection and management require timely health-seeking by carers and effective management by clinicians.
Research
Mucus and mucus flake composition and abundance reflect inflammatory and infection status in cystic fibrosisMucus hyperconcentration in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is marked by increases in both mucin and DNA concentration. Additionally, it has been shown that half of the mucins present in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid from preschool-aged CF patients are present in as non-swellable mucus flakes.
Research
Biodiesel Exhaust Toxicity with and without Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether Fuel Additive in Primary Airway Epithelial Cells Grown at the Air-Liquid InterfaceBiodiesel usage is increasing steadily worldwide as the push for renewable fuel sources increases. The increased oxygen content in biodiesel fuel is believed to cause decreased particulate matter (PM) and increased nitrous oxides within its exhaust.
Research
Microbiomic Analysis on Low Abundant Respiratory Biomass Samples; Improved Recovery of Microbial DNA From Bronchoalveolar Lavage FluidIn recent years the study of the commensal microbiota is driving a remarkable paradigm shift in our understanding of human physiology. However, intrinsic technical difficulties associated with investigating the Microbiomics of some body niches are hampering the development of new knowledge. This is particularly the case when investigating the functional role played by the human microbiota in modulating the physiology of key organ systems. A major hurdle in investigating specific Microbiome communities is linked to low bacterial density and susceptibility to bias caused by environmental contamination.
Research
BAL Inflammatory Markers Can Predict Pulmonary Exacerbations in Children With Cystic FibrosisPulmonary 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?
News & Events
Wal-yan Centre inaugural Shark Tank winnersCongratulations to Dr Montgomery, Dr Iosifidis and Dr D’Vaz on winning the Wal-yan Centre's inaugural seed funding competition.
News & Events
Community bands together to improve lung health of Aboriginal children in East KimberleySeptember marks the three-month milestone of an intensive health promotion campaign in the East Kimberley region, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of a chronic wet cough in Aboriginal children.
News & Events
Common asthma drug gives hope for better lung health for some preterm babiesA new study has found a common asthma drug is effective for some very premature babies who go on to suffer from lung complications.
News & Events
New risk factor identified to help predict the long-term lung health of young adults born very pretermA study which set out to determine ways to predict the long-term lung health of young adults born very preterm has shown that a childhood history of respiratory hospital admission should be a key consideration in the management of preterm children and adults.
News & Events
New study to determine if it’s safe for children born preterm to attend day careA new study to determine if it’s safe for children who were born preterm to attend day care officially commenced this month.