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New drug offers hope for people living with cystic fibrosisA promising new treatment pioneered in Western Australia for people with cystic fibrosis has commenced testing in a clinical trial in the United States and Australia.
Research
A near-complete genome of the uncultured Staphylococcus aureus phage COMBAT-CF_PAR1 isolated from the lungs of an infant with cystic fibrosisIn cystic fibrosis, bacteria–bacteriophage interaction in the lower airways is poorly understood. We present the near-complete genome of the uncultured Siphovirus-like bacteriophage, Staphylococcus aureus phage COMBAT-CF_PAR1, isolated from the lower airways. The genome spans 41,510 bp with 33.45% guanine–cytosine content and contains 65 open reading frames.
Research
A Small Device May Deliver King-Sized Solutions for Patients With an Exacerbation of Cystic FibrosisThe aim is to examine whether using a portable spring-infusor device to deliver antibiotics compared with a standard infusion pump (SIP) translated to (i) improve health outcomes, (ii) reduce the length of stay (LoS), and (iii) reduce cost for treatment of exacerbations of cystic fibrosis.
Research
Improving screening in a paediatric cohort for cystic fibrosis-related diabetes: A quality improvement projectAndré Schultz MBChB, PhD, FRACP Head, BREATH Team Head, BREATH Team Prof André Schultz is the Head, BREATH Team at The Kids Research Institute
Research
Signal-correction errors in the EasyOne Pro LAB multiple-breath washout device significantly impact outcomes in children and adultsMultiple-breath washout (MBW) is an established technique to assess functional residual capacity (FRC) and ventilation inhomogeneity in the lung. Indirect calculation of nitrogen concentration requires accurate measurement of gas concentrations.
Research
Changes in airway inflammation with pseudomonas eradication in early cystic fibrosisNeutrophil elastase is a significant risk factor for structural lung disease in cystic fibrosis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway infection is linked with neutrophilic inflammation and substantial respiratory morbidity. We aimed to evaluate how neutrophil elastase (NE) activity changes after P. aeruginosa eradication and influences early disease outcomes. We assessed participants in the AREST CF cohort between 2000 and 2018 who had P. aeruginosa cultured from their routine annual bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and who underwent eradication treatment and a post eradication BAL. Factors associated with persistent P. aeruginosa infection, persistent neutrophilic inflammation following eradication and worse structural lung disease one year post-eradication were evaluated.
Research
Progress in Model Systems of Cystic Fibrosis Mucosal Inflammation to Understand Aberrant Neutrophil ActivityHere we examine the latest findings of neutrophils in pediatric CF lung disease and proposed mechanisms of their pathogenicity
Research
Single-breath washout and association with structural lung disease in children with cystic fibrosisAcinar ventilation inhomogeneity measured by single-breath washout was not associated with structural lung disease on CT
Research
Interleukin-1 is associated with inflammation and structural lung disease in young children with cystic fibrosisOur data associates IL-1α with early structural lung damage in CF and suggests this pathway as a novel anti-inflammatory target

The Airway Epithelial Research Team is investigating the role of the epithelium in the development of airway diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis and lung transplant rejection.