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Research

Lung function changes in children exposed to mine fire smoke in infancy

Chronic, low-intensity air pollution exposure has been consistently associated with reduced lung function throughout childhood. However, there is limited research regarding the implications of acute, high-intensity air pollution exposure. We aimed to determine whether there were any associations between early life exposure to such an episode and lung growth trajectories.

Research

Lung inflammation and simulated airway resistance in infants with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by small airway disease; but central airways may also be affected. We hypothesized that airway resistance estimated from computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methodology in infants with CF was higher than controls and that early airway inflammation in infants with CF is associated with airway resistance.

Research

Systems biology and bile acid signalling in microbiome-host interactions in the cystic fibrosis lung

The study of the respiratory microbiota has revealed that the lungs of healthy and diseased individuals harbour distinct microbial communities. Imbalances in these communities can contribute to the pathogenesis of lung disease. How these imbalances occur and establish is largely unknown. This review is focused on the genetically inherited condition of Cystic Fibrosis.

Research

BAL Inflammatory Markers Can Predict Pulmonary Exacerbations in Children With Cystic Fibrosis

Pulmonary 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?

Research

Microbiomic Analysis on Low Abundant Respiratory Biomass Samples; Improved Recovery of Microbial DNA From Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid

In 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

Biodiesel Exhaust Toxicity with and without Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether Fuel Additive in Primary Airway Epithelial Cells Grown at the Air-Liquid Interface

Biodiesel 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

Increasing airway obstruction through life following bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a meta-analysis

Few studies exist investigating lung function trajectories of those born preterm; however growing evidence suggests some individuals experience increasing airway obstruction throughout life. Here we use the studies identified in a recent systematic review to provide the first meta-analysis investigating the impact of preterm birth on airway obstruction measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio.

Research

COVID-19 monitoring with sparse sampling of sewered and non-sewered wastewater in urban and rural communities

Equitable SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in low-resource communities lacking centralized sewers is critical as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) progresses. However, large-scale studies on SARS-CoV-2 detection in wastewater from low-and middle-income countries is limited because of economic and technical reasons.

Research

Complete Genomes of Three Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteriophages, Kara-mokiny 1, Kara-mokiny 2, and Kara-mokiny 3

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages Kara-mokiny 1, Kara-mokiny 2, and Kara-mokiny 3. These phages have lytic capabilities against P. aeruginosa and belong to the myovirus morphotype. The genomes of Kara-mokiny 1 and Kara-mokiny 2 are 67,075 bp while that of Kara-mokiny 3 is 66,019 bp long.

Research

AI-Driven Cell Tracking to Enable High-Throughput Drug Screening Targeting Airway Epithelial Repair for Children with Asthma

The airway epithelium of children with asthma is characterized by aberrant repair that may be therapeutically modifiable. The development of epithelial-targeting therapeutics that enhance airway repair could provide a novel treatment avenue for childhood asthma.