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Respiratory oscillometry in infants: present challenges and future opportunities

Despite a high burden of respiratory disease among infants globally, limited options exist for lung function testing in this age group. Tidal breathing techniques such as oscillometry allow for understanding the pathophysiology of diseases that originate early in life, thus providing the opportunity to develop timely prevention and treatment strategies.

Conservation of gene expression patterns between the amniotic and nasal epithelium at birth

Amniotic epithelial cells are fetal-derived stem cells, capable of differentiating into all three germ layers, including mature epithelial cell populations. Here, we hypothesised that the amniotic epithelium might serve as a surrogate tissue source for investigating transcriptional profiles in the respiratory epithelium of newborns.

Tapeworm infection incidence in rural Japan points to a common environmental source of infection

Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis is a zoonotic tapeworm transmitted to humans through consumption of raw or undercooked fish or wild meat. Between 2022 and 2023, Yamagata Prefecture reported an increase in cases compared with 2017-2021, when none were observed. We conducted a clinical and environmental investigation to clarify infection sources.

Longitudinal effects of prenatal exposure to plastic-derived chemicals and their metabolites on asthma and lung function from childhood into adulthood

Environmental exposure to phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), chemicals used in the production of plastics, may increase risk for asthma and allergies. However, little is known about the long-term effects of early life exposure to these compounds.

Fighting lung disease

Culturally secure intervention to facilitate medical follow up for Aboriginal children, after being hospitalised with chest infections, have proven to improve long-term lung health outcomes.

Campaign designed to improve the lung health of Aboriginal children

A public health campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of chronic wet cough in Aboriginal children is helping to improve detection, diagnosis and management of the condition.

Toxicity of plastic diesel exhaust in primary human airway epithelial cell cultures

Plastic pyrolysis oil, which can be produced with similar properties as diesel fuel (plastic diesel), can be used as an alternative to mineral diesel (ULSD) to run a diesel engine. This presents a potential method for recycling waste plastic. Typically plastic diesel is blended with mineral diesel, and oxygenated fuel additives such as ethers added to improve resulting fuel properties. 

Stochastic models indicate rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality of Indigenous Australians after colonial exposure

The impact of smallpox (variola) on Aboriginal communities in Australia beginning in 1789 was catastrophic and continues to cause intergenerational trauma. Historically biased perspectives and contemporary misinformation of the disease's introduction and spread impede modern-day truth-telling and efforts towards reconciliation and national healing.

Giving kids with CF a chance at a longer, healthier life

COMBAT CF is one of two long-standing international trials which have resulted in new early intervention options helping to reduce progressive lung damage in kids living with CF.

Biodiesels not as clean and green as they seem

In a world being urged to embrace renewable options, biodiesel fuels are increasingly being touted as a greener, cleaner choice than traditional diesel.