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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
"I just get scared it's going to happen again": a qualitative study of the psychosocial impact of pediatric burns from the child's perspectiveAdvances in medicine have improved the chances of survival following burn injuries, however, psychosocial outcomes have not seen the same improvement, and burn injuries can be distressing for both the child or young person, negatively affecting their wellbeing. Pediatric burn patients are at a higher risk of developing psychopathology compared to the general population.
Research
PKC activation promotes maturation of cord blood T cells towards a Th1 IFN-γ propensityA significant number of babies present transiently with low protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) levels in cord blood T cells, associated with reduced ability to transition from a neonatal Th2 to a mature Th1 cytokine bias, leading to a higher risk of developing allergic sensitisation, compared to neonates whose T cells have 'normal' PKCζ levels. However, the importance of PKCζ signalling in regulating their differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine phenotype propensity remains undefined.
Research
Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children after prenatal marijuana exposureThe effect of prenatal marijuana exposure on child neurodevelopment remains poorly understood. Prior studies have demonstrated inconsistent results.
Research
Molecular basis of translation termination at noncanonical stop codons in human mitochondriaThe genetic code that specifies the identity of amino acids incorporated into proteins during protein synthesis is almost universally conserved. Mitochondrial genomes feature deviations from the standard genetic code, including the reassignment of two arginine codons to stop codons.

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.
Research
Trends in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies in Western Australia between 1980 and 2020: A population-based studyAdvances in screening and diagnostics have changed the way in which we identify and diagnose congenital anomalies.
Research
Substrate-dependent metabolomic signatures of myeloperoxidase activity in airway epithelial cells: Implications for early cystic fibrosis lung diseaseMyeloperoxidase is released by neutrophils in inflamed tissues. MPO oxidizes chloride, bromide, and thiocyanate to produce hypochlorous acid, hypobromous acid, and hypothiocyanous acid, respectively. These oxidants are toxic to pathogens, but may also react with host cells to elicit biological activity and potential toxicity. In cystic fibrosis and related diseases, increased neutrophil inflammation leads to increased airway MPO and airway epithelial cell exposure to its oxidants.
Research
Australian and New Zealand consensus guideline for paediatric newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopaenia endorsed by Australian New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology GroupIn children, the majority of cases are self-limiting and thus many paediatric patients can be managed conservatively with minimal complications. This varies considerably compared to adult newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopaenia (NDITP) where, in most cases, thrombocytopaenia persists with higher risk of moderate to severe bleeding complications.

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.
Research
COVID-19 in Western Australia: ‘The last straw’ and hopes for a ‘new normal’ for parents of children with long-term conditionsChildren with long-term conditions are vulnerable due to the treatments required for their conditions. Since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Western Australians experienced restrictions that changed daily life activities but were able to return to some of their previous routines due to the restrictions.
Research
Performance of smartphone application to accurately quantify hyperbilirubinemia in neonates: a systematic review with meta-analysisNeonatal jaundice is a common clinical condition that can progress to severe hyperbilirubinemia if identification and intervention are delayed. In this study, we aimed to analyze the current evidence on the accurate performance of smartphone applications to quantify bilirubin levels.
Research
Correlating Quantitative and Genomic SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Data with Clinical Metrics in Metropolitan Perth, Western AustraliaWastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a key method for the continuous monitoring of COVID-19 prevalence including circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages. WBE addresses the limitations of traditional clinical COVID-19 surveillance such as clinical test availability, fluctuating testing rates, and increased reliance on rapid antigen tests.

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.

One way the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre provides the opportunity for consumers and community members to contribute to our research is through participation in one of our eight community reference groups.

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

Focusing on the developmental trajectories of respiratory health includes developing strategies to improve and support immune system function and development over the life course.