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Research

Multilocus Sequence Typing Reveals Extensive Genetic Diversity of the Emerging Fungal Pathogen Scedosporium aurantiacum

Scedosporium spp. are the second most prevalent filamentous fungi after Aspergillus spp. recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in various regions of the world. Although invasive infection is uncommon prior to lung transplantation, fungal colonization may be a risk factor for invasive disease with attendant high mortality post-transplantation. Abundant in the environment, Scedosporium aurantiacum has emerged as an important fungal pathogen in a range of clinical settings.

Research

Novel method to select meaningful outcomes for evaluation in clinical trials

A standardised framework for selecting outcomes for evaluation in trials has been proposed by the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials working group. However, this method does not specify how to ensure that the outcomes that are selected are causally related to the disease and the health intervention being studied. Causal network diagrams may help researchers identify outcomes that are both clinically meaningful and likely to be causally dependent on the intervention, and endpoints that are, in turn, causally dependent on those outcomes.

Research

The SPEC score—A quantifiable CT scoring system for primary ciliary dyskinesia

Structural lung changes seen on computed tomography scans in persons with primary ciliary dyskinesia are currently described using cystic fibrosis derived scoring systems. Recent work has shown structural changes and frequencies that are unique to PCD, indicating the need for a unique PCD-derived scoring system.

Research

The effect of CFTR modulators on structural lung disease in cystic fibrosis

Newly developed quantitative chest computed tomography (CT) outcomes designed specifically to assess structural abnormalities related to cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease are now available. CFTR modulators potentially can reduce some structural lung abnormalities. We aimed to investigate the effect of CFTR modulators on structural lung disease progression using different quantitative CT analysis methods specific for people with CF (PwCF).

Research

The measurement properties of tests and tools used in cystic fibrosis studies: a systematic review

There is no consensus on how best to measure responses to interventions among children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). We have systematically reviewed and summarised the characteristics and measurement properties of tests and tools that have been used to capture outcomes in studies among people with CF, including their reliability, validity and responsiveness. This review is intended to guide researchers when selecting tests or tools for measuring treatment effects in CF trials. A consensus set of these tests and tools could improve consistency in how outcomes are captured and thereby facilitate comparisons and synthesis of evidence across studies.

Research

Minimal structural lung disease in early life represents significant pathology

In this cohort, as compared with the AREST CF cohort, the authors highlight the limited correlation between infection and inflammation with lung function and structural impairment, and that this was mainly explained by the mild changes identified in lung function and on chest CT scan.

News & Events

New drug therapy provides hope for kids with cystic fibrosis

The family of two girls with cystic fibrosis are hopeful after The Kids Research Institute Australia spin-off company, Respirion, receives $20 million in funding to develop a promising new therapy.

News & Events

Cure4CF Grant a boost for innovative Cystic Fibrosis research

A $350,000 Cure4 Cystic Fibrosis grant is set to propel the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre’s Phage WA program forward, supercharging its fight against antimicrobial resistant (AMR) lung infections in people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) using  cutting-edge phage therapy.

Research

Early nasal microbiota and subsequent respiratory tract infections in infants with cystic fibrosis

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) drive lung function decline in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). While the respiratory microbiota is clearly associated with RTI pathogenesis in infants without CF, data on infants with CF is scarce. We compared nasal microbiota development between infants with CF and controls and assessed associations between early-life nasal microbiota, RTIs, and antibiotic treatment in infants with CF. 

Research

Early surveillance of infants and preschool children with cystic fibrosis

Sensitive and non-invasive surveillance tools are needed for the clinical management of infants and preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The lung clearance index from the multiple breath washout and functional and morphological outcomes from magnetic resonance imaging provide promising alternatives to current gold standard techniques. Early detection and treatment of lung disease during this important period offers the opportunity to improve the quality of life for individuals with CF.