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ACE2 expression is elevated in airway epithelial cells from older and male healthy individuals but reduced in asthmaCOVID-19 is complicated by acute lung injury, and death in some individuals. It is caused by SARS-CoV-2 that requires the ACE2 receptor and serine proteases to enter AEC. We determined what factors are associated with ACE2 expression particularly in patients with asthma and COPD. We obtained lower AEC from 145 people from two independent cohorts, aged 2-89 years, Newcastle (n = 115) and Perth (n = 30), Australia. The Newcastle cohort was enriched with people with asthma (n = 37) and COPD (n = 38). Gene expression for ACE2 and other genes potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 cell entry was assessed by qPCR, and protein expression was confirmed with immunohistochemistry on endobronchial biopsies and cultured AEC.
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Persistent induction of goblet cell differentiation in the airways: Therapeutic approachesHere we review the current knowledge of key molecular pathways that are dysregulated during persistent goblet cell differentiation
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Productive infection of human embryonic stem cell-derived nkx2.1+ respiratory progenitors with human rhinovirus.Our experiments provide proof of principle for the use of PSC-derived respiratory epithelial cells in the study of cell-virus interactions.
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A tonsil organ model to evaluate carriage, disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions for the treatment and prevention of Group A Streptococcus infectionsAnthony Tim Kicic Barnett BSc (Hons) PhD PhD Rothwell Family Fellow; Head, Airway Epithelial Research Head, Strep A Pathogenesis and Diagnostics
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Deep inspiration and airway physiology: human, canine, porcine, or bovine?Deep inspiration and airway physiology: human, canine, porcine, or bovine?
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Streptococcus pyogenes Surveillance Through Surface Swab Samples to Track the Emergence of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome in Rural JapanJapan recently experienced a record surge in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Our environmental surveillance study reveals that Streptococcus pyogenes persists seasonally, peaking in autumn and winter in rural Japan. The dominant emm1 M1UK sublineage and csrS mutations heighten virulence, highlighting the urgent need for targeted surveillance and interventions.
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Complete genome sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteriophage Karil-mokiny-1Burkholderia cepacia complex causes life-threatening respiratory infections. Here, a bacteriophage with activity against B. cenocepacia was isolated from wastewater. It has a genome size of 70,144 bp and has the taxonomic classification Irusalimvirus. It has no genes associated with lysogeny, bacterial resistance, or virulence.
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Exploring indoor and outdoor dust as a potential tool for detection and monitoring of COVID-19 transmissionThis study investigated the potential of using SARS-CoV-2 viral concentrations in dust as an additional surveillance tool for early detection and monitoring of COVID-19 transmission. Dust samples were collected from 8 public locations in 16 districts of Bangkok, Thailand, from June to August 2021.
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Tracing the transmission of mpox through wastewater surveillance in Southeast AsiaHigh population density and tourism in Southeast Asia increase the risk of mpox due to frequent interpersonal contacts. Our wastewater surveillance in six Southeast Asian countries revealed positive signals for Monkeypox virus (MPXV) DNA, indicating local transmission. This alerts clinicians and helps allocate resources like testing, vaccines and therapeutics in resource-limited countries.