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Research

Fine-Tuning the Tumour Microenvironment: Current Perspectives on the Mechanisms of Tumour Immunosuppression

Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to eradicate malignant tissue. However, it is well recognised that some cancers are highly resistant to these therapies, which is in part attributed to the immunosuppressive landscape of the tumour microenvironment (TME). The contexture of the TME is highly heterogeneous and contains a complex architecture of immune, stromal, vascular and tumour cells in addition to acellular components such as the extracellular matrix. While understanding the dynamics of the TME has been instrumental in predicting durable responses to immunotherapy and developing new treatment strategies, recent evidence challenges the fundamental paradigms of how tumours can effectively subvert immunosurveillance. Here, we discuss the various immunosuppressive features of the TME and how fine-tuning these mechanisms, rather than ablating them completely, may result in a more comprehensive and balanced anti-tumour response.

Research

Revaccination outcomes of children with vaccine proximate seizures

Seizures, whether febrile or afebrile, occurring within 14 days following vaccination can be considered as vaccine proximate seizures (VPSs). While the attributable risk and clinical severity of first febrile VPS is well known, the risk and clinical outcomes of VPS recurrence is less well defined. We conducted a retrospective review of revaccination management and outcomes in children who experienced a VPS as their first seizure seen in Australian Specialist Immunisation Clinics between 2013 and 2017. Vaccination outcomes were compared between children who had a VPS as their only seizure (VPS only) and children who had further non-vaccine proximate seizures following their initial VPS (VPS+) prior to review at the clinic.

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Topical antibiotics for chronic suppurative otitis media

We are uncertain about the effectiveness of topical antibiotics in improving resolution of ear discharge in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media

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'Walking their walk': Reducing conflict between families of ill children and the medical profession

I review recent high-profile court cases to underscore the changing landscape of conflict and the central role that the media (and social media in particular) can play

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Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Individualized 12-Week "Uptime" Participation (U-PART) Intervention in Girls and Women With Rett Syndrome

The U-PART intervention was found to be feasible and effective in the short term in girls and women with Rett Syndrome

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A Rationale for Change: An Increase in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Fully Vaccinated Children

A review of cases informed a change from a "3 + 0" infant schedule to a "2 + 1" schedule

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Are there differences in immune responses following delivery of vaccines through acutely or chronically sun-exposed compared with sun-unexposed skin?

The review provides the basis for further research into the effects of acute and chronic UV radiation exposure on skin cells in the context of vaccination

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SCN1A Variants in vaccine-related febrile seizures: A prospective study

Pathogenic SCN1A variants may be identified in infants with vaccine-proximate febrile seizures

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A call for global action for rare diseases in Africa

The outcomes of the deliberations and emphasizes the international collaborative efforts required to address the global effects of rare diseases on public health