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Research
Surfactant protein disorders in childhood interstitial lung diseaseSurfactant, which was first identified in the 1920s, is pivotal to lower the surface tension in alveoli of the lungs and helps to lower the work of breathing and prevents atelectasis. Surfactant proteins, such as surfactant protein B and surfactant protein C, contribute to function and stability of surfactant film.
Research
Barriers to influenza vaccination of children hospitalised for acute respiratory illness: A cross-sectional surveyTo identify barriers to influenza vaccination of children hospitalised for acute respiratory illness in Australia. A total of 595 parents of children hospitalised with acute respiratory illness across five tertiary hospitals in 2019 participated in an online survey. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors most strongly associated with influenza vaccination barriers.
Research
Use of linked administrative and laboratory data to confirm that serum 25(OH)D levels in pregnant women can be predicted from satellite estimates of ultraviolet radiationSerum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of pregnant women have been linked to various health outcomes in their offspring. Satellite-derived ultraviolet radiation (UVR) data have been used as a proxy for 25(OH)D levels, as individual-level cohort studies are time-consuming, costly and only feasible for common outcomes.
Research
Children of Asian ethnicity in Australia have higher risk of food allergy and early-onset eczema than those in SingaporeIn Western countries, Asian children have higher food allergy risk than Caucasian children. The early-life environmental exposures for this discrepancy are unclear. We aimed to compare prevalence of food allergy and associated risk factors between Asian children in Singapore and Australia.
Research
Psychological flexibility is associated with less diabetes distress and lower glycated haemoglobin in adults with type 1 diabetesDiabetes distress, self-efficacy and health literacy are associated with diabetes self-management and health outcomes. Measures of coping styles and their impact on diabetes self-management and diabetes-related distress may add value in identifying those at risk of poorer health outcomes. Current evidence of associations between psychological flexibility/inflexibility and diabetes related health outcomes is limited.
Research
Developing a smartphone application to support social connectedness and wellbeing in young people with cystic fibrosisThis study developed and tested a highly usable, and moderately acceptable, smartphone app to improve the psychosocial health of young people living with CF
Research
Nasal delivery of a commensal Pasteurellaceae species inhibits nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae colonisation and delays onset of otitis media in miceWe have demonstrated that a single dose of a closely related commensal can delay onset of NTHi otitis media in vivo
The aim of the study is the early identification of problems with the current flu vaccines, and providing parents and professionals with up to date information.
Conference presentations
At the Wesfarmers Centre, we undertake research in five key areas of infections and immunisation to assist in children's health.