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Research

Treatment with inhaled aerosolised ethanol reduces viral load and potentiates macrophage responses in an established influenza mouse model

Treatment options for viral lung infections are currently limited. We aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of inhaled ethanol in an influenza-infection mouse model.

Research

Feto-placental vascular structure and in silico haemodynamics: Of mice, rats, and human

The complex arborization of the feto-placental vasculature is crucial for optimal fetal nutrition, waste exchange and ultimately, development. Ethical and experimental limitations constrain research into the human placenta, hence experimental animal models such as mice and rats, are crucial to understand placental function. It is unclear how well the mouse and rat feto-placental vascular structure emulates human. Moreover, the implications of differences in vascular structure, especially in arborization, for placental function remain unclear. 

Research

The Safety of Alcohol Pharmacotherapies in Pregnancy: A Scoping Review of Human and Animal Research

Alcohol pharmacotherapies pose unknown teratogenic risks in pregnancy and are therefore recommended to be avoided. This limits treatment options for pregnant individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The information on the safety of these medications during pregnancy is uncertain, prompting a scoping review. The objective of this review was to investigate available information on the safety of alcohol pharmacotherapies in pregnancy.

Research

Predictive gene expression signature diagnoses neonatal sepsis before clinical presentation

Neonatal sepsis is a deadly disease with non-specific clinical signs, delaying diagnosis and treatment. There remains a need for early biomarkers to facilitate timely intervention. Our objective was to identify neonatal sepsis gene expression biomarkers that could predict sepsis at birth, prior to clinical presentation. 

Research

Global Lung Function Initiative reference values for multiple breath washout indices

Multiple breath washout is a lung function test based on tidal breathing that assesses lung volume and ventilation distribution. The aim of this analysis was to use the Global Lung Function Initiative methodology to develop all-age reference equations for the multiple breath washout indices lung clearance index and functional residual capacity.

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

Biomarkers of vaccine safety and efficacy in vulnerable populations: Lessons from the fourth international precision vaccines conference

Vaccination has been a cornerstone of public health, substantially reducing the global burden of infectious diseases, notably evident during the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.

About us

Representing a 30-year interdisciplinary collaboration between The Kids, Perth Children’s Hospital, and WA Universities, the combined global impact of work from this Centre over the last 10 years has equalled some of the most influential paediatric centres around the world.

Equipment available - PCH outpatient clinics

The Respiratory Physiology Platform at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre offers access to specialist equipment housed within the outpatient research department at Perth Children’s Hospital, dedicated for research use.

Community Involvement Opportunity - Research Buddies

Our Children’s Respiratory Science team is currently seeking research buddies to provide a community perspective on research into childhood asthma attacks.