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Research

Optimization of blood handling and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cryopreservation of low cell number samples

Rural/remote blood collection can cause delays in processing, reducing PBMC number, viability, cell composition and function. To mitigate these impacts, blood was stored at 4◦ C prior to processing. Viable cell number, viability, immune phenotype, and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release were measured.

Research

A Meta-analysis on the Role of Children in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Household Transmission Clusters

The role of children in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains highly controversial. To address this issue, we performed a meta-analysis of the published literature on household SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters (n = 213 from 12 countries). Only 8 (3.8%) transmission clusters were identified as having a pediatric index case.

Research

Targeting host-microbial interactions to develop otitis media therapies

Otitis media (OM; middle ear infection) is the most common reason for pre-school children to visit a doctor, be prescribed antimicrobials, or undergo surgery. Recent Cochrane reviews of clinical trials have identified that antibiotics and grommet surgery are only moderately effective in treating OM, with recurrent or persistent infection observed in one-third of children. Research efforts are focusing on developing improved therapies to treat OM and prevent disease recurrence.

Research

Gestational age and child development at school entry

Studies have reported a dose-dependent relationship between gestational age and poorer school readiness. The study objective was to quantify the risk of developmental vulnerability for children at school entry, associated with gestational age at birth and to understand the impact of sociodemographic and other modifiable risk factors on these relationships. Linkage of population-level birth registration, hospital, and perinatal datasets to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), enabled follow-up of a cohort of 64,810 singleton children, from birth to school entry in either 2009, 2012, or 2015.

Research

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers in Tanzania

To determine the seroprevalence of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) and their associated risk factors in Tanzania.

News & Events

Homes crucial for healthy ears

The Kids researchers discovered that overcrowding is the strongest predictor of carriage of bacteria that cause otitis media

Research

Self-Compassion, Wellbeing, and Distress in Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions: the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation Difficulties

Adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions report higher distress and lower wellbeing than their physically healthy peers. Previous research suggests that self-compassion is negatively correlated with distress and positively correlated with wellbeing among healthy young people, as well as adults with chronic medical conditions.

Research

Prebiotic Supplementation During Pregnancy Modifies the Gut Microbiota and Increases Metabolites in Amniotic Fluid, Driving a Tolerogenic Environment In Utero

The gut microbiota is influenced by environmental factors such as food. Maternal diet during pregnancy modifies the gut microbiota composition and function, leading to the production of specific compounds that are transferred to the fetus and enhance the ontogeny and maturation of the immune system. Prebiotics are fermented by gut bacteria, leading to the release of short-chain fatty acids that can specifically interact with the immune system, inducing a switch toward tolerogenic populations and therefore conferring health benefits.

Research

Review of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a preventable, lifelong disability that disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available information on FASD among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with reference to the limitations on population-based data and evaluated programs.

Research

Immunological mechanisms of vaccine-induced protection against COVID-19 in humans

Most COVID-19 vaccines are designed to elicit immune responses, ideally neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Several vaccines, including mRNA, adenoviral-vectored, protein subunit and whole-cell inactivated virus vaccines, have now reported efficacy in phase III trials and have received emergency approval in many countries.

News & Events

Why tiny dust mites are a big problem

The molecular studies of Professor Wayne Thomas, particularly on house dust mites, have provided new understandings of allergy and new diagnostics.

Research

Small nucleolar RNA networks are up-regulated during human anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction driven primarily by the activation of mast cells. We still fail to understand factors underlying reaction severity. Furthermore, there is currently no reliable diagnostic test to confirm anaphylaxis in the emergency department.

News & Events

Vaccine trial aims to curb ‘superbug’

Sarah Le Roi knows well how debilitating Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can be. She was struck down with the 'superbug' while on holiday in the US.

News & Events

Child and Family Centres providing important support for parents

Tasmania's Child and Family Centres are having a positive impact on parent's use and experiences of services and supports for young children

News & Events

Thanks for coming to our Open Day

Thank you to everyone who visited The Kids Research Institute Australia's Open Day on October 8. We welcomed more than 700 guests to the Institute to discover our research.

News & Events

The goal of Project Childrens' Cancer is to discover new, less toxic therapies

The goal of Project Children's Cancer is to discover new therapies that are more effective and less toxic to fight aggressive cancers in babies and children.

News & Events

Tumour treatment needs targeted approach

Advances in gene and molecular technology finally explain why brain tumour cells that look the same, behave and respond differently to treatment.

News & Events

Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Research Seminar Series 2014

Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Research Seminar Series 2014.Genetic and functional studies of leishmaniasis: understanding the role of HLA

News & Events

Key study unveils significant link between hospital admissions and kids with ADHD

New research from The Kids Research Institute Australia has revealed a significant link between kids with severe ADHD and higher rates of early childhood hospital admissions.

News & Events

Australia's medical research community unites to champion the Medical Research Future Fund

Western Australia's three largest medical research institutes have joined other institutes across the nation in support of enhanced public investment in health