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Switching from tobacco cigarettes in very early pregnancy: The effects of in utero e-cigarette exposure on mouse offspring neurodevelopment and behaviourElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often perceived to be safer than smoking, which has led to some women switching to e-cigarettes during pregnancy. However, the effects of switching from smoking to e-cigarettes on both pregnancy outcomes and the foetus are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of switching from tobacco smoking to e-cigarette use in very early pregnancy on birth outcomes, neurodevelopment and behaviour of the offspring.
Research
Pulmonary bacteriophage and cystic fibrosis airway mucus: friends or foes?For those born with cystic fibrosis (CF), hyper-concentrated mucus with a dysfunctional structure significantly impacts CF airways, providing a perfect environment for bacterial colonization and subsequent chronic infection. Early treatment with antibiotics limits the prevalence of bacterial pathogens but permanently alters the CF airway microenvironment, resulting in antibiotic resistance and other long-term consequences.
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Fathers’ preconception smoking and offspring DNA methylationExperimental studies suggest that exposures may impact respiratory health across generations via epigenetic changes transmitted specifically through male germ cells. Studies in humans are, however, limited. We aim to identify epigenetic marks in offspring associated with father's preconception smoking.
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Comparing home polysomnography with transcutaneous CO2 monitoring to laboratory polysomnography in children with neuromuscular disordersClinical utility of home polysomnography in children with neuromuscular disorders is limited by lack of evidence that sleep-disordered breathing can be reliably identified and inability to diagnose hypoventilation because carbon dioxide is not measured.
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Considerations for Causal Inference StudiesRachel Foong BSc (hons), PhD, MBiostat Honorary Research Associate 08 6319 1626 Rachel.Foong@thekids.org.au Senior Research Fellow Dr Foong is an
Research
Lung volumes, gas transfer and oscillometry after preterm birth: systematic review and meta-analysisSmall airway and lung parenchymal abnormalities frequently occur following preterm birth but are commonly missed by spirometry. Static lung volumes, diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D LCO) and oscillometry provide a more precise characterisation of these conditions. We hypothesised that differences in these measures exist between individuals born preterm and at term and we aimed to systematically review the literature to identify and quantify these differences in lung function.
Research
Research priorities for preterm lung health research across the lifespan: a community priority setting partnershipIt is essential to embed patient and public perspectives into every stage of the research journey, including setting the future research agenda. The substantial gaps in our understanding of prematurity-associated lung disease presented a timely opportunity to determine the community's research priorities.
News & Events
New drug offers hope for people living with cystic fibrosisA promising new treatment pioneered in Western Australia for people with cystic fibrosis has commenced testing in a clinical trial in the United States and Australia.
News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers take out prestigious Premier’s Science AwardsThree outstanding researchers have won 2023 Premier’s Science Awards, with another inducted into the prestigious WA Science Hall of Fame.
News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers awarded $11 million to support vital child health researchResearchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia have been awarded more than $11 million to support vital child health projects, under the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.