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Research
What goes up must come down: dynamics of type 1 interferon signaling across the lifespanType 1 interferons (T1IFNs) are typically expressed in low concentrations under homeostatic conditions, but upon pathogenic insult or perturbation of the pathway, these critical immune signaling molecules can become either protectors from or drivers of pathology. While essential for initiating antiviral defense and modulating inflammation, dysregulation of T1IFN signaling can contribute to immunopathology, making it and its associated pathways prime targets for immune evasion and disruption by pathogens.
Research
Prevention of rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand: High-dose subcutaneous benzathine penicillin is cost-saving compared with traditional intramuscular injectionsAcute rheumatic fever is a preventable condition that can lead to chronic illness and early death. Standard prevention with 4-weekly intramuscular (IM) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections for ≥10 years may be associated with poor adherence. High-dose 10-weekly subcutaneous penicillin injections (SCIP) may improve adherence by reducing injection frequency.
Research Theme
First Nations Health and EquityAboriginal health is everyone's business. The needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and kids is integrated into all relevant areas of our work. Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids and families is an overarching priority for every team at The Kids.
Research
Neonatal and infant mortality after maternal influenza and pertussis vaccination: Probabilistically linked cohort studyMaternal influenza and pertussis vaccination is an important strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality in infants. Previous vaccine safety studies have mostly focused on the association between maternal vaccination and fetal death.
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Population pharmacokinetics of penicillin G: insights into increased clearance at low concentrations to guide development of improved long-acting formulations for syphilisAlthough benzylpenicillin (penicillin G) is listed by the World Health Organization as an Essential Medicine, dose optimization is a persistent challenge, especially for long-acting intramuscular formulations. Maintaining sustained antibiotic exposure at target concentrations is crucial for secondary chemoprophylaxis of rheumatic heart disease and treatment of syphilis.
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Collecting behavioural data across countries during pandemics: Development of the COVID-19 Risk Assessment ToolTools that can be used to collect behavioural data during pandemics are needed to inform policy and practice. The objective of this project was to develop the Your COVID-19 Risk tool in response to the global spread of COVID-19, aiming to promote health behaviour change. We developed an online resource based on key behavioural evidence-based risk factors related to contracting and spreading COVID-19. This tool allows for assessing risk and provides instant support to protect individuals from infection.
Research
High detection rates of nucleic acids of a wide range of respiratory viruses in the nasopharynx and the middle earBoth bacteria and viruses play a role in the development of acute otitis media, however, the importance of specific viruses is unclear.
Research
Immunogenicity and safety of a combined Haemophilus influenzae type b-NeisseriaNeisseria meningitidis serogroups B, C, and Y cause most meningococcal disease in industrialized countries...
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Theories of otitis media pathogenesis, with a focus on Indigenous childrenOtitis media is a common childhood illness associated with hearing loss, social disadvantage and medical costs. Prevalence and severity are high among...
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Safety and Immunogencity of a Prototype Adjuvanted Inactivated Split-Virus Influenza A (H5N1) Vaccine in Infants and ChildrenHighly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (H5N1) is a leading candidate for the next influenza pandemic, and infants and children may play an important role...