Skip to content
The Kids Research Institute Australia logo
Donate

No results yet

Search

Research

Characterising the Phenotypic Diversity of Antigen-Specific Memory B Cells Before and After Vaccination

The diversity of B cell subsets and their contribution to vaccine-induced immunity in humans are not well elucidated but hold important implications for rational vaccine design. Prior studies demonstrate that B cell subsets distinguished by immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype expression exhibit divergent activation-induced fates. Here, the antigen-specific B cell response to tetanus toxoid (TTd) booster vaccination was examined in healthy adults, using a dual-TTd tetramer staining flow cytometry protocol.

Research

Beneficial effects of inorganic nitrate in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic representation of the metabolic disorders. Inorganic nitrate/nitrite can be converted to nitric oxide, regulate glucose metabolism, lower lipid levels, and reduce inflammation, thus raising the hypothesis that inorganic nitrate/nitrite could be beneficial for improving NAFLD.

Research

Exploring quality of life in individuals with a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene. It is now considered to be a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy because of the early onset of seizures in association with severe global delay. Other features include cortical visual impairment, sleep and gastro-intestinal problems. Progress in clinical understanding, especially regarding the spectrum of functional ability, seizure patterns, and other comorbidities was initially slow but accelerated in 2012 with the establishment of the International CDKL5 Database (ICDD). Our aim was to use this data source to investigate quality of life (QOL) and associated factors in this disorder.

Research

Pathways of Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Peer Bullying in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review

Growing up in socioeconomic disadvantage increases risk of peer bullying at school. Both socioeconomic status and involvement in bullying are predictive of a range of adverse developmental outcomes. However, neither (a) the mechanisms whereby disadvantage increases bullying risk nor (b) the developmental outcomes for which bullying may mediate disadvantage are clear. 

Research

Invasive fungal disease and antifungal prophylaxis in children with acute leukaemia: a multicentre retrospective Australian cohort study

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a common and important complication in children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We describe the epidemiology of IFD in a large multicentre cohort of children with AML.

Research

Early moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal diet impact offspring DNA methylation across species

Alcohol consumption in pregnancy can affect genome regulation in the developing offspring but results have been contradictory. We employed a physiologically relevant murine model of short-term moderate prenatal alcohol exposure resembling common patterns of alcohol consumption in pregnancy in humans. 

Research

Cancer Cell Biology Research in an Indigenous Childhood Cancer Context

In Australia, cancer medicine is increasingly guided by our expanding knowledge of cancer genomics (the study of genetic information) and biology. Personalized treatments and targets are often defined by an individual’s genetic profile—known as precision cancer medicine. The translation of genomics-guided precision therapeutics from bench to bedside is beginning to produce real clinical benefits for Australians living with cancer. 

Research

Using Focussed Ethnography to Observe and Understand the Actions and Interactions of People With Prader-Willi Syndrome When They Exercise at a Community Gym: A Protocol

Exercise for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is important for their health and wellbeing and can provide opportunities for community participation. However, they may find it difficult to participate in some contexts, such as community gyms because social and environmental barriers in these settings may compound difficulties caused by physical impairments or intellectual disability.

Research

Preoperative preparation of children with upper respiratory tract infection: a focussed narrative review

This review summarises the current evidence for the perioperative preparation in children with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), including COVID-19 infection. URTI, including COVID-19 infection, are common and frequent in children who present for elective surgery. Children with URTI are at increased risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events.

Research

Relationships between social determinants of health and healthy body composition among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Next Generation: Youth Well-being study

Pete Azzopardi PhD, FRACP, MEpi, MBBS, GDipBiostats, BMedSci Head, Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Head, Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Professor