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Long term lung health in children: new emerging threats and preventive strategies

The long-term consequences of early adverse exposures are well known but is becoming clear that early means not just in pregnancy but also in at least the two preceding generations. Furthermore, there are new existential threats to long term respiratory health, some of which have been presented at the INSPiRED meeting in Bologna and are reviewed in this manuscript.

Toxicity of plastic diesel exhaust in primary human airway epithelial cell cultures

Plastic pyrolysis oil, which can be produced with similar properties as diesel fuel (plastic diesel), can be used as an alternative to mineral diesel (ULSD) to run a diesel engine. This presents a potential method for recycling waste plastic. Typically plastic diesel is blended with mineral diesel, and oxygenated fuel additives such as ethers added to improve resulting fuel properties. 

Stochastic models indicate rapid smallpox spread and mass mortality of Indigenous Australians after colonial exposure

The impact of smallpox (variola) on Aboriginal communities in Australia beginning in 1789 was catastrophic and continues to cause intergenerational trauma. Historically biased perspectives and contemporary misinformation of the disease's introduction and spread impede modern-day truth-telling and efforts towards reconciliation and national healing.

Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) Guidance for the Management of Electronic Cigarette Use (Vaping) in Adolescents and Adults

Electronic cigarette use, especially among younger members of society, has grown to concerning levels in many countries, including Australia and New Zealand. Uptake in the general population, driven by technological and pharmacological innovations, and accelerated by aggressive tobacco/vaping industry marketing, has outpaced medical research. 

Delayed airway epithelial repair is correlated with airway obstruction in young adults born very preterm

Nasal epithelial cells from young adults with a history of very preterm birth show delayed closure following scratch-wounding. Repair correlated with lung function, suggesting epithelial barrier integrity may play a role in preterm-associated lung disease.

In utero and early-life nitrate in drinking water impacts lung function of weanling rats

Consumption of nitrate in drinking water has previously been associated with a range of adverse health effects, including methemoglobinemia and potentially cancer. In animal models, it has been shown to impact respiratory structure and function, however, there is a paucity of data of the effects of in utero exposure on the respiratory health of offspring.

Considerations for Causal Inference Studies

Rachel Foong BSc (hons), PhD, MBiostat Honorary Research Associate 08 6319 1626 Rachel.Foong@thekids.org.au Senior Research Fellow Dr Foong is an

Enhancing a diverse population: the American Thoracic Society Mentoring Program for Underrepresented in Medicine

Citation: Wang KCW, Lawrence K, Wisnivesky JP, Diaz AA. Enhancing a diverse population: the American Thoracic Society Mentoring Program for

Pre-Post Intervention to Strengthen and Sustain the Paediatric ESCALATION System (The SPECS): Study Protocol

Promptly recognising changes in an acutely unwell child’s condition is fundamental to prevent tragic outcomes. Western Australian (WA) healthcare facilities used inconsistent and varied paediatric early warning systems. To improve care consistency, a standardised ESCALATION system, inclusive of family involvement and sepsis recognition, was developed.

Factors influencing participation in home, school, and community settings by 6- to 9-year-old children born preterm: a qualitative descriptive study

There is no published information on preterm children's activities and participation during middle childhood, a time when growth and development are characterised by increasing motor, reasoning, self-regulation, social and executive functioning skills. This study explored the health, activities and participation of children born very preterm during middle childhood (6-9 years) from the perspectives of their parents.