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Determining the true incidence of seasonal respiratory syncytial virus-confirmed hospitalizations in preterm and term infants in Western AustraliaRespiratory syncytial virus contributes to significant global infant morbidity and mortality. We applied a previously developed statistical prediction model incorporating pre-pandemic RSV testing data and hospital admission data to estimate infant RSV-hospitalizations by birth month and prematurity, focused on infants aged <1 year.
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Potential immunological effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transgender people – an unexplored area of researchThere are well-described sex-based differences in how the immune system operates. In particular, cisgender (cis) females have a more easily activated immune system; associated with an increased prevalence of autoimmune diseases and adverse events following vaccinations. Conversely, cis males have a higher threshold for immune activation, and are more prone to certain infectious diseases, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

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The Life Course CentreThe Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course
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International comparisons of behavioral and emotional problems in preschool children: Parents' reports from 24 societiesInternational comparisons were conducted of preschool children's behavioral and emotional problems as reported on the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages...
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Global research neglect of population-based approaches to smoking cessationIt has been argued that the preponderance of studies into individual smoking cessation therapies seems grossly out of proportion to the number of people...
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The epidemiology of excess mortality in people with mental illnessTo investigate the burden of excess mortality among people with mental illness in developed countries, how it is distributed, and whether it has changed over...
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Low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and risk to child behavioural development: a prospective cohort studyTo examine the association of fetal alcohol exposure during pregnancy with child and adolescent behavioural development.
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The mental health and wellbeing of adolescents on remand in AustraliaTo compare the nature & prevalence of mental health problems, prevalence of suicidal ideation & behaviour, & health-related quality of life of 13-17-year-olds..
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Anxiety disorders and cigarette smoking: Results from the Australian Survey of Mental Health and WellbeingThe aim of this study was to describe current and daily smoking rates, and smoking cessation rates in adults with anxiety disorders
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Late language emergence at 24 months: an epidemiological study of prevalence, predictors, and covariatesThe primary objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of late language emergence (LLE) and to investigate the predictive status of maternal...
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The ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course (Life Course Centre or LCC)The Life Course Centre is a national centre funded by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence Scheme and hosted through the University of Queensland with collaborating nodes at the University of Western Australia, Sydney University and University of Melbourne.
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Getting creative: Using art-based techniques to identify how arts organizations enhance young people’s well-beingMental health concerns present significant challenges for Australian youth. Arts organizations play a key role in promoting preventative mental health strate-gies through enhancing the social and emotional well-being (SEWB) of youth. However, little is known about how the arts promote SEWB and the processes and contexts through which this occurs.
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Protection against severe infant lower respiratory tract infections by immune training: Mechanistic studiesResults from recent clinical studies suggest potential efficacy of immune training (IT)-based approaches for protection against severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, but underlying mechanisms are unclear.
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Azithromycin inhibits mucin secretion, mucous metaplasia, airway inflammation, and airways hyperresponsiveness in mice exposed to house dust mite extractExcessive production, secretion, and retention of abnormal mucus is a pathological feature of many obstructive airways diseases including asthma. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that also possesses immunomodulatory and mucoregulatory activities, which may contribute to the clinical effectiveness of azithromycin in asthma.
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ORIGINS: Nutritional Profile of Children Aged One Year in a Longitudinal Birth CohortDietary intake during the first year of life is a key determinant of a child's growth and development. ORIGINS is a longitudinal birth cohort study investigating factors that contribute to a 'healthy start to life' and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.
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Invasive Fungal Disease in Immunocompromised Children: Current and Emerging TherapiesIn an era of expanding indications for iatrogenic immunosuppression, invasive fungal disease (IFD) remains a significant challenge in immunocompromised children, with case fatality rates ranging from 10 to 70%. Understanding of current recommendations and recent evidence is essential to guide optimal IFD management.

News & Events
Raine Foundation grants to support key child health researchThree outstanding young researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia have been named Raine Fellows and received valuable Raine Priming Grants to support their child health research.
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Off-target effects of bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2: implications for protection against severe COVID-19Because of its beneficial off-target effects against non-mycobacterial infectious diseases, bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination might be an accessible early intervention to boost protection against novel pathogens. Multiple epidemiological studies and randomised controlled trials are investigating the protective effect of BCG against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Phage therapy for multi-drug resistant respiratory tract infectionsThe emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria is recognised today as one of the greatest challenges to public health. As traditional antimicrobials are becoming ineffective and research into new antibiotics is diminishing, a number of alternative treatments for MDR bacteria have been receiving greater attention. Bacteriophage therapies are being revisited and present a promising opportunity to reduce the burden of bacterial infection in this post-antibiotic era.

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New funding for innovative multiple sclerosis researchWA researchers hope to gain new insights into the way immune cells in the body trigger attacks of multiple sclerosis (MS), thanks to new funding from MS Australia.