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Research
Treatment with inhaled aerosolised ethanol reduces viral load and potentiates macrophage responses in an established influenza mouse modelTreatment options for viral lung infections are currently limited. We aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of inhaled ethanol in an influenza-infection mouse model.
Research
A rapid semi-quantitative screening method to assess chemicals present in heated e-liquids and e-cigarette aerosolsElectronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) lack regulatory status as therapeutic products in all jurisdictions worldwide. They are potentially unsafe consumer products, with significant evidence they pose a risk to human health. Therefore, developing rapid, economical test methods to assess the chemical composition of e-liquids in heated and unheated forms and the aerosols produced by e-cigarettes is crucial.
Research
IRF7-Associated Immunophenotypes Have Dichotomous Responses to Virus/Allergen Coexposure and OM-85-Induced ReprogrammingHigh risk for virus-induced asthma exacerbations in children is associated with an IRF7lo immunophenotype, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we applied a Systems Biology approach to an animal model comprising rat strains manifesting high versus low susceptibility to experimental asthma, induced by virus/allergen coexposure, to elucidate the mechanism(s)-of-action of the high-risk asthma immunophenotype.
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Epidemiology of Hospital Admissions for Craniosynostosis in Australia: A Population-Based StudyTo describe trends, age, and sex-specific patterns of population hospital admissions with a diagnosis of craniosynostosis (CS) in Australia. Population data for hospital separations (in-patient) from public and private hospitals (July 1996-June 2018) were obtained from the publicly available Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) National Hospital Morbidity Database.
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Previous Influenza Infection Exacerbates Allergen Specific Response and Impairs Airway Barrier Integrity in Pre-Sensitized MiceIn this study we assessed the effects of antigen exposure in mice preāsensitized with allergen following viral infection on changes in lung function, cellular responses and tight junction expression.
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The Evolving Landscape of e-Cigarettes: A Systematic Review of Recent EvidenceThis review focuses on smokers and nonsmokers and evaluates the most recent data regarding the potential health effects of e-cigarettes
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Sensitizing and Th2 Adjuvant Activity of Cysteine Protease AllergensHere, we report on a model that does not use Th2-skewing adjuvants and yet achieves sensitization solely via the nasal mucosa.
Research
In utero cigarette smoke exposure impairs somatic and lung growth in BALB/c miceThe aim of this study was to assess whether in utero tobacco smoke exposure alone affects early-life lung growth and development. Pregnant BALB/c mice...

The Respiratory Environmental Health team conducts research in early life determinants of lung growth and development, respiratory environmental health, and mechanisms of airway dysfunction in asthma and other respiratory disease.
Research
Effect of human rhinovirus infection on airway epithelium tight junction protein disassembly and transepithelial permeabilityHRV-1B infection directly alters human airway epithelial TJ expression leading to increased epithelial permeability potentially via antiviral response of IL-15