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Research

PKC activation promotes maturation of cord blood T cells towards a Th1 IFN-γ propensity

A significant number of babies present transiently with low protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) levels in cord blood T cells, associated with reduced ability to transition from a neonatal Th2 to a mature Th1 cytokine bias, leading to a higher risk of developing allergic sensitisation, compared to neonates whose T cells have 'normal' PKCζ levels. However, the importance of PKCζ signalling in regulating their differentiation from a Th2 to a Th1 cytokine phenotype propensity remains undefined.

Research

Urinary Ferritin as a Noninvasive Means of Assessing Iron Status in Young Children

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency affecting young children. Serum ferritin concentration is the preferred biomarker for measuring iron status because it reflects iron stores; however, blood collection can be distressing for young children and can be logistically difficult. A noninvasive means to measure iron status would be attractive to either diagnose or screen for ID in young children.

Research

Comparison of experiences in two birth cohorts comprising young families with children under four years during the initial Covid-19 lockdown in Australia and the UK: A qualitative study

This study aims to understand the experience and impact of the initial COVID-19 lock-down in young families with children aged below 4 years. Free text questions were administered to participants in the ORIGINS (Australia) and Born in Bradford (UK) cohort studies to collect qualitative information on worries, concerns and enjoyable experiences during the pandemic.

Research

The influence of sunlight exposure and sun protecting behaviours on allergic outcomes in early childhood

The dramatic rise in allergic disease has occurred in tandem with recent environmental changes and increasing indoor lifestyle culture. While multifactorial, one consistent allergy risk factor has been reduced sunlight exposure. However, vitamin D supplementation studies have been disappointing in preventing allergy, raising possible independent effects of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

Research

Circulating Epithelial Cell Cytokines Are Associated With Early-Onset Atopic Dermatitis

Debbie Susan Palmer Prescott BSc BND PhD MBBS BMedSci PhD FRACP Head, Early Life & Life-Course Health Program; Team Lead, Nutrition in Early Life

Research

Each meal matters in the exposome: Biological and community considerations in fast-food-socioeconomic associations

As we discuss, equal weekly visits to major fast-food outlets by the affluent and deprived do not translate into biological equivalency.

Research

Bugging allergy; role of pre-, pro- and synbiotics in allergy prevention

Here, we summarize and discuss findings of randomized clinical trials that have examined the effects of these strategies on short and long-term.

Research

Validation of monoclonal anti-PKC isozyme antibodies for flow cytometry analyses in human T cell subsets and expression in cord blood T cells

We have undertaken to validating the specificity of commercially available antibodies marketed for flow cytometry to measure PKCα, βI, βII, δ, ε, η, θ, ζ, ι/λ and μ

Research

In-utero exposures and the evolving epidemiology of paediatric allergy

This paper discusses the rising prevalence of allergic disease in children. This review article considers recent findings in the field of paediatric immune...

Research

Gut microbiome and innate immune response patterns in IgE-associated eczema

Gut microbiome patterns have been associated with predisposition to eczema potentially through modulation of innate immune signalling.