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Research
Cord-blood respiratory syncytial virus antibodies and respiratory health in first 5 years of lifeTo determine the potential longer-term effects of maternal antenatal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, we examined the association between cord-blood RSV-neutralizing antibodies (RSV-NA) and RSV infections in the first 2 years of life, RSV-NA at 3 years, and respiratory health to age 5 years.
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Cystic fibrosis clinical isolates of aspergillus fumigatus induce similar muco-inflammatory responses in primary airway epithelial cellsAspergillus is increasingly associated with lung inflammation and mucus plugging in early cystic fibrosis disease during which conidia burden is low and strains appear to be highly diverse. It is unknown whether clinical Aspergillus strains vary in their capacity to induce epithelial inflammation and mucus production.
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Kindy Moves: a protocol for establishing the feasibility of an activity-based intervention on goal attainment and motor capacity delivered within an interdisciplinary framework for preschool aged children with cerebral palsyPreschool aged children with cerebral palsy (CP) and like conditions are at risk of performing below their peers in key skill areas of school readiness. Kindy Moves was developed to support school readiness in preschool aged children with CP and like conditions that are dependent on physical assistance and equipment throughout the day. The primary aims are to determine the feasibility of motor-based interventions that are functional and goal directed, adequately dosed and embedded into a play environment with interdisciplinary support to optimise goal-driven outcomes.
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The development of aboriginal brain injury coordinator positions: A culturally secure rehabilitation service initiative as part of a clinical trialBrain injury, resulting from stroke and traumatic brain injury, is a common occurrence in Australia, with Aboriginal people affected at a significant rate and impact felt by individuals, families and communities. Access to brain injury rehabilitation services for Aboriginal people is reported to be often limited, with very little support outside the hospital environment.
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Characterising the Phenotypic Diversity of Antigen-Specific Memory B Cells Before and After VaccinationThe 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.
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Beneficial effects of inorganic nitrate in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseNon-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.
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Meningococcal serotype W septic arthritis: Case series in childrenThe epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease has changed over the last decade and there has been an increase in cases caused by serogroup W135, particularly in Indigenous children. Extra‐meningeal and atypical presentations are associated with serogroup W and may delay diagnosis and therefore appropriate treatment. Public and clinician awareness are essential in facilitating effective new vaccine schedule implementation.
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The effect of functioning on Quality of Life Inventory-Disability measured quality of life is not mediated or moderated by parental psychological distressThe measurement of quality of life (QOL) in children with intellectual disability often relies upon proxy report via caregivers. The current study investigated whether caregiver psychological distress mediates or moderates the effects of impairment on their ratings of QOL in children with intellectual disability.
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Zika Virus Changes Methylation of Genes Involved in Immune Response and Neural Development in Brazilian Babies Born With Congenital MicrocephalyThe recent increase in babies born with brain and eye malformations in Brazil is associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in utero. ZIKV alters host DNA methylation in vitro. Using genome-wide DNA methylation profiling we compared 18 babies born with congenital ZIKV microcephaly with 20 controls. We found ZIKV-associated alteration of host methylation patterns, notably at RABGAP1L which is important in brain development, at viral host immunity genes MX1 and ISG15, and in an epigenetic module containing the causal microcephaly gene MCPH1. Our data support the hypothesis that clinical signs of congenital ZIKV are associated with changes in DNA methylation.
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Impact of covid-19 restrictions on western Australian children’s physical activity and screen timePhysical activity is essential for children’s healthy development, yet COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions such as school closures and staying at home, playground closures, and the cancelling of organised community sport have dramatically altered children’s opportunities to be physically active. This study describes changes in levels of physical activity and screen time from February 2020 (i.e., before COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in Western Australia) to May 2020 (i.e., when COVID-19 restrictions were in place). Parents of children aged 5 to 9 years from Western Australia were eligible to participate and recruited through convenience sampling.