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Targeting interventions to improve influenza control: a proof of principle geomapping studyChristopher Kefyalew Hannah Blyth Alene Moore MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP FRCPA PhD BSc, MPH, PhD OAM BSc (Hons) GradDipClinEpi PhD Centre Head, Wesfarmers
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Decades-old work picked up by Google’s DeepMind leads to global scientific breakthroughA researcher's work from 20 years ago has helped to crack one of biology’s biggest mysteries.
Research
Novel coenzyme Q6 genetic variant increases susceptibility to pneumococcal diseaseAcute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) remains a major worldwide cause of childhood mortality, compelling innovation in prevention and treatment. Children in Papua New Guinea (PNG) experience profound morbidity from ALRI caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. As a result of evolutionary divergence, the human PNG population exhibits profound genetic variation and diversity. To address unmet health needs of children in PNG, we tested whether genetic variants increased ALRI morbidity.
Research
Murine bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells undergo molecular changes after a single passage in cultureThe rarity of the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population poses a significant challenge for MSC research. Therefore, these cells are often expanded in vitro, prior to use. However, long-term culture has been shown to alter primary MSC properties.
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Epigenetics of the non-coding RNA nc886 across blood, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in offspring exposed to diabetes in pregnancyDiabetes in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of long-term metabolic disease in the offspring, potentially mediated by in utero epigenetic variation. Previously, we identified multiple differentially methylated single CpG sites in offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus, but whether stretches of differentially methylated regions can also be identified in adolescent GDM offspring is unknown.
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The 8th International RASopathies Symposium: Expanding research and care practice through global collaboration and advocacyGermline pathogenic variants in the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway are the molecular cause of RASopathies, a group of clinically overlapping genetic syndromes. RASopathies constitute a wide clinical spectrum characterized by distinct facial features, short stature, predisposition to cancer, and variable anomalies in nearly all the major body systems.
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Sophisticated new modelling suggests keeping mask mandate could prevent 147,000 COVID-19 casesWA’s current Omicron COVID-19 outbreak could jump by 147,000 cases if mask mandates are abandoned before the Easter long weekend, according to sophisticated new modelling.
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Multi-omic profiling reveals an RNA processing rheostat that predisposes to prostate cancerProstate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. GWAS have identified variants associated with prostate cancer susceptibility; however, mechanistic and functional validation of these mutations is lacking.
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COVID-19 risks explained for babies, children and pregnant womenMany parents may be feeling anxious and confused about what COVID-19 means for pregnant women, babies and children.
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Funding boost for digital health programThe Kids Research Institute Australia is pleased to share in $490,000 in State Government funding designed to provide vital support to WA’s innovation sector in the wake of COVID-19.
Research
Epidemiology of Viral Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Western Australia: A Retrospective Study From 2016 to 2021 Including the COVID-19 PandemicViral infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in viral epidemiology in Western Australia. The impact on patients in neonatal intensive care is uncertain.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Sources of Information and Side Effects Reported by Pregnant Women in Western Australia: Cross-Sectional Cohort SurveyPregnant women are a priority group for COVID-19 vaccination due to their vulnerability as a high-risk cohort. However, the currentCOVID-19 vaccine uptake rate for COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Western Australia remains largely unknown.
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Individual variation in vaccine immune response can produce bimodal distributions of protectionThe ability for vaccines to protect against infectious diseases varies among individuals, but computational models employed to inform policy typically do not account for this variation. Here we examine this issue: we implement a model of vaccine efficacy developed in the context of SARS-CoV-2 in order to evaluate the general implications of modelling correlates of protection on the individual level.
Research
COVID-19 vaccine coverage targets to inform reopening plans in a low incidence settingSince the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 through to mid-2021, much of the Australian population lived in a COVID-19-free environment. This followed the broadly successful implementation of a strong suppression strategy, including international border closures. With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in early 2021, the national government sought to transition from a state of minimal incidence and strong suppression activities to one of high vaccine coverage and reduced restrictions but with still-manageable transmission.