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Study protocol for Healthy Conversations @ Playgroup: a multi-site cluster randomized controlled trial of an intervention to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours in young children attending community playgroupsEarly childhood is a critical window for preventing obesity and chronic disease. Yet, 1 in 4 Australian children aged 5 years and under are affected by overweight or obesity; and significant proportions of children under 5 years fail to meet guidelines for diet quality, physical activity (PA), screen time, and sleep.
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A common genetic variant of a mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme predisposes to insulin resistanceMitochondrial energy metabolism plays an important role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Recently, a missense N437S variant was identified in the MRPP3 gene, which encodes a mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme within the RNase P complex, with predicted impact on metabolism. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce this variant into the mouse Mrpp3 gene and show that the variant causes insulin resistance on a high-fat diet.
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Sun-health behaviours and attitudes towards sun safety amongst Australian teenagers: a qualitative updateThis study aimed to explore current attitudes towards sun protection, and sun-seeking behaviour among young Australian adolescents. It was done as part of a larger project aiming to develop a digital resource to support young people in making informed sun-health decisions.
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Current understanding of the neutrophil transcriptome in health and diseaseNeutrophils are key cells of the innate immune system. It is now understood that this leukocyte population is diverse in both the basal composition and functional plasticity. Underlying this plasticity is a post-translational framework for rapidly achieving early activation states, but also a transcriptional capacity that is becoming increasingly recognized by immunologists.
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Functional differences in airway dendritic cells determine susceptibility to IgE-sensitizationRespiratory IgE-sensitization to innocuous antigens increases the risk for developing diseases such as allergic asthma.
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Regular exercise improves the well-being of parents of children with cancerMental health benefits of a pedometer-based exercise intervention for parents of children with cancer were identified.
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Accumulation mode particles and LPS exposure induce TLR-4 dependent and independent inflammatory responses in the lungWe aimed to delineate the effects of LPS and AMP on airway inflammation, and potential contribution to airway disease by measuring airway inflammatory responses
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Conditionally reprogrammed primary airway epithelial cells maintain morphology, lineage and disease specific functional characteristicsHere, we show that conditionally reprogrammed airway epithelial cells (CRAECs) can be established from both healthy and diseased phenotypes.
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Early autism symptoms in infants with tuberous sclerosis complexWe examined early signs of ASD in infants wit tuberous sclerosis complex, approximately 50% of whom will meet criteria for ASD by age 3.
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Effects of maltreatment and parental schizophrenia spectrum disorders on early childhood social-emotional functioning: a population record linkage studyWe used data from a large Australian population to determine the independent and moderating effects of maltreatment and parental SSDs on early childhood.