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Research

Which emerging autism features at 12 months of age are associated with later parent-child interaction?

Parent-child interactions (PCI) in infants with an elevated likelihood (EL) of autism start to diverge from other infants toward the end of the first year. This divergence is often attributed to emerging features of autism impacting infant social interactions in ways that become increasingly amplified. The aim was to identify which, if any, 12-month autism features were associated with later PCI qualities.

Research

From Local to Systemic: The Journey of Tick Bite Biomarkers in Australian Patients

Tick bites and tick-related diseases are on the rise. Diagnostic tests that identify well-characterised tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) possess limited capacity to address the causation of symptoms associated with poorly characterised tick-related illnesses, such as debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks (DSCATT) in Australia. Identification of local signals in tick-bitten skin that can be detected systemically in blood would have both clinical (diagnostic or prognostic) and research (mechanistic insight) utility, as a blood sample is more readily obtainable than tissue biopsies.

Research

Overnight monitoring of sleep biomechanics: A scoping review

Body position and movement during sleep is assessed for both clinical and research purposes. A diverse array of both assessment tools and classification systems are used to capture and code sleep biomechanics data.

Research

tesG expression as a potential clinical biomarker for chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary biofilm infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in the lungs affect millions of children and adults worldwide. To our knowledge, no clinically validated prognostic biomarkers for chronic pulmonary P. aeruginosa infections exist. Therefore, this study aims to identify potential prognostic markers for chronic P. aeruginosa biofilm lung infections.

Research

Breastfeeding patterns and total volume of human milk consumed influence the development of the infant oral microbiome

The oral microbiome of breastfed infants is distinct from that of formula-fed infants. However, breastfeeding characteristics, such as time spent breastfeeding (min/24 h), breastfeeding frequency (number of breastfeeds per day), and human milk intake (ml/day) vary significantly between breastfeeding dyads.

Research

The interaction of genetic and environmental contributions to immunological traits and their association with atopic disease remain unclear. Flow cytometry and in vitro cytokine responses were used to characterize immune profiles from 93 school-aged twin pairs. Using an established twin pair analytical strategy, the genetic and environmental influences on immunological traits were evaluated, along with their association with atopy. Our findings suggest strong genetic influence on several traits, particularly B cell abundance. In contrast, cytokine responses from in vitro stimulations appeared mainly shaped by environmental exposures.

Research

Caregivers' Perceptions of Clinical Symptoms, Disease Management, and Quality of Life Impact in Cases of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 Deficiency Disorder: Cross-Sectional Online Survey

Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is an ultrarare genetic condition causing developmental epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures and motor and intellectual disabilities. No disease-modifying therapies are available, and treatments focus mainly on symptom management to improve quality of life.

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BEAT-CF (Bayesian Evidence Adaptive Treatment for people with Cystic Fibrosis): description of a prospective cohort for nested studies in cystic fibrosis

Despite recent improvements in treatment modalities for cystic fibrosis (CF), there is currently limited evidence and a lack of consensus regarding optimal treatment strategies for the different aspects of CF, including pulmonary exacerbations (PEx). We aimed to establish a prospective cohort of people with CF (pwCF) to evaluate alternative approaches to managing CF in the era of modulator therapies.

Research

Circulating Soluble Factors and T-Cell Subsets as Immunological Predictors of Therapy Response in Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Human cutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania braziliensis, presents treatment challenges due to varying therapeutic responses. Current therapies often encounter limited efficacy and treatment failure, demanding a deeper understanding of immunopathogenesis and predictive markers.

Research

The perspectives of autistic adolescents and their parents on sleep strategies for insomnia

Autistic adolescents are vulnerable to sleep difficulties, with up to 80 % experiencing sleep problems, most commonly insomnia. Little is known about how autistic adolescents are involved in their own sleep treatment, and their depth of knowledge about their sleep difficulties. The aims of this study were to investigate autistic adolescent and parent perspectives of experiencing and managing insomnia, and what factors influence the development of these perspectives on insomnia and treatment.