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Research
High risk of early sub-therapeutic penicillin concentrations after intramuscular benzathine penicillin G injections in Ethiopian children and adults with rheumatic heart diseaseIntramuscular benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections are a cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis to prevent acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Uncertainties regarding inter-ethnic and preparation variability, and target exposure profiles of BPG injection are key knowledge gaps for RHD control.
Research
Understanding valvular heart disease in the dental settingLimited evidence is available regarding dentists' knowledge and interpretation of infective endocarditis (IE) prophylaxis guidelines. The aim of this study was to determine understanding and management of rheumatic and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease (VHD) in the dental setting in Western Australia (WA).

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Partnering with communities to reduce rheumatic heart disease in the KimberleyThe Kimberley has the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Western Australia – but through the establishment of a new community-led, research-backed project known as END RHD Communities, there’s hope this will change.

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New national guideline set to tackle skin infectionsWhen health organisations in the north-west of WA requested urgent action to address the region’s high rate of skin infections, Dr Asha Bowen answered the call.

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Annual CRE Investigators' Meeting draws researchers from around the worldBetween 3rd - 5th May 2018, researchers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States (representing their Uganda collaboration) convened in Fremantle, Western Australia to attend the Strep A Spectrum Meetings: from Science to Strategy.

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Margie's story: Parent to a child with ARFWhen Liana complained of a sore foot and showed signs of a fever, her mum Margie rushed her to hospital. An X-ray of her foot revealed no obvious injury, so she was sent home and advised to take painkillers.
Research
Hearing loss in Australian First Nations children at 6-monthly assessments from age 12 to 36 months: Secondary outcomes from randomised controlled trials of novel pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedulesIn Australian remote communities, First Nations children with otitis media (OM)-related hearing loss are disproportionately at risk of developmental delay and poor school performance, compared to those with normal hearing. Our objective was to compare OM-related hearing loss in children randomised to one of 2 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) formulations.
Research
Study protocol for controlled human infection for penicillin G against Streptococcus pyogenes: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial to determine the minimum concentration required to prevent experimental pharyngitis (the CHIPS trial)Regular intramuscular benzathine penicillin G injections have been the cornerstone of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) secondary prophylaxis since the 1950s. As the pharmacological correlate of protection remains unknown, it is difficult to recommend changes to this established regimen. Determining the minimum effective penicillin exposure required to prevent Streptococcus pyogenes infection will accelerate development of new long-acting penicillins for RHD prevention as well as inform opportunities to improve existing regimens. The CHIPS trial will address this knowledge gap by directly testing protection afforded by different steady state plasma concentrations of penicillin in an established model of experimental human S. pyogenes pharyngitis.
Research
Qualitative assessment of healthy volunteer experience receiving subcutaneous infusions of high-dose benzathine penicillin G (SCIP) provides insights into design of late phase clinical studiesSecondary prophylaxis to prevent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) progression, in the form of four-weekly intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin G (BPG) injections, has remained unchanged since 1955. Qualitative investigations into patient preference have highlighted the need for long-acting penicillins to be delivered less frequently, ideally with reduced pain.
Research
Evaluating the role of asymptomatic throat carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes in impetigo transmission in remote Aboriginal communities in Northern Territory, Australia: a retrospective genomic analysisStreptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS), infections contribute to a high burden of disease in Aboriginal Australians, causing skin infections and immune sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease. Controlling skin infections in these populations has proven difficult, with transmission dynamics being poorly understood. We aimed to identify the relative contributions of impetigo and asymptomatic throat carriage to GAS transmission.

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Safe use of mobile phones with T1DThe advancement of technology to assist the daily routine of diabetes is extremely helpful. However, it is important to create clear boundaries in the use of technology. Our social work team have some great tips to set up healthy routines.


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Researcher Spotlight - David BloomDavid Bloom is a Professor of Economics and Demography at Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Global Health and Population and a Principal Investigator for our JDRF Global Centre of Excellence

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Research buddies make a differenceWhat is a research buddy and how you can be involved?

Consumer Representative Lauren Hope-Blyth

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What the national Consumer Involvement Committee have been working onThe Centre’s Community Involvement Framework is underpinned by the principles of being inclusive, working together, learning and development, two-way communication, evaluation and impact and strong governance structure.

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Congratulations 2024 Seed Funding Recipients!The Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre; a JDRF Global Centre of Excellence announces $60,000 in new round of seed grants for researchers dedicated to type 1 diabetes. Three researchers from across Australia have received up to $20,000 to advance their research projects in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

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Student ScholarshipsThe Centre aims to improve the lives of young people living with diabetes by encouraging new and innovative research, researchers and translation

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Research Newsletter ComingThe Rio Tinto Children's Diabetes Centre will soon launch a newsletter dedicated to informing the community, our global researchers and our