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Research

Plasma Metabolite Profiles of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by social and communication differences, is complex and aetiologically heterogeneous. Untargeted metabolomics is emerging as a tool in screening for biochemical abnormalities. This research was conducted using the Australian Autism Biobank resource and involved analysis of plasma metabolites to characterise metabolite differences between autistic children and controls.

Research

Conservation of gene expression patterns between the amniotic and nasal epithelium at birth

Amniotic epithelial cells are fetal-derived stem cells, capable of differentiating into all three germ layers, including mature epithelial cell populations. Here, we hypothesised that the amniotic epithelium might serve as a surrogate tissue source for investigating transcriptional profiles in the respiratory epithelium of newborns.

Research

Self-Compassion in University Students With ADHD: A Qualitative Exploration

This study explored the lived experience of university students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and identified factors that help or hinder their capacity for self-compassion in higher education. Fourteen university students with ADHD aged 18–25 participated in individual semi-structured interviews exploring experiences of self-compassion in academic contexts.

Research

Evaluating placebo responses to intranasal oxytocin in autism: findings from the placebo lead-in phase of a randomised controlled trial

The placebo effect is established in clinical trials, but for paediatric research, questions remain about how to best manage its influence. Within the autism field, data on these issues is sparse. This is particularly important in the oxytocin field where placebo responses are thought to play an important role. This study reports on data from the single-blind, placebo lead-in phase of a randomised controlled trial to investigate the placebo response and its relationship to treatment response in autistic children. 

Research

The Determinants to Effective Diagnosis and Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal Children in Primary Care From the Perspective of Health Care Practitioners

To identify the barriers and facilitators for timely detection and optimal management of otitis media in Aboriginal children in a primary care setting from the perspective of Health Care Providers 

Research

Child and Family Characteristics as Predictors of the Severity of Self-injurious Behaviours in Autistic Children and Adolescents

Autistic children demonstrate an increased likelihood of self-injurious behaviours (SIB). To support autistic individuals who exhibit SIB and understand the factors that contribute to SIB, we examined several child and family characteristics associated with the severity of SIB.

Research

General Movement Optimality Score-Revised (GMOS-R) with General Population-Based Percentile Ranks

To describe writhing General Movements Assessment (GMA) classification and General Movement Optimality Score-Revised (GMOS-R) profiles in the general population; to explore relationships between GMOS-R scores and GMA classification, age of assessment and infant socio-demographic factors; and to establish the inter-rater reproducibility of writhing age GMA classification and GMOS-R.

Research

The role of Aboriginal leadership in community health programmes

There remains a glaring disparity between the health of an Australian Aboriginal child when compared with that of a non-Aboriginal Australian child. In recent years, studies have advocated for the adoption of culturally sensitive health care provision if significant improvements are to be made in the health of Australian Aboriginal children.

Research

Young children with cystic fibrosis and tracheobronchomalacia have longer and more frequent hospital admissions

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is characterised by abnormal collapsibility of the trachea and bronchi, often seen in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aims to determine the impact of TBM on hospital admissions in young children with CF.

Research

P2X7 receptor-mediated killing of an intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, by human and murine macrophages

The P2X7R is highly expressed on the macrophage cell surface, and activation of infected cells by extracellular ATP has been shown to kill intracellular bacte