Reports and Findings
Research
Oscillometry: clinical significance and applicationsRespiratory oscillometry (or the forced oscillation technique) is a highly practical lung function test that can be applied in a wide range of clinical scenarios in children and adults, including the clinic, intensive care unit, patient home monitoring and emergency departments. Oscillometry measurements complement spirometry in detecting abnormal lung function, measuring effects of treatment such as inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators, and changes due to disease activity.
Research
The mitophagy receptors BNIP3 and NIX mediate tight attachment and expansion of the isolation membrane to mitochondriaBNIP3 and NIX are the main receptors for mitophagy, but their mechanisms of action remain elusive. Here, we used correlative light EM (CLEM) and electron tomography to reveal the tight attachment of isolation membranes (IMs) to mitochondrial protrusions, often connected with ER via thin tubular and/or linear structures.
Research
“Our kids are our future”: Barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake and timeliness among Aboriginal children younger than five years in Boorloo (Perth), Western AustraliaRates of several vaccine preventable diseases, and associated hospitalisation, are higher among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children than non-Indigenous children. Western Australia has among the lowest childhood vaccine coverage in Australia, particularly among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children. Delayed vaccination is also more common in this population. This project aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake and timeliness among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children aged under five years in Boorloo (Perth).
Research
Interleukin-4 modulates type I interferon to augment antitumor immunityDespite advances in immunotherapy, metastatic melanoma remains a considerable therapeutic challenge due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. Intratumoral type I interferon (IFN-I) has long been associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, several IFN-I subtypes can also paradoxically promote tumor growth in some contexts.
Research
Centralising Local Aboriginal Language and Culture in Healthy Skin Books on the See Treat Prevent (SToP) Trial in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia: A Process and Impact InquiryLanguage is significant for communicating knowledge across cultures and generations and has the power to attribute meanings and alter our worldviews. More than 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders languages were spoken in 1788. This number has diminished to approximately 110 languages spoken in 2016, of which 90% were considered endangered in 2019. Language custodians and speakers across Australia are working to preserve and ensure languages are strongly spoken into the future.
Research
The potential of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for inherited childhood lung diseasesAntisense oligonucleotides are an emerging therapeutic option to treat diseases with known genetic origin. In the age of personalised medicines, antisense oligonucleotides can sometimes be designed to target and bypass or overcome a patient's genetic mutation, in particular those lesions that compromise normal pre-mRNA processing. Antisense oligonucleotides can alter gene expression through a variety of mechanisms as determined by the chemistry and antisense oligomer design.
Research
Facilitators, barriers, and strategies for supporting shared decision-making with people with intellectual disability: A West Australian primary healthcare professional perspectiveShared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability.
Research
Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions for Autistic ChildrenAndrew Videos Whitehouse Watch and listen to Andrew PhD Deputy Director (Research); Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia; Director, CliniKids Andrew.Whitehouse@thekids.org.au Deputy Director (
Research
A systematic review of the thoughts and feelings that are associated with suicidal behaviours in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoplesAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are custodians of one of the oldest living societies; however, the continued impact of colonisation has led to profound trauma and loss which has spanned generations.
Research
Exploring Hope in Australian Justice Involved Youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderHope is well recognised as a positive protective factor for mental health, improved coping responses to adverse childhood events and better educational outcomes. Hope is composed of synergistic constituents – agency and pathway. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 53 justice-involved youths (10−17 years old) who underwent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnostic assessments with Patches in Western Australia between 2019 and 2020.