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AI succeeds in diagnosing rare diseases

Timo Lassmann BSc (Hons) MSc PhD Feilman Fellow; Head, Precision Health Research and Head, Translational Intelligence timo.lassmann@thekids.org.au

How Vaccine Mandates Emerged Without a Mandate: Testing Stream Independence in Vietnam's COVID-19 Response

This study adapts the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) to explore why COVID-19 vaccine mandates were applied at sectoral and subnational levels in Vietnam while the central government maintained that vaccination was voluntary. Document analysis reveals that these mandates arose from the effective coupling of the three streams—problem, policy, and politics—in a setting of authoritarian rule, where the streams function differently (and more uniformly) compared to democratic contexts.

Cost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy Treatments vs No Treatment for Peanut Allergy in Children

The first peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for children was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020. While clinical efficacy is established, evidence on cost-effectiveness-whether the benefits outweigh the costs and adverse effects-remains limited. A variant of OIT, known as probiotic and peanut OIT (PPOIT), has shown similar efficacy in trials.

An Old Story Back: Human Milk Antibodies' Protective Roles Against Allergy Development

Human milk is a rich source of immunomodulatory factors that influence the development of the infant immune system, including susceptibility to allergic diseases. Among these components, milk antibodies have been extensively studied for their role in protecting against infections; however, their potential contribution to allergy prevention may be equally important. The mechanisms of protection include allergen exclusion, enhanced and targeted antigen presentation, immune modulation via shaping of the infant gut microbiome, and direct regulation of gut immune responses. 

Australia’s top 10 rare disease research priorities: a priority setting partnership

The aim of this study was to identify and prioritise the ten most important unanswered themes in rare disease research in Australia by integrating perspectives of key stakeholders, including people living with rare disease, parents/carers, health professionals, and rare disease community advocates.

Alcohol Advertising at the Beach: Insights From Young People in Western Australia

Advertising and marketing by the alcohol industry serve to normalise alcohol use, with exposure to alcohol advertising linked to earlier and riskier drinking among young people. Advertising that portrays alcohol use in and around waterways is of particular concern, with one in five fatal drownings being associated with alcohol.

Commitments to Improve Food Environments in Western Australia: A Review of Local Government Public Health Plans

Food environments are significant drivers of obesity and diet-related diseases, making them key targets for interventions that support healthier food choices. The role of Local Government Authorities is pivotal in shaping community food environments. 

Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto Transplantation in South Australia: A Preliminary Evaluation of a 10-Year Experience

Hereditary pancreatitis causes severe early-onset pain and hospitalisation. In 15 Australian patients undergoing total pancreatectomy and islet auto transplantation (TPIAT), we observed a marked reduction in hospital admissions, inpatient days and emergency visits, complete analgesic cessation by 24 months and durable insulin independence in nearly half of the patients. These findings highlight TPIAT's potential to improve quality of life and reduce healthcare burden. Our programme aims to build evidence to support public funding and ensure equitable access to this procedure.

A qualitative study of genomics in cancer control for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

To describe the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and health care workers on genomics in cancer care to inform the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control (the Framework).