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Research

Excess Deaths Associated with Rheumatic Heart Disease, Australia, 2013-2017

During 2013–2017, the mortality rate ratio for rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous versus non-Indigenous persons in Australia was 15.9, reflecting health inequity. Using excess mortality methods, we found that deaths associated with rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous Australians were probably substantially undercounted, affecting accuracy of calculations based solely on Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

Research

Sertraline for anxiety in adults with a diagnosis of autism (STRATA): study protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety in adults with an autism diagnosis. However, their effectiveness and adverse effect profile in the autistic population are not well known. This trial aims to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the SSRI sertraline in reducing symptoms of anxiety and improving quality of life in adults with a diagnosis of autism compared with placebo and to quantify any adverse effects. 

Research

Lung function changes in children exposed to mine fire smoke in infancy

Chronic, low-intensity air pollution exposure has been consistently associated with reduced lung function throughout childhood. However, there is limited research regarding the implications of acute, high-intensity air pollution exposure. We aimed to determine whether there were any associations between early life exposure to such an episode and lung growth trajectories.

Research

Neuropsychological profiles of adolescents sentenced to detention in Western Australia with and without prenatal alcohol exposure

Youth with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are under-recognised in the justice system, warranting improved identification. This study aimed to compare neuropsychological profiles of adolescents, with and without PAE and identify neuropsychological tasks predictive of PAE-group membership. It was hypothesised that participants with PAE would score significantly lower on neuropsychological tests.

Research

Malaria risk stratification in Lao PDR guides program planning in an elimination setting

Malaria in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has declined rapidly over the last two decades, from 279,903 to 3926 (99%) cases between 2001 and 2021. Elimination of human malaria is an achievable goal and limited resources need to be targeted at remaining hotspots of transmission. 

Research

An Analysis of the Gut Microbiota and Related Metabolites following PCSK9 Inhibition in Statin-Treated Patients with Elevated Levels of Lipoprotein(a)

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of global mortality, often associated with high blood levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-c). Medications like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, are used to manage LDL-c levels and reduce ASCVD risk. Recent findings connect the gut microbiota and its metabolites to ASCVD development.

Research

Socioeconomic, Demographic, and Environmental Factors May Inform Malaria Intervention Prioritization in Urban Nigeria

Urban population growth in Nigeria may exceed the availability of affordable housing and basic services, resulting in living conditions conducive to vector breeding and heterogeneous malaria transmission. Understanding the link between community-level factors and urban malaria transmission informs targeted interventions.

Research

Burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis among contacts of index cases: A protocol for a systematic review

People having close contact with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients are at increased risk of contracting and developing the disease. However, no comprehensive review has been undertaken to estimate the burden of DR-TB among contacts of DR-TB patients. Therefore, the current systematic review will quantify the prevalence and incidence of DR-TB among contacts of DR-TB patients.

Research

Thoracic electrical impedance tomography identifies heterogeneity in lungs associated with respiratory disease in cattle. A pilot study

Respiratory disease in cattle is a significant global concern, yet current diagnostic methods are limited, and there is a lack of crush-side tests for detecting active disease. To address this gap, we propose utilizing electrical impedance tomography (EIT), a non-invasive imaging technique that provides real-time visualization of lung ventilation dynamics.

Research

Mosaic Darier disease flaring following allogeneic stem cell transplant

Bernadette Ricciardo MBBS (hon) DCH FACD PhD Candidate Bernadette.Ricciardo@thekids.org.au PhD Candidate Dr Bernadette Ricciardo is a PhD student on