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WA Researchers have conducted an Australian-first study to determine the prevalence of microcephaly, in preparation of any future outbreak of the Zika virus.

Research

This paper presents a comprehensive cardiac safety framework for early clinical development of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) vaccines, endorsed by the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium and the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative. Given historical concerns about vaccine-associated acute rheumatic fever, we have established standardized echocardiography protocols integrated with clinical assessment for monitoring cardiac safety in early-phase vaccine trials.

Research

This study aims to describe the risk factors and trends in birth prevalence of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and gastroschisis between 1980 and 2023. This descriptive, population-based study of SOD and gastroschisis used Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies data from 1980 to 2023. Birth prevalence was calculated using Midwives Notification System data for all births after 20 weeks gestation.

Research

Cytokines of the TGF-β superfamily control essential cell fate decisions via receptor regulated SMAD (R-SMAD) transcription factors. Ligand-induced R-SMAD phosphorylation in the cytosol triggers their activation and nuclear accumulation. We determine how R-SMADs are inactivated by dephosphorylation in the cell nucleus to counteract signaling by TGF-β superfamily ligands. 

Research

Arboviruses transmitted mainly by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Ae. albopictus, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, and yellow fever virus in urban settings, pose an escalating global threat. Existing risk maps, often hampered by surveillance biases, may underestimate or misrepresent the true distribution of these diseases and do not incorporate epidemiological similarities despite shared vector species.

Research

Chronic disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. A comprehensive health assessment is available as an annual health check (HC) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the Medicare Benefits Schedule in primary health care settings. This review aims to systematically identify contextual and mechanistic factors that contribute to the success or failure of implementing effective HCs in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian primary health care (PHC).  

Research

Despite evidence suggesting regular exercise (i.e. structured, repetitive and purposeful physical activity) attenuates cardiac patients’ decline in health, our understanding of factors affecting long-term exercise participation among this patient cohort is limited. This problem is pertinent, given that less than half of cardiac patients adhere to exercise following discharge from formal exercise-based rehabilitation programmes. In this study, we explored factors influencing exercise participation after an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme. 

Research

This study aimed to provide a first-ever comprehensive epidemiology of vaping behaviours among Australian gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQA+) youth.

Research

Immunoneoadjuvant therapy has gained significant attention due to its remarkable advancements in cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunoneoadjuvant therapy through a comprehensive multiomics analysis of samples from a registered clinical trial cohort.

Research

Viral infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in viral epidemiology in Western Australia. The impact on patients in neonatal intensive care is uncertain.