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Adiposity associated DNA methylation signatures in adolescents are related to leptin and perinatal factors

Epigenetics links perinatal influences with later obesity. We identifed differentially methylated CpG (dmCpG) loci measured at 17 years associated with concurrent adiposity measures and examined whether these were associated with hsCRP, adipokines, and early life environmental factors. Genome-wide DNA methylation from 1192 Raine Study participants at 17 years, identified 29 dmCpGs associated with body mass index, 10 with waist circumference and 9 with subcutaneous fat thickness.

Performance of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants with community-ascertained infants showing early signs of autism

We investigated whether a commonly used research assessment - the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) - accurately measures autism behaviours among infants showing early signs of autism identified within the community. The AOSI is often included in studies tracking the development of infants at increased likelihood of autism, such as the infant siblings of diagnosed children. However, the suitability of this measure has not previously been tested with community-referred infants.

Improving Influenza Vaccination in Children With Comorbidities: A Systematic Review

Children with medical comorbidities are at greater risk for severe influenza and poorer clinical outcomes. Despite recommendations and funding, influenza vaccine coverage remains inadequate in these children. We aimed to systematically review literature assessing interventions targeting influenza vaccine coverage in children with comorbidities and assess the impact on influenza vaccine coverage.

The mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein is essential for initiation of mtDNA replication

We report a role for the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein (mtSSB) in regulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication initiation in mammalian mitochondria. Transcription from the light-strand promoter (LSP) is required both for gene expression and for generating the RNA primers needed for initiation of mtDNA synthesis.

Fecal sample collection methods and time of day impact microbiome composition and short chain fatty acid concentrations

Associations between the human gut microbiome and health outcomes continues to be of great interest, although fecal sample collection methods which impact microbiome studies are sometimes neglected. Here, we expand on previous work in sample optimization, to promote high quality microbiome data. To compare fecal sample collection methods, amplicons from the bacterial 16S rRNA gene (V4) and fungal (ITS2) region, as well as short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were determined in fecal material over three timepoints.

The immortal legacy of Jette Ford

The Institute farewelled one of its most treasured employees this year, as The Kids Cancer Centre research officer Jette Ford closed the door on a quietly stellar 37-year career which has helped to change the face of cancer research in WA and around the world.

Precision health accelerator takes some of the guesswork out of research

Running any research project is a feat of logistical gymnastics – and often, you don’t know what can go wrong until it happens.

Putting malaria on the map

A global network of researchers led by Kerry M Stokes Chair of Child Health, Professor Pete Gething, is working to help support informed decision-making for malaria control at international, regional and national scales.

WA health experts say junk food and sugary drink sponsorships have no place in sport

WA’s peak public health and medical experts have united in their call to end the sponsorship of sport by junk food companies.

Sibling’s likelihood of autism diagnosis impacted by age gap, study finds

The Curtin University research in collaboration with The Kids Research Institute Australia, published in Autism Research, investigated more than 925,000 births in Denmark, Finland and Sweden.