Reports and Findings

Research

This study aimed to characterise bacteriophages for potential therapeutic use against Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. Specifically, it sought to evaluate phage lytic activity, host range, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities, and overall safety for therapeutic use.

Research

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common paediatric malignancy and remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Five-year overall survival rates now exceed 90% with current multidrug chemotherapeutic regimens.

Research

Despite recent improvements in treatment modalities for cystic fibrosis (CF), there is currently limited evidence and a lack of consensus regarding optimal treatment strategies for the different aspects of CF, including pulmonary exacerbations (PEx). We aimed to establish a prospective cohort of people with CF (pwCF) to evaluate alternative approaches to managing CF in the era of modulator therapies.

Research

Despite high levels of global concern, little is known about the epidemiology of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) in Cambodia. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for CDI, and molecular types of C. difficile in hospitalized adults at Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 

Research

Autistic adolescents are vulnerable to sleep difficulties, with up to 80 % experiencing sleep problems, most commonly insomnia. Little is known about how autistic adolescents are involved in their own sleep treatment, and their depth of knowledge about their sleep difficulties. The aims of this study were to investigate autistic adolescent and parent perspectives of experiencing and managing insomnia, and what factors influence the development of these perspectives on insomnia and treatment. 

Research

Experiencing trauma may adversely impact a child’s education, and research in this field requires a deeper understanding about how those working in the education system, specifically pre-service teachers, can respond and support children impacted by trauma. Pre-service teachers, who are our future teachers, play a role in recognising and helping children when signs of trauma are revealed, but risk re-traumatising children if not adequately trained during their university education. 

Research

Early intervention offers the potential to mitigate adult mental illness; however, trials spanning decades present significant challenges, necessitating predictive early markers useable in trial settings. We hypothesised that parent evaluation using the child behaviour checklist (CBCL) total problem score at age two years predicted adult depressive and anxious symptoms and explored other potential parent ratings.

Research

Body position and movement during sleep is assessed for both clinical and research purposes. A diverse array of both assessment tools and classification systems are used to capture and code sleep biomechanics data.

Research

Alexander Larcombe BScEnv (Hons) PhD Honorary Research Fellow Honorary Research Fellow Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe began work at The Kids in 2005 and is now an Honorary Research Fellow. During his time at the Institute Associate Professor

Research

Given the significance of gut microbiota in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we aimed to assess the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) of studies assessing gut microbiota and effects of probiotic supplementation in children with ASD. PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Medline, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to November 2024.