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Research

Down syndrome-associated leukaemias: current evidence and challenges

Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk of developing haematological malignancies, in particular acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The microenvironment established by abnormal haematopoiesis driven by trisomy 21 is compounded by additional genetic and epigenetic changes that can drive leukaemogenesis in patients with DS.

Research

Cases of trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 among historic and prehistoric individuals discovered from ancient DNA

Aneuploidies, and in particular, trisomies represent the most common genetic aberrations observed in human genetics today. To explore the presence of trisomies in historic and prehistoric populations we screen nearly 10,000 ancient human individuals for the presence of three copies of any of the target autosomes. We find clear genetic evidence for six cases of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and one case of trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), and all cases are present in infant or perinatal burials.

Research

Towards a harmonized bronchopulmonary dysplasia definition: a study protocol for an international Delphi procedure

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common complication of preterm birth with lifelong consequences. Multiple BPD definitions are currently used in daily practice. Uniformity in defining BPD is important for clinical care, research and benchmarking. The aim of this Delphi procedure is to determine what clinicians and researchers consider the key features for defining BPD.

Research

Evaluation Tools Developed for Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a complex neurodevelopmental X-linked disorder associated with severe functional impairments and multiple comorbidities. There is wide variation in the clinical presentation, and because of its unique characteristics, several evaluation tools of clinical severity, behavior, and functional motor abilities have been proposed specifically for it.

Research

Parents’ Disclosure of Their Child’s Health and Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Metasynthesis

Parents of children with physical/mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions often need to make disclosure decisions for their child. Disclosure can bring benefits (e.g., support) but can also risk harm (e.g., stigma). This systematic review aimed to consolidate research regarding parents' disclosure experiences to better understand how to support parents during this process.

Research

Stepwise GATA1 and SMC3 mutations alter megakaryocyte differentiation in a Down syndrome leukemia model

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia of Down syndrome (DS-AMKL) is a model of clonal evolution from a preleukemic transient myeloproliferative disorder requiring both a trisomy 21 (T21) and a GATA1s mutation to a leukemia driven by additional driver mutations.

Research

A qualitative exploration of motivations and barriers for community leisure organisations’ engagement with the Jooay™ mobile app

Participation in leisure activities is key to the physical and mental health of children and adolescents with disabilities. The Jooay™ mobile app aims to link children and adolescents with disability to participation opportunities in their community.

Research

Building the Future Therapies for Down Syndrome: The Third International Conference of the T21 Research Society

Research focused on Down syndrome has increased in the last several years to advance understanding of the consequences of trisomy 21 (T21) on molecular and cellular processes and, ultimately, on individuals with Down syndrome. The Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) is the premier scientific organization for researchers and clinicians studying Down syndrome.

News & Events

Participation key to quality of life for kids with disability

The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers have called for a greater focus on creating opportunities for children with disability to participate in the community, after finding a clear link between participation and better quality of life.

News & Events

The Kids researchers honoured at Public Health Association Awards

Two The Kids researchers working to improve the health & wellbeing of Aboriginal children & their families have both been honoured at the PHAA Awards.