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Longitudinal Evaluation of the Stability of Hand Function in Rett SyndromeWe investigated the longitudinal stability of hand function in Rett syndrome and to analyze further the relationships between stability of hand function and genotype, age, and walking ability. Study design: Longitudinal video data of functional abilities of individuals with genetically confirmed Rett syndrome were collected by families of individuals registered with the Australian Rett Syndrome Database.
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Parent Carer Quality of Life and Night-Time Attendance in Non-Ambulant Youth with Neuromuscular DisordersTo describe and explore carer quality of life and night-time attendance to their child in parents of non-ambulant youth with Neuromuscular Disorders. A cross-sectional population-based, comprehensive survey including the Adult Carer questionnaire, measures of social context and youths' physical status. Associations between carer-QoL or frequency of parents' night-time attendance with independent variables were explored using linear and logistic regression models, respectively.
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PCV10 elicits Protein D IgG responses in Papua New Guinean children but has no impact on NTHi carriage in the first two years of lifeNasopharyngeal colonisation with nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is associated with development of infections including pneumonia and otitis media. The 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) uses NTHi Protein D (PD) as a carrier. Papua New Guinean children have exceptionally early and dense NTHi carriage, and high rates of NTHi-associated disease.
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Using directed-content analysis to identify a framework for understanding quality of life in adults with Rett syndromeRett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females and is caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Recent research identified the domains of quality of life (QOL) important for children with RTT but there has been no investigation of domains important for adults. This qualitative study explored QOL in adults with RTT and compared domains with those previously identified for children.
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Risk of Hospitalizations Following Gastrostomy in Children with Intellectual DisabilityGastrostomy was associated with health benefits including reduced all-cause and epilepsy hospitalizations, but was not protective against acute LRTI
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Prevalence of Motor Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Analysis of a Population-Based CohortIn this population-based cohort that included 2,084 children with autism aged ≤6 years, over one-third met the criteria for motor difficulties
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Feasibility and Effectiveness of an Individualized 12-Week "Uptime" Participation (U-PART) Intervention in Girls and Women With Rett SyndromeThe U-PART intervention was found to be feasible and effective in the short term in girls and women with Rett Syndrome

Research
A process and impact evaluation of use of a Powered Wheelchair Standing Device by boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophyGraham Jenny Peter Hall Downs Jacoby BAppSci PhD CRFS FANZSRS FThorSoc FERS BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD BA (Hons) MSc Honorary Research Associate Head,
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Establishing a national platform for the provision of evidence based practice in Prader-Willi syndromeHelen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763