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Research

Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation in the Modulation of Human Diseases

This review focuses primarily on the beneficial effects for human health of exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Research

The Effects of Using the Sun Safe App on Sun Health Knowledge and Behaviors of Young Teenagers: Results of Pilot Intervention Studies

A balanced approach toward sun exposure and protection is needed by young people. Excessive sun exposure increases their risk for skin cancers such as melanoma, whereas some exposure is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones. We have developed a new iOS smartphone app-Sun Safe-through a co-design process, which aims to support healthy and balanced decision-making by young teenagers (aged 12-13 years).

Research

Developmental Vitamin D Deficiency in Pregnant Rats Does Not Induce Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension. Epidemiological studies have associated preeclampsia with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, such as autism and schizophrenia. Preeclampsia has also been linked with maternal vitamin D deficiency, another candidate risk factor also associated with autism.

Research

Increased levels of solar radiation are associated with reduced type-2 diabetes prevalence: A cross-sectional study of Australian postcodes

Type-2 diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability. Emerging evidence suggests that ultraviolet radiation or sun exposure may limit its development. We used freely available online datasets to evaluate the associations between solar radiation and type-2 diabetes prevalence across Australia.

Research

Clinical, research, and public health implications of poor measurement of Vitamin D status

New initiatives to develop a standard reference method and the assignment of "true" values to samples provide a solution to these problems.

Research

Vitamin D and allergic airway disease shape the murine lung microbiome in a sex-specific manner

Maintaining sufficient vitamin D is necessary for optimal lung health, and vitamin D may modulate the lung microbiome in a sex-specific fashion

Research

Sun exposure and its effects on human health: Mechanisms through which sun exposure could reduce the risk of developing obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction

The cardiometabolic protective effects of ultraviolet radiation and mechanistic pathways through which ultraviolet radiation could be beneficial.

Research

In utero and postnatal vitamin D exposure and allergy risk

This review article examines the evidence of the impact of in utero and postnatal vitamin D exposure on allergy risk in childhood

Research

Vitamin D and immunity

The active form of vitamin D has an important role in calcium metabolism and in bone mineralisation, but the evidence for other health outcomes is mixed,...

Research

Differences in control by UV radiation of inflammatory airways disease in naïve and allergen pre-sensitised mice

Exposure of skin to UV radiation (UVR) prior to allergen exposure can inhibit inflammatory airways disease in mice by reducing effector CD4+ T cells in both...

Research

The relationship between non-communicable disease risk and mental wellbeing in adolescence: a cross-sectional study utilising objective measures in Indonesia

Risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental disorders) arise in adolescence but are mostly framed as relevant to health in adulthood; little is known about the relationship between co-occurring NCD risks and mental wellbeing in young people.

Research

Financial toxicity of informal caregivers of colorectal cancer patients: A cross-sectional study

To assess the level of financial toxicity of informal caregivers of colorectal cancer patients and explore the related key influencing factors.

Research

CD4+ T cell immunity against cutaneous melanoma encompasses multifaceted MHC II-dependent responses

Whereas CD4+ T cells conventionally mediate antitumor immunity by providing help to CD8+ T cells, recent clinical studies have implied an important role for cytotoxic CD4+ T cells in cancer immunity. Using an orthotopic melanoma model, we provide a detailed account of antitumoral CD4+ T cell responses and their regulation by major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) in the skin.

Research

Towards responsive policy and actions to address non-communicable disease risks amongst adolescents in Indonesia: insights from key stakeholders

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental disorder and chronic lung conditions are the leading cause of death and disability in Indonesia. Adolescence is when risks for NCDs emerge and it is also an important life stage for intervention, yet young people are often at the margins of NCD policy and actions.

Research

Defining research priorities and needs in cancer symptoms for adults diagnosed with cancer: an Australian/New Zealand modified Delphi study

This study asked consumers (patients, carers) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to identify the most important symptoms for adults with cancer and potential treatment interventions.

Research

Bile Acids and Microbiota Interplay in Pancreatic Cancer

Evidence suggests the involvement of the microbiota, including oral, intra-tumoral and gut, in pancreatic cancer progression and response to therapy. The gut microbiota modulates the bile acid pool and is associated with maintaining host physiology. Studies have shown that the bile acid/gut microbiota axis is dysregulated in pancreatic cancer.

News & Events

Government grants to support valuable new child health research

Eight The Kids Research Institute Australia-led projects will benefit from the latest round of WA Child Research Fund (WACRF) grants, announced this week by Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson.