Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived models for autism spectrum disorder drug discovery.

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) with genetic and environmental origins. Currently, there are no effective pharmacological treatments targeting core ASD features. This leads to unmet medical needs of individuals with ASD and requires relevant human disease models recapitulating genetic and clinical heterogeneity to better understand underlying mechanisms and identify potential pharmacological therapies.

Young Australian drinkers' awareness, perceptions and behaviours towards low alcohol beverage products.

Young Australian drinkers (aged 18-24 years) are more likely to consume alcohol at risky levels than any other age group. The increased availability and diversity of low alcohol beverages (LAB)s available to Australian consumers presents an opportunity for young drinkers to moderate their drinking behaviours. To explore young risky drinkers' awareness, perceptions and behaviours towards LAB products.

Racial disparities in length of hospitalization and systemic medication utilization in patients with psoriasis.

The growing evidence of chronic inflammation and sequelae caused by psoriasis indicates the need for systemic treatment, including biologics and conventional treatments like methotrexate. However, unconscious racial bias may lead to discrepancies in systemic medication prescription. Racial identity is also suspected to affect comorbidity and hospitalization rates in patients with psoriasis.

Evaluation of dermatologic diagnostic ability on skin of colour in preclinical medical students.

Background: Various studies have revealed that there is a disproportionately low representation of skin of colour (SOC) in medical school dermatologic curriculum and board study resources.

Methods: First-year and second-year medical students were emailed an 18-question survey regarding (1) identifying correct diagnoses of dermatologic conditions on either White skin or SOC and (2) their confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on SOC.

Results: 15% of the images of dermatologic conditions included in the institutional preclinical curriculum show images of patients with SOC.