Can a naturally depauperate Ephemeroptera, Plectoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) fauna track river degradation in south-western Australia?

Freshwater aquatic ecosystems are threatened globally. Biological monitoring is required to deliver rapid and replicable assessment of changes in habitat quality. The Ephemeroptera, Plectoptera, Trichoptera (EPT) index is a globally recognised rapid bioassessment that measures taxa richness of three insect orders whose larvae are considered sensitive to freshwater habitat degradation.

Birth prevalence of congenital heart defects in Western Australia, 1990-2016.

Aim: To describe the birth prevalence and characteristics of congenital heart defects in a geographically defined Australian population.

Methods: This descriptive, population-based study examined congenital heart defects in live births, stillbirths and pregnancy terminations ascertained by the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, 1990-2016. Birth prevalence (per 1000 births) was stratified by severity, known cause, maternal and birth characteristics, and primary diagnosis; and prevalence ratios were calculated for Aboriginal versus non-Aboriginal births.

Coffee and tea consumption during pregnancy and risk of childhood acute myeloid leukemia: A Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC) study.

Background: Dietary habits during pregnancy have been inconsistently linked to childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), given the putative intrauterine onset of the disease as a result of triggering events during the critical period of fetal hematopoiesis. We investigated the potential association of maternal coffee and tea consumption during pregnancy with childhood AML risk, pooling primary data from eight case-control studies participating in the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium.

Methods: Information on coffee and/or tea consumption was available for 444 cases and 1255 age- and sex-matched controls, on coffee consumption for 318 cases and 971 controls and on tea consumption for 388 cases and 932 controls.

Intellectual Disability in Children Conceived Using Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Objectives: To examine whether children conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a higher risk of intellectual disability (ID) compared with non-ART-conceived children and describe known causes of ID in these groups.

Methods: We linked ID and ART data from population-based registers in Western Australia. Our cohort included live births from 1994 to 2002 ( = 210 627) with at least 8 years of follow-up.

Maternal consumption of coffee and tea during pregnancy and risk of childhood ALL: a pooled analysis from the childhood Leukemia International Consortium.

Purpose: The early onset of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) suggests that critical exposures occurring during pregnancy may increase risk. We investigated the effects of maternal coffee and tea consumption during pregnancy on ALL risk by pooling data from eight case-control studies participating in the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium.

Method: Data on maternal coffee intake were available for 2,552 cases and 4,876 controls, and data on tea intake were available for 2,982 cases and 5,367 controls.

Blood micronutrients and DNA damage in children.

Scope: Maintenance of normal cellular phenotype depends largely on accurate DNA replication and repair. DNA damage causes gene mutations and predisposes to cancer and other chronic diseases. Growing evidence indicates that nutritional factors are associated with DNA damage in adults; here, we investigate these associations in children.

Folate pathway gene polymorphisms and risk of childhood brain tumors: results from an Australian case-control study.

Background: Recent research suggests that maternal folic acid supplementation is associated with a reduced risk of childhood brain tumors (CBT); polymorphisms in folate pathway genes could modify this association or directly influence CBT risk.

Methods: Associations between risk of CBT and folate pathway polymorphisms were investigated in a population-based case-control study in Australia (2005-2010). Cases were recruited through all Australian pediatric oncology centers and controls by national random digit dialing.

Childhood folate, B6, B12, and food group intake and the risk of childhood brain tumors: results from an Australian case-control study.

Purpose: The etiology of childhood brain tumors (CBT) is poorly understood, but dietary factors could be involved. In this case-control study of CBT, the possible associations of childhood intake of dietary and supplemental folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the risk of CBT were investigated, along with various food groups.

Methods: Cases diagnosed between 2005 and 2010 were identified from 10 pediatric oncology centers in Australia and controls by nationwide random-digit dialling.

Breastfeeding and nutrition to 2 years of age and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and childhood brain tumors (CBT) are 2 of the most common forms of childhood cancer, but little is known of their etiology. In 2 nationwide case-control studies we investigated whether breastfeeding, age of food introduction, or early diet are associated with the risk of these cancers. Cases aged 0-14 years were identified from Australian pediatric oncology units between 2003 and 2007 (ALL) and 2005 and 2010 (CBT) and population-based controls through nationwide random-digit dialing.

Vehicle refuelling, use of domestic wood heaters and the risk of childhood brain tumours: Results from an Australian case-control study.

Background: The aetiology of childhood brain tumours (CBT) is largely unknown. Damage to germ cells after parental exposure to airborne carcinogens, such as volatile organic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is one plausible pathway. This analysis aimed to investigate whether parental refuelling of vehicles or the use of domestic wood heaters in key time periods relating to the child's birth was associated with an increased risk of CBT.

Paternal dietary folate, B6 and B12 intake, and the risk of childhood brain tumors.

It is biologically plausible that a paternal preconception diet low in nutrients related to DNA integrity could affect sperm DNA and subsequently risk of cancer in the offspring. The aim of this analysis was to investigate whether paternal preconception dietary folate, B6, or B12 intake was associated with the risk of childhood brain tumors (CBT) in an Australian case-control study. Cases <15 years of age were recruited from 10 Australian pediatric oncology centers between 2005 and 2010, and controls from random-digit dialing, frequency-matched to cases on age, sex, and state of residence.

Plasma micronutrient levels and telomere length in children.

Objective: Telomeres are long hexamer (TTAGGG) repeats at the ends of chromosomes, and contribute to maintenance of chromosomal stability. Telomere shortening has been linked to cancers and other chronic diseases in adults, although evidence for causal associations is limited. The aim of this study was to determine whether nutritional factors are associated with telomere length (TL) in children.

Folate pathway gene polymorphisms, maternal folic acid use, and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background: Several studies suggest that maternal folic acid supplementation before or during pregnancy protects against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We investigated associations between ALL risk and folate pathway gene polymorphisms, and their modification by maternal folic acid supplements, in a population-based case-control study (2003-2007).

Methods: All Australian pediatric oncology centers provided cases; controls were recruited by national random digit dialing.

Paternal intake of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 before conception and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Purpose: We investigated whether paternal dietary intake of folate before conception is associated with the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a nationwide case-control study.

Methods: Data on dietary folate intake during the 6 months before the child's conception were collected from 285 case fathers and 595 control fathers using a dietary questionnaire. Nutrient intake was quantified using a customized computer software package based on Australian food composition databases.

Maternal consumption of coffee and tea during pregnancy and risk of childhood brain tumors: results from an Australian case-control study.

Purpose: The causes of childhood brain tumors (CBT) are largely unknown, but gestational diet may influence this risk. The aim of this analysis was to investigate whether maternal coffee or tea consumption during pregnancy was associated with the risk of CBT.

Methods: The Australian Study of the Causes of Childhood Brain Tumours was a population-based, Australian case-control study conducted between 2005 and 2010.

Grey matter changes associated with deficit awareness in mild cognitive impairment: a voxel-based morphometry study.

Reduced awareness of cognitive deficits in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with poorer outcomes although little is known about the anatomical correlates of this. We examined the association of insight and grey matter volume using a voxel-based morphometry approach in 65 volunteers with MCI and 55 healthy age-matched controls. Participants with MCI had multiple areas of subtle grey matter volume loss compared with controls, although these did not survive correction for multiple comparisons.

Maternal dietary intake of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 during pregnancy and risk of childhood brain tumors.

Childhood brain tumors (CBT) are the second most common childhood cancers, yet their etiology is largely unknown. We investigated whether maternal gestational intake of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 was associated with CBT risk in a nationwide case-control study conducted 2005-2010. Case children 0-14 years were recruited from all 10 Australian pediatric oncology centers.

Childhood and parental diagnostic radiological procedures and risk of childhood brain tumors.

Purpose: Childhood brain tumors (CBT) are the second most common type of childhood cancer and the leading cause of childhood cancer mortality. Few causes of CBT are known, but parental, fetal, and early life exposures are likely to be important given the early age at diagnosis of many cases. We aimed to investigate whether parents' diagnostic radiological procedures before conception, in the mother during pregnancy or the child's procedures were associated with an increased risk of CBT.

Exposure to household painting and floor treatments, and parental occupational paint exposure and risk of childhood brain tumors: results from an Australian case-control study.

Purpose: Childhood brain tumors (CBT) are the leading cause of cancer death in children, yet their etiology remains largely unknown. This study investigated whether household exposure to paints and floor treatments and parental occupational painting were associated with CBT risk in a population-based case-control study conducted between 2005 and 2010.

Methods: Cases were identified through all ten Australian pediatric oncology centers, and controls via nationwide random-digit dialing, frequency matched to cases on age, sex, and state of residence.

The FABS trial: a randomised control trial of the effects of a 6-month physical activity intervention on adherence and long-term physical activity and self-efficacy in older adults with memory complaints.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess in older adults with memory complaints, the effects of a 6-month home-based physical activity (PA) intervention on short-term adherence, short and long-term self-efficacy and the predictors of adherence.

Methods: Participants with memory complaints with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were recruited from Perth, Western Australia between May 2004 and July 2006 and randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group. The intervention group received a 6-month PA programme and recorded sessions on a diary.

Factors relating to pregnancy and birth and the risk of childhood brain tumors: results from an Australian case-control study.

Background: Childhood brain tumors (CBT) are the leading cause of cancer death in children, yet their causes are largely known. This study investigated the association between maternal and birth characteristics and risk of CBT.

Procedures: Cases families were recruited from all 10 Australian pediatric oncology centers between 2005 and 2010.

Exposure to pesticides and the risk of childhood brain tumors.

Purpose: Previous research has suggested positive associations between parental or childhood exposure to pesticides and risk of childhood brain tumors (CBT). This Australian case-control study of CBT investigated whether exposures to pesticides before pregnancy, during pregnancy and during childhood, were associated with an increased risk.

Methods: Cases were recruited from 10 pediatric oncology centers, and controls by random-digit dialing, frequency matched on age, sex, and State of residence.

Parental smoking and risk of childhood brain tumors.

Childhood brain tumors (CBT) are the leading cause of cancer death in children, yet their etiology remains largely unknown. Tobacco smoke contains 61 known carcinogens and increases the risk of several adult cancers. This study investigated associations between parental smoking and risk of CBT in a population-based case-control study conducted between 2005 and 2010.

Parental alcohol consumption and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors.

Purpose: Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy and brain tumors (CBTs) are the leading cause of cancer death in children. In our Australian case-control studies of these cancers, we investigated whether parental alcohol consumption before or during pregnancy was associated with risk.

Methods: Cases were identified through the ten Australian pediatric oncology centers, and controls were recruited through national random-digit dialling.