Around the Precinct – 13 May 2021

This week, our researchers provide updated data on COVID-19, it’s long-term effects and impact on new parents; we gain a fascinating insight into brain injury rehabilitation; complete a study on a Strep A vaccine; look at a common Winter danger and celebrate a patient’s efforts to support research into brain cancer. Welcome to this week at the Alfred Research Alliance.

ALFRED HEALTH 

On the road to a cure for brain tumours

“When you have a brain tumour it never ends well. No one can predict how soon it might grow back. You’re dealt the hand your given, then you have to play it the best you can,” says Anthony, who recently underwent an awake brain surgery called a craniotomy, followed by 10-11 months of chemotherapy. Now, he’s doing a 4000km bike ride to help raise funds for brain cancer research at The Alfred. Read his story…

Hot water bottle dangers reach boiling point

When Marie’s 20-year-old son started screaming one night recently, she raced in to find him in agony after a hot water bottle had burst, spilling boiling water across his lap, stomach and abdomen resulting in second and third degree burns. Alfred Health burns surgeon, Dane Holden, says it’s a horror situation that plays out each winter – but a few safety precautions can avoid the danger. Read more…

MONASH CENTRAL CLINICAL SCHOOL

Jury’s in on acquired brain injury rehabilitation

The idea of a jury – 12 impartial men and women hearing evidence, just like in a courtroom – isn’t absolutely new to medical research, but it is unusual. Prof Natasha Lannin and colleagues recently convened a ‘citizens’ jury’ study for Monash on acquired brain injury rehabilitation…and their fresh take on everything from access, to public awareness, to funding, are fascinating. Read more…

MONASH SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH & PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

Long-term COVID-19 symptoms

Preliminary findings from a Monash SPHPM study has found that patients recovering from severe COVID-19 are more likely to have ongoing issues. Trial leader Prof Carol Hodgson says preliminary trials found 70 per cent of intensive care patients still experience mild symptoms including shortness of breath and weakness, with a small number having a persistent cough, headache, or loss of taste and smell. Read more…

NUCLEUS NETWORK

Nucleus Network conducts Phase 1 study of Strep A vaccine

Nucleus Network recently conducted a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate vaccine candidates for Strep A infections. Strep A is a common and potentially deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin conditions. A vaccine may help protect those most at risk, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, Indigenous Australians as well as other people with chronic health conditions. Read more…

BURNET INSTITUTE

Know-C19 Hub releases updates on epidemiology, trends, vaccines & variants

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly across the world, Burnet’s Know-C19 Hub has compiled the most pressing global epidemiology, trends and snapshots as well as vital data on vaccines and variants. The latest data can be found in Volumes 1 and 2 of Burnet’s April 2021 Global Update – Volume 1 can be downloaded here and Volume 2 here. Read more…

How new mothers in Australia navigated their transition to parenthood during COVID-19

New mothers can usually rely on a ‘whole village’ of support – but the pandemic changed all that. Now, a world-first study by researchers including Burnet’s Dr Alyce Wilson describes what it was like to become a mother in Australia during the first wave of COVID-19 in 2020, seeking to discover the impact of COVID-related changes on these women’s health and wellbeing. Read more…