At the precinct this week, we’ve been celebrating anniversaries and appointments and have found out more about the safe application and positive benefits of some commonly-used drugs, and provided support to people experiencing family violence. Our researchers helped create a proper definition of menstrual health, contributed to the ongoing discussions around concussion in sport and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, and are working to improve heart failure survival in regional Australia. Welcome to this week at the Alfred Research Alliance.
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
Better heart failure guidelines and care for regional Australians
Australians will benefit from improved heart failure specialist care in regional communities, thanks to a recently-announced $1.2M+ NHMRC funded research project led by Prof Andrea Driscoll from Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation’s Quality and Patient Safety Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery. The five-year “I-HEART: Implementation of Heart Failure Guidelines in Regional Australia” aims to improve heart failure survival and recovery in regional Australia. Read more…
ALFRED HEALTH
Family violence presentations increase
The Alfred has seen a concerning increase in the number of people presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with injuries and mental health crises related to family violence, mirroring similar increases reported by local police. ED social worker Anna Ellis says “Everyone has the right to live safely and free from violence. The whole emergency department team is on board and takes responsibility for helping people get the support they need.” Read more & find support options…
MONASH CENTRAL CLINICAL SCHOOL
Large clinical trial shows dexamethasone treatment safe in surgery
The NHMRC funded Perioperative Administration of Dexamethasone and Infection Trial (PADDI), led by Prof Tomás Corcoran, has definitively found the use of dexamethasone, a drug commonly used during anaesthesia before surgery to prevent commonly-experienced nausea and vomiting, does not increase the risk of a surgical wound infection as once feared, clearing the way for safe use in patients even with conditions like diabetes. Read more…
Drug treatment benefit for pregnant women with multiple sclerosis
A recent study led by Dr Vilija Jokubaitis from the Monash CCS Department of Neuroscience has highlighted the benefit for pregnant women with MS who continue with a disease modifying treatment, natalizumab (Tysabri) during and after pregnancy. Using data from the international MSBase registry, it identified a decrease in relapse rates by up to 89 per cent compared with an increased rate of relapse for those who discontinued therapy. Read more…
Athletes returning to play too soon after concussion, study finds
New research into brain changes post-concussion indicates that the brain remains injured and potentially vulnerable after more than two weeks – raising concerns that new AFL concussion guidelines may be still allowing athletes to return to play before the brain has fully recovered. Led by A/Profs David Wright, Richelle Mychasiuk and Sandy Shultz, from the Monash Dept of Neuroscience, highlights the need for testing to ensure players only return to the field when fit to do so. Read more…
BAKER HEART AND DIABETES INSTITUTE
Baker Institute kicks off Diamond Anniversary celebrating 95 years
On 10 May 2021, the Baker Institute will recognise and celebrate 95 years of operation. Its establishment in 1926 was the culmination of sustained effort by many people including pathologist, John Mackeddie and his friend, pharmacist and philanthropist, Thomas Baker. The institute, originally named after Baker and his wife Alice (pictured) and Eleanor Shaw, is today a world leader in medical research. Read more…
BURNET INSTITUTE
New definition urges action on menstrual health for all
A collaboration of experts, including Burnet Institute’s Dr Julie Hennegan, has developed a definition of menstrual health to provide clarity, a common language, and unity in support of menstrual needs globally. It fills a significant gap in research, policy and practice across a broad range of disciplines including women’s health, human rights, gender studies, education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and sexual and reproductive health. Read more…
Congratulations to Prof Heidi Drummer on New Appointment
Program Director, Disease Elimination and virologist, Prof Heidi Drummer has joined the Burnet Diagnostics Initiative (BDI) as Scientific Director and will also lead its Global Health Diagnostics Development laboratory (GHDDL) team. The appointment further strengthens the aim of the BDI to focus and build capacity for Burnet’s engagement in the Point-of-Care In Vitro Diagnostics industry and facilitate enhanced translation of existing and new technologies into practical health solutions. Read more…
COVID-19 Global Update from Burnet’s ‘Know-C19 Hub’
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 in Volume 1 of its April 2021 Global Update. This Global Update provides an excellent summation of the latest COVID-19 data and news – with sources cited – from all corners of the globe. Read more…