Brain wave signatures enable faster diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis

L-R: Drs Mastura Monif, Nabil Seery and Robb Wesselingh

by Dr Loretta Piccenna

Researchers from the Neuroimmunology, Neurology, Neuroinflammation Laboratory led by Dr Mastura Monif in the Department of Neuroscience have identified electroclinical biomarkers that differentiate one particular type of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), known as N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody-associated encephalitis (anti-NMDAR) from other subtypes of AE. 

AE is a brain inflammation disorder caused by antibodies. A person’s immune system mistakenly targets different proteins in their brain causing damage and inflammation. This can result in different neurological symptoms including seizures and memory problems. AE can be classified into different subtypes based on the brain protein targeted by the antibodies produced. 

New anti-inflammatory approach may damage kidneys, Monash scientists find

L-R: First co-authors Drs Jay Jha and Jakob Østergaard,
lead author Professor Karin Jandeleit-Dahm, CCS Diabetes

by Anne Crawford

A study by Monash University Department of Diabetes researchers suggests that a new anti-inflammatory drug approach developed to counter inflammation and heart disease may be harmful to kidneys.

Dec 2021 - 13 Feb 2022 Central Clinical School recent publications

Fasting high blood sugar levels indicate a higher risk of
adverse outcomes from COVID-19 infection: Study

Recent publications featuring research as notified by PubMed during December 2021 - 13 February 2022 from Central Clinical School affiliated researchers in the following departments. The below is not a comprehensive list, there are too many!

 The most recent validated publications for the school and departments can be seen on their publications pages, linked to from the headings below. Otherwise, read down the entry for recent notifications.

CCS researchers win MS Australia grant for multiple sclerosis research

L-R: CCS's Associate Professor Anneke van der Walt, Dr Yi Chao Foong, 

Dr Daniel Merlo, Dr Steven Petratos,  and BDI's Dr Hugh Reid

MS Australia will make an intensive bid to urgently find ways to repair nerve fibres and their protective covering (myelin), which are damaged in people with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The bid will launch this year thanks to $6.9 million in new research grants announced 15 February (see their research snapshot and detail of all grants).

This is the largest research investment in MS Australia’s 50-year history, taking the total amount provided for local investigator-led scientific projects in MS to $54 million since the organisation began in 1972.

Monash University researchers received a total of $754,000 in MS Australia’s 2022 round of funding. They included four Central Clinical School (CCS) researchers and one Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) researcher. Congratulations to CCS's Associate Professor Anneke van der Walt, Dr Yi Chao Foong, Dr Daniel Merlo, Dr Steven Petratos,  and BDI's Dr Hugh Reid!

Sugarcane fibre helps IBS patients on a low FODMAP diet

Dr Dan So is lead author on a paper which is
the first to test sugar-cane fibres for IBS patients
on a low FODMAP diet. Link

A low FODMAP diet is used to manage symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) but does not typically improve bowel habits. Specific types of fibre can improve bowel habits, but their tolerability in IBS and the suitability of coadministration with a low FODMAP diet is unknown.

Dr Daniel So recently completed his PhD in the Central Clinical School's Department of Gastroenterology, and now works with Atmo Biosciences in addition to being an affiliate research dietitian in the department. His PhD explored how specific types of dietary fibre could be used to provide clinical value in patients with IBS. 

Dr So is lead author on this paper, the first to evaluate the benefit that a novel fibre, sugarcane bagasse, could offer to patients with IBS, as an adjunct to a low FODMAP diet.

Independent expert voices to oversee pandemic response

A/Prof Joe Doyle

Congratulations to Associate Professor Joseph Doyle, who has been appointed to a newly formed Independent Pandemic Management Advisory Committee (IPMAC), for his expertise in infectious diseases and public health. A/Prof Doyle has joint appointments with Burnet Institute, Alfred Health and Monash University.

The IPMAC – formally established by the Victorian Minister for Health, Martin Foley and announced 15 Feb – will include members with knowledge and experience in fields such as public health, infectious diseases, primary care, emergency services, critical care, business, law and human rights.

Forthcoming: ABC TV 22 Feb 2022 Catalyst featuring our Dr Gemma Sharp on body image issues

ABC Catalyst will be airing an episode on Tuesday 22 February, 8.30pm, "Forever Young? The Rise Of Injectables". It will feature Central Clinical School's Dr Gemma Sharp (pictured being interviewed by a journalist on Zoom for the episode) talking about body image concerns.

Australians spend over a billion dollars on injectable treatments annually and clients seeking tweakments are getting younger. The Catalyst episode explores the psychology behind this trend and the consequences of pursuing youth and perfection.