Depression and poor sleep are important heart disease risk factors

Disrupted circadian rhythms contribute to heart disease risk.
Image: Shutterstock

A international collaborative study led by Professor Paul Zimmet has recommended including poor sleep quality and depression in heart disease risk equations. 

Globally, heart disease is a major threat to human health. The identification of its risk is vital for its prevention. To date, the cluster of risk factors used as an index for predicting heart disease is collectively known as the 'metabolic syndrome'. They include high blood pressure, blood lipids and sugar, and also obesity.

Honours student Sahan Muthuhetti shone in 2020 on Reviver project

Dr Ben Sinclair with a Reviver participant

The Reviver is an innovative exercise assistance device which allows mobility-impaired individuals to exercise far beyond their unassisted capacity. Monash University Central Clinical School researchers are performing the world's first clinical trial of the device to assess its impact on symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, such as impaired balance and mobility.

During 2020 Dr Ben Sinclair, who runs the Reviver trial, together with Professor Meng Law, Director of the iBRAIN group, co-supervised a very talented Honours student, Mr Sahan Muthuhetti. Sahan got a high distinction for his Honours project, "Treatment of balance associated symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease using a novel rehabilitation strategy". 

15-21 Dec 2020 Central Clinical School publications

Medihoney antibacterial wound gel
sub-optimal: Study. Image: annalscts

Recent publications featuring research as notified by PubMed during 15-21 December 2020 from Central Clinical School affiliated researchers in the following departments. The below is not a comprehensive list:

• Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine
  
• Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Diabetes
  
• Infectious Diseases
  
• Medicine - Alfred & Peninsula
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Having your Low FODMAP Christmas Cake and eating it too

Check out the Monash University Low FODMAP blog for innumerable recipe ideas and research updates on the low FODMAP diet. 

Their 2020 Christmas edition is very much about having your cake and eating it too! See the Low FODMAP Christmas Cake with Brandy Custard recipe and more at their blog site, to which you can also subscribe to get the latest news items delivered to your inbox.