Universal HBV screening in China is cost-effective, the earlier the better

A/Prof Lei Zhang is senior author on a paper modelling early
diagnostic screening for HBV infection in China

China has one of the largest disease burdens of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections worldwide, accounting for one-third of the world's infected population. If uncontrolled, chronic HBV infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

However, estimated only 19% of chronic HBV-infected people are diagnosed in China, versus the 90% target set by the WHO for HBV elimination by 2030. A universal HBV screening program may improve diagnostic rates and aid China in reaching the WHO 2030 target. 

MRFF funding for psychedelic psychotherapy in treatment-resistant depression

Psilocybin is a naturally derived psychedelic that can

potentially assist people with treatment-resistant depression.
Image: ACS

The Medical Research Future Fund Clinical Trials Activity Initiative has awarded $2.7M for Innovative Therapies for Mental Illness to a Monash University-led team, to evaluate the efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in treatment-resistant depression.   

Welcome to our new senior recruits Rebecca Disler, Yet Khor and Joe Kong

L-R: A/Prof Rebecca Disler, A/Prof Yet Khor, Dr Joe Kong

Welcome to Associate Professors Rebecca Disler, Yet Khor (both of Respiratory Research@Alfred) and Dr Joe Kong (Department of Surgery) for whom we ran welcome notes late last year, and who have officially started with Central Clinical School in January 2022. See detail about our new recruits at:

• Associate Professor Rebecca Disler (CCS news story, Monash Pure profile)
  
• Associate Professor Yet Khor (CCS news story, Monash Pure profile)
  
• Dr Joe Kong (CCS news story, Monash Pure profile)