Participants sought: Investigating the health benefits of dietary fibre

Leek and prawn risotto, on the menu

Healthy volunteers are required for a study investigating the optimal increase in dietary fibre to improve bowel movement and gut bacteria. This study involves volunteers consuming nutritionally balanced diets that vary only in their dietary fibre content, over an entire period of 12 weeks. All cooked food will be supplied. Participants will be asked to purchase the fresh food component of the diet. All the diets have been designed and prepared by a fully qualified and experienced professional chef.

See more: www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/clin-trials/ct-veitch.html

Photo of the week: FODMAP food and raising money for brain cancer research

The Department of Gastroenterology has an extensive testing program to ascertain FODMAP levels of various foods. The foodstuffs which have a long shelf life, e.g. spices, condiments, powders etc, once tested are now being given away and a gold coin donation is invited to raise money for the "Cure Brain Cancer Foundation". One of their colleagues, a young and beautiful woman called Amanda Banfield, died earlier this year of an aggressive brain tumour, so this is in memory of her. Without research, we will never know the causes, hence treatment, of brain cancers.
The food can be taken from Level 6, Alfred Centre. Enquiries to:  Ms Phip Settle x30526

Research highlights: brain changes in bipolar disorder; low FODMAP diet

FODMAP foods

This week's research highlights include:

• MAPrc researcher Dr Jerome Maller recently published an article which looks at volumetric, cortical thickness and white matter integrity alterations in bipolar disorder type I and II. Read more.
•  What is the long term impact of adopting a low FODMAP diet? Department of Gastroenterology research investigates the effect of dietary restriction on gut microbiota. Read more
• Beating the bloat - how dietary manipulation makes a difference. Read more

Media mentions

24/11/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, MAPrc, received a "Contribution to Community by an Individual" award in the 2014 Melbourne Awards.   Jayashri was recognised as a world leading pioneer and a passionate advocate for women’s mental health, who has delivered a range of reforms including the establishment of MAPrc; development of a world-first treatment approach for women with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression; and establishment of a national register for managing pregnant women needing antipsychotic medications. Herald Sun

Media mentions

10/11/2014 Professor Peter Gibson, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, discussed his research into FODMAPs. 

Huffington Post 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/fodmap-diet_n_6111096.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living
17/11/2014 Prof Gibson commented on the difference between Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis.  Gibson discussed the symptoms of Diverticular and explained that it is out-pouchings from the bowel.

774 ABC

Publication highlights

Lung Transplantation as Rescue Therapy
A recent study has looked at an increasing demand for lung transplantation in patients in advanced respiratory failure. Although many of these patients do not require mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, an increasing number are critically ill. The study analyses lung transplantation in subjects who were inpatients at the time of their transplant and not expected to survive to discharge. Click here to read the full study.
 
How do you treat phantom pain?
A recent study co-authored by CCS researcher Dr Carolyn Arnold found that due to the disruption to multiple neural networks in the case of a phantom pain—including sensory and motor, multiple treatment approaches are required. See more.

The Art of Thinking
The European Respiratory Journal is publishing a series of essays by Associate Professor Tom Kotsimbos (Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory medicine) over 2014. The essays feature key pieces of revolutionary European art spanning the last 500 years to spark cross-disciplinary conversations, insights and extrapolations the “Art of Thinking” between the Arts, Science and Philosophy. October's essay looks at the art of Edvard Munch and Gustav Klimt. See more.

Parkinson's and gut biota
CCS researchers conducted a study this year which looked at small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in Parkinson's disease, and a possible association with gastrointestinal symptoms and worse motor function. See more.

Perimenopausal depression is different
MAPrc researchers have published a study which found that symptoms of depression during perimenopause were found to present as subtly different to that seen during the childbearing years, with milder symptoms of depression, increased anger, reduced sleep quality, and increased fatigue that was independent of sleep quality.  See more

Media mentions

29/10/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director, MAPrc, comented on Munchausen Syndrome. Channel 7, Sydney

3/11/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, says the role of oestrogen in the development of mood disorders needs to be considered, especially in periods of vulnerability such as post-childbirth and menopause.

Medical Observer

Media mentions

20/10 2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, MAPrc, says the most crucial thing we need to do is fund more mental health research. 

Herald Sun 

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/our-mental-health-system-is-failing-people-living-on-the-edge/story-fni0ffsx-1227095346786

23/10/2014 Professor Kulkarni commented on domestic violence against migrant women.  She said that women from Asia and Africa seem to fare the worst, and that in Victoria the figures are high for migrant women from these continents.

SBS Ethnic Radio

21/10/2014 Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor Steven Ellen, MAPrc, commented on KPIs for life.  He mentioned why KPIs are important, how to pick a KPI to measure one's life, the possible life KPIs.  The said that the last person one would want to fool is oneself.

Lifehacker

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2014/10/how-to-set-kpis-for-your-life/

The Conversation
http://theconversation.com/kpis-for-your-life-33078
 

21/10/2014 Department of Gastroenterology's Low Fodmap diet app was mentioned as a guide for people with IBS.

The Listener

Media mentions

14/10/2014 PhD student Marina Iacovou, Department of Gastroenterology, is recruiting breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers with babies under eight weeks that have colic and those without it to test a diet therapy: Research study.

Herald Sun, Brisbane Courier-Mail, Adelaide Now and three other online publications.

14/10/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, is launching a “tool kit” on family violence for doctors. Herald Sun
19/102014 Our mental health system is failing people on the edge. Herald Sun

19/10/2014 3AW interview with Dr Sally Cockburn aka "Dr Feelgood"

14/10/2014 Emeritus Professor Hatem Salem, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, on a new study has revealed many Australians are unaware of the dangers of blood clots. 2CC Canberra, 936 ABC Hobart, ABC Southern Queensland and five other media outlets. 

http://www.9news.com.au/health/2014/10/13/00/08/clots-as-bad-as-heart-disease-experts

Media mentions

Image: Financial Review

06/10/2014 Bill Gates had met with two Monash students:  Jarrel Seah (CCS BMedSc(Hons) student) and Jennifer Tang (Pictured right) who developed an app that allows users to self-screen for anaemia by taking a ‘selfie’ of their eye.  Gates said that he could see a future version of Eyenaemia being used in developing countries, especially with pregnant women, since anaemia contributes to nearly 20 percent of deaths during pregnancy.

Dynamic Business and Sunraysia Daily

Media mentions

08/09/2014 Professor Peter Gibson, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology is said to be 'sceptical' of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity.  He is said to believe that Fodmaps (carbohydrates found in food containing gluten), may be to blame and that the industry has taken advantage of the gluten-free craze.  He said that people who go gluten-free put themselves at risk of nutritional inadequacy.
SBS TV

08/09/2014 Ms Dussy Kuttner, Communications Assistant (CCS & SPHPM), describes how sexual harrassment and binge drinking take place at Monash University orientation week camps run by Monash clubs and societies, and many girls have reported that the bullying and harrassment have subsequently affected their psychological wellbeing. The activities are not regulated by Monash University. 3AW, syndicated to regional radio stations.

09/09/2014 Dr Jane Muir, Department of Gastroenterology, will speak at the inaugural Foods for Specific Populations Conference on 17 September.
Australian Food News
http://ausfoodnews.com.au/2014/09/08/dna-technology-changing-dietary-therapy-one-of-the-hot-topics-at-the-upcoming-foods-for-specific-populations-conference.html
 
10/09/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director, MAPrc, discusses violent words, not just deeds, leaving a lasting mark on our kids.  She said that Family violence includes physical, sexual, mental, neglect or negligent forms of assaults.
The Conversation
http://theconversation.com/violent-words-not-just-deeds-leave-a-lasting-mark-on-our-kids-31374 

Media mentions

03/09/2014 Professor Peter Gibson, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, commented on people with gluten free diets, who don't have gluten intolerances.   He said that when people go gluten-free, they also buy fresh food, cook at home, and generally eat healthier.  People feel better just because they're looking after themselves. Prevention Australia
04/09/2014  Gibson: it is unlikely that 5-10% of the community has non-Coeliac gluten sensitivity. SBS Two

05/09/2014 Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Ellen, MAPrc, discussed, "How well do you know your own feelings?".  He mentioned that the quest to improve our understanding of our emotional state adds colour and meaning to our existence.
The Conversation
http://theconversation.com/how-well-do-you-know-your-own-feelings-31309

Videos: HIV Public Lecture; Prebiotic diet recipe playlist

Video link for 2014 HIV public lecture

HIV public lecture

Professor Jennifer Hoy has 30 years' experience in HIV clinical research and patient care, particularly on the effect of HIV and its treatment with antiretroviral therapy on different body systems which contribute to the increased likelihood of chronic illness such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Prof Hoy gave a public lecture on the transformation in the lives of people with HIV, how her current research is changing the way doctors help people with HIV, and outlining the challenges ahead. The lecture was an independent affiliated event with the international AIDS 2014 conference hosted in Melbourne 20-24 July.

Read more »

Prebiotic diet video playlist

ABC Catalyst broadcast a special two part program called 'Gut Reaction', Thursday 14 and 21 August 2014. Part 2 broadcast this evening (21 Aug) features a young, fit, active and apparently healthy man, Gideon Cordover, who trials a prebiotic fibre-rich diet designed by dietitian and nutrition researcher Dr Jane Muir and prepared by Masters student Trish Veitch, from the Monash Department of Gastroenterology. Gideon has been eating an unhealthy diet predominantly of fast food. His metabolic markers changed substantially for the better on the 4 week diet. See some of the recipes featured in our youtube prebiotic recipe playlist.

Media mentions

18/08/2014 Professor Sharon Lewin, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, commented on new research into HIV.  Sharon mentioned that although the research was done in mice, it was a significant step in HIV cure research.

The Conversation

 http://theconversation.com/shock-and-kill-approach-cures-mice-of-hiv-in-world-first-30528

20/08/2014 Associate Professor Edwina Wright, Department of Infectious Diseases, commented on an Australian study into the PrEP pill, a highly effective preventative pill for HIV.
Triple J





20/08/2014 Department of Gastroenterology's FODMAP diet and app research was mentioned.  The low-FODMAP diet has been mentioned as something to be "looked into", by people who suffer symptoms, but whose blood test for celiac is "negative" and Endoscopy, colonoscopy is "normal"
Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zlata/fodmap-diet_b_5691994.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living&ir=Healthy+Living

21/08/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director, MAPrc, commented on new family violence rules that have been proposed in Victoria, which could allow for domestic violence victims to 'name and shame' offenders.  Jayashri said that there are privacy issues around being able to name offenders but they aim to bring perpetrators to account.

Radio Adelaide

21/08/2014 Professor Peter Gibson, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, and Dr Jane Muir, Head of Translational Nutrition, Department of Gastroenterology's research into healthy diets for gut health was discussed.

Food Australia

21/08/2014, 22/08/2014 MAPrc's work, supported by De Castella Run for Mental Health 2014, mentioned.  Marathon runner Robert de Castella mentioned that the fun run, started in 1981, is one of the longest fun runs in Victoria and that the money raised will support the work that is done by MAPrc.  The fun run is to be held on Sunday 31 August.
ABC Radio

Photo of the week: Prebiotic food

Vegetables high in prebiotic fibre

The Department of Gastroenterology is undertaking research into the impact of increasing what's called 'prebiotic' fibre in your diet. Prebiotics are fibre compounds that provide a substrate for  beneficial bacteria that colonize the large bowel, and thereby stimulate the growth and activity of these bacteria, which may benefit not only digestion and absorption of minerals, but also immune system function. ABC Catalyst are doing a special two part program called 'Gut reaction', being broadcast Thursday 14 and 21 August 2014. See more:

• http://www.med.monash.edu.au/cecs/gastro/prebiotic/
• Photo gallery of prebiotic foods and dishes
• CCS Monash's Google+ page for more photo albums

Research highlights: B cell control, 'brain fog' in coeliacs and conserving donor hearts for transplant

B cell control in the immune system: review article

B cell control mechanisms

Department of Immunology researchers have published an article reviewing the control of B cells by a group of proteins called TNF superfamily proteins. These proteins trigger necessary signals that activate or regulate the various protective functions of B cells in the immune system, and they are important to understand because B cell pathologies including some cancers or autoimmunity can occur when these functions are disrupted.

Media mentions

30/06/2014 Professor Peter Gibson, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology commented on coeliac disease.  He mentioned that Non-coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) is psychological and that it has "never been a contention we have supported."  ABC Radio, Saturday Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times.

Media mentions

23/06/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director, MAPrc, discussed the link between hormones and mental health.

The Conversation

http://theconversation.com/theres-no-rushing-womens-syndrome-but-hormones-affect-mental-health-28136

25/06/2014 27/06/2014 Professor Peter Gibson, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, commented on gluten free diets.  He said that people are adopting a gluten free diet without needing to. Gibson mentioned it as an epidemic across the US, Europe NZ and Australia.

Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, 3AW, The Courier-Mail and two other online publications.
Radio National Canberra and syndicated to 8 regional radio stations

Prof Gibson "will take the newest trend of gluten-free foods head on, exploring whether increasing demand driven by consumers, pseudoscience or science" on the 47th AIFST Annual Convention. Food Australia

26/06/2014 Prof Gibson said that about 1-2 per cent of the adult population has coeliac disease, but about 10 per cent are avoiding gluten.

ABC South East NSW, 774 ABC Melbourne, ABC South West WA, Channel 7, Channel 10, and 17 other publications.

  25/06/2014 Dr Jane Muir, Head of Translational Nutrition, Department of Gastroenterology: "will separate fact from fiction in the emerging story of gut health" on the 47th AIFST Annual Convention.

Food Australia

26/06/2014, 27/06/204 Professor Sharon Lewin, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, is quoted in reference to her study on advancements in HIV treatment and prevention.  She said that there was still no cure or vaccine for HIV.

News Medical, The Age, Canberra Times

ABC Radio Australia

26/06/2014 Professor Paul Fitzgerald, MAPrc, commented about people living with mental illness like bipolar and their use of social media.

3AW Melbourne
27/06/2014 Prof Fitzgerald commented on the recently launched special app for Facebook users to predict mental health relapses.  He said that users would receive a message when their use has changed

612 ABC Brisbane and syndicated to 74 regional radio stations.

Media mentions

16/06/2014 Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Director, MAPrc, commented on a seven year study of women who take anti psychotic medication during pregnancy.   She said that this new research confirms that most babies are born healthy, but many experience neonatal problems such as respiratory distress.

Parenthub

http://www.parenthub.com.au/news/pregnancy-news/antipsychotic-medication-pregnancy-affect-babies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=antipsychotic-medication-pregnancy-affect-babies
18/06/2014 Prof Kulkarni commented on how on some people  are being very obsessed with sport to the point they put the rest of their lives on hold, and also talks about the lack of coverage of women's sport.

Channel 10 Melbourne

19/06/2014 Professor Robyn O'Hehir, Head, Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory medicine, on their published case study about how the use of 'natural' skincream containing goat's milk sensitised a woman with atopic eczema, so much so, that eating a small quantity of goat's cheese caused an anaphylactic allergic reaction. For those of us with eczema - avoid skincream products with food ingredients (goat and cow milk, coconut milk and oil, nut and oat oil)!
Hobart Mercury, Herald Sun, Courier Mail, www.medianet.com.au

20/06/2014 Dr Jane Muir, Head of Transitional Nutrition, Department of Gastroenterology, and Professor Peter Gibson will be available for interview this week at the 47th Annual Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Convention on the following topics:

• Separating fact from fiction – Dr. Jane Muir from Monash University will debunk the myths surrounding the emerging story of gut health.

• The gluten-free boom – Professor Peter Gibson will take on the newest trend of gluten-free foods head on, exploring whether increasing demand is driven by consumers, pseudoscience or science.

Medianet

http://medianet.com.au/releases/release-details?id=804450

 

Participants sought: Infant 'Colic' and maternal nutrition study

Image: Wikipedia

Volunteers with babies less than 8 weeks old are required for an infant ‘Colic’ study being conducted by the Department of Gastroenterology, Monash University. The study involves mothers consuming a well-balanced nutritious diet for 20 days (all food will be provided), keeping a food diary and a record of infant crying, fussing, sleeping, awake times for a total of 27 days, and providing 5 breast milk samples and 5 baby stool samples. All information is kept strictly confidential. If you have a ‘colicky’ baby less than 8 weeks of age and want to find out more information about this study, please contact Marina Iacovou on ph +61 3 99030392 or email marina.iacovou@monash.edu. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Monash Health and Human Research Ethics Committee.