Kolling Institute News

Kolling researchers identifying COVID-19 impact on heart health

Technology to improve care for whiplash injuries

Neuroscience and pain researchers in the spotlight

Discovery into reality

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MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our efforts to strengthen research collaborations are already paving the way towards new partnerships. The monthly research seminars are receiving good numbers and good feedback, while further steps are being taken to establish collaborations which bring together the cross-cutting themes of our priority research areas. While everyone’s working arrangements are being impacted by the pandemic, there are many good stories to tell at the Kolling, from substantial new funding and industry partnerships, to collaborations on nationally and internationally significant projects and a broad range of innovative research. Each breakthrough and step forward in scientific knowledge is getting us closer to new diagnostic tools, informed treatments and improved health outcomes. Have a look through this newsletter and check out the impressive research underway.

We heard about the significant progress being made by these researchers, their exciting projects and tangible improvements to patient care and community health. This showcase was the first of three events to focus on the strengths and diversity of the research priority areas, and broaden awareness of activity across these disciplines. We are now looking forward to the Cardiovascular and Renal Research Showcase on October 8, and the Musculoskeletal Research Showcase early next year. Another key achievement in recent months has been the development of the new research plan. Excellent progress has been made on this strategic document with further input received from the Kolling Executive Committee, the NORTH Foundation and the joint venture partners. Following the consultation, a range of goals, timelines and measurable steps have been established. It is anticipated the research plan will be presented to the Kolling Institute Governance Committee for endorsement this month.

The pandemic has certainly shaped our experience in recent months, impacting our work, families and the delivery of healthcare. Research activity has been affected by the current COVID-19 restrictions, but I have been encouraged by the commitment to progress our important work. Researchers are making every effort to adopt a flexible approach and adapt to the current situation. Teams have found new ways to be collaborative and productive, and where possible, have shifted their focus to dry lab and online arrangements. Critical laboratory work is continuing in line with NSW Health, university and local health district requirements, and a large number of online events are being held. I would like to extend my appreciation and admiration for these efforts. One example of this was the recently staged Neuroscience and Pain Research Showcase. While we weren’t able to meet in person, more than 250 people joined the event online, which profiled the incredibly strong expertise we have across this research priority area.

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KOLLINGNEWS | SEPTEMBER 2021

Kolling researchers identifying COVID-19 impact on heart health

indications point to a concerning new trend for a group which has until now, largely escaped significant health complications from COVID-19.” Professor Bhindi said the rising number of cases demonstrates the importance of the study to help inform clinicians around the likely outcomes and best models of care for these patients. “As the largest registry of cardiac complications from COVID-19 in Australia, it will have a key role in improving health outcomes, and potentially saving lives.”

one in fifty patients experiencing heart failure, and one person in one hundred suffering clinically significant heart inflammation. “The initial results of the AUS-COVID study demonstrate that cardiac complications from COVID-19 while concerning are not as common as we initially feared they would be,” he said. “The rates of complications were reassuringly lower than those published in other countries across Europe and North America.”

The largest study of its type in Australia will investigate the impact of COVID-19 on younger patients with new trends emerging around the cardiac complications from the Delta strain of the virus. Launched last year, the AUS- COVID trial assessed more than 640 patients in 21 hospitals across Australia, recording cardiovascular complications. From this group, 125 were people were admitted to intensive care units, 70 required intubation and 92 patients died. Initial study results indicate one in twenty five patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 developed atrial fibrillation or abnormal heart rhythm, and this occurred more frequently in those over 65, in 1 in 16 patients. Abnormal heart rhythm can lead to stroke and requires prompt treatment. Kolling researcher Professor Ravinay Bhindi, and Head of the Cardiology Department at Royal North Shore Hospital, said the trial found that other concerning complications of COVID-19 such as heart failure and heart inflammation (myopericarditis) were not as common as expected, with

As the Delta strain of COVID-19 continues to spread in parts of Australia, researchers will now shift their focus towards assessing the cardiac complications of this highly-contagious strain. “We are seeing initial reports of an increase in cardiac complications, including a rise in the number of younger patients experiencing significant cardiac events, such as myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart.

Professor Ravinay Bhindi

“These preliminary

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New fellowship to strengthen commercial research opportunities Dr Cindy Shu will have a key role in building commercial capabilities Research Lab to improve therapies for osteoarthritis

“Our program expects researchers to return to their home institution so this ensures we embed high-level, industry-ready experience in the research sector,” he said. Cindy has welcomed the chance to be involved in the program. “This opportunity will help me pursue my research interest in osteoarthritis, and will ensure research translation, rather than having valuable >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16

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