Health Report

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. 
A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people. 
Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.
References
Efficacy and effectiveness of melatonin for the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo and active controlled trials
Functional immune profiling reveals CD4+ T cell dysregulation in coeliac disease (Immunology and Cell Biology, 2026)
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation plus locomotor training versus sham-stimulation plus locomotor training in chronic spinal cord injury (eWALK): a multicentre, triple-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial
The little-known cause of heart attack in young women
Worsening Asthma Outcomes in Australian Adults: A Comparison of Stratified Sample Surveys in 2012 and 2021
Most Australians unaware of 'black triangle' medicine side effects reporting scheme: study
New pneumococcal vaccine for adults on the NIP
Statement from Invidior on removal of Sublocade from Australian market

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.
Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. 
There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.
And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.
References:
Statement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
Chemical regulator approves restricted use of herbicide paraquat previously linked to Parkinson's disease
Mapping patient outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitation
Childhood vaccine hesitancy, The New England Journal of Medicine
Safety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-ons
No evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertility
Concerns regarding the public health risks associated with unapproved peptide products
WA Health provides public health update following avian influenza detection in wild bird

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.
While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.
So what happens now?
Further information:
Bird flu (avian influenza) CDC
Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza
An overview of influenza H5 vaccines
Science Show: Preparing for the next pandemic
Vet chanced upon sick bird that turned out to be first H5 bird flu case

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.
While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.
So what happens now?
Further information:
Bird flu (avian influenza) CDC
Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza
An overview of influenza H5 vaccines
Science Show: Preparing for the next pandemic
Vet chanced upon sick bird that turned out to be first H5 bird flu case

A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.
Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?
The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.
And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.
References:
Neurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease
Internet Searches for Leucovorin, Folate, and Acetaminophen After a White House Autism Announcement
Assignment of benefit changes delayed
Ongoing access to Zoladex monthly implant in Australia - AstraZeneca
A review of the relationship between dimensions of alcohol consumption and the burden of disease
Pathology and Genetics in a Global Cohort of Parkinsonian Disorders
Lower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity