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

Participants sought: Research studies on depression, smoking cessation

Predicting optimized treatment in depression
The purpose of this study is to investigate patient response versus non patient response (i.e “controls” – defined as participants who do not suffer from depression and are not on medication) to antidepressant medications. A combination of brain measures (physical and mental) and body functions will be analysed to determine patient response to antidepressant medications using genetic, psychological and physiological measures. Currently, there are no accurate predictors of how patients will respond to antidepressant treatment.  See more: Link

Smoking cessation, mental health and medication
This study will examine important safety aspects (such as agitation, aggression and depression) of the drugs varenicline and bupropion compared to placebo (“dummy pills” that do not contain any medicine) and nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT or “the patch”) in smokers with or without a history of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. See more: Link

Participants sought for new research studies in gluten, diabetes, depression, schizophrenia

Participants sought: An adjunctive pro-cognitive treatment in schizophrenia
This study by Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) is being conducted in order to determine if two different doses of EVP-6124 improve mental function and are safe in people who have schizophrenia and are taking another medication for their illness. Contact: Mr Daniel Grice ph (03) 9076 6581 Email participate.maprc@monash.edu Website link: http://www.maprc.org.au/psychopharmacology.

 

Participants sought: Are you interested in trying a new non-medication treatment for Depression? 

The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) is seeking volunteers who are currently experiencing depression to help us investigate a new antidepressant treatment.  This study is looking at whether cognitive control training can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is also investigating whether a mild form of brain stimulation called transcranial electrical stimulation can be used to boost the impact of cognitive control training. Transcranial electrical stimulation is a safe, mild and non-invasive means of stimulating nerves cells in the brain. Link

 

Participants sought: Do you have Type 2 diabetes and sit for large portions of the day?

Scientists at the Physical Activity & Behavioural Epidemiology lab, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute recently discovered that breaking up prolonged sitting has important beneficial effects on glycaemic control in older adults. We now aim to further investigate this phenomenon in those with type 2 diabetes, who are likely to derive the greatest benefits. This research may ultimately lead to practical and feasible treatment and management strategies in those with type 2 diabetes.

Link

 

Participants sought: Investigating Ondansetron for chronic residual schizophrenia

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of the medication Ondansetron as an adjunctive or add-on therapy to existing anti-psychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia symptoms. Ondansetron is a well established medication which is approved in Australia for the treatment of drug-induced nausea and vomiting. However, various case studies and clinical studies have shown Ondansetron to also be effective in the treatment of symptoms associated with persistent schizophrenia.

Link

Participants sought: The role of wheat gluten in causing gastrointestinal symptoms and changes to mental health

Volunteers are required to investigate the role of wheat gluten in causing gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in mental health in people who do not have coeliac disease.  
We are looking for participants who have found that following a gluten-free diet has relieved their gut symptoms 

Link