Fellowship to study medication for helping blood clotting in trauma patients

Tranexamic acid, a medi-
cation to help clotting in
trauma patients

In 2013 Professor Russell Gruen, Director of the National Trauma Research Institute, was awarded the prestigious John Mitchell Crouch Fellowship, the highest award for academic excellence from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The funds from this award will be used by Professor Gruen and his team to further their research on coagulopathy in surgery and trauma. There are two main focuses to this work. First is understanding and addressing acute traumatic coagulopathy in severely injured patients in association with the PATCH-Trauma Study of prehospital tranexamic acid that is soon to commence.

Discovering the genetic origin of craniofacial defects

Dr Seb Dworkin on his scientific ‘fishing

expedition’ with zebrafish embryos,
teasing out the genetic origin of cranio-
facial defects

One in 25 children is born with some form of prenatal defect. Three quarters of those affected have a craniofacial defect, caused by poor bone formation in the face and skull. That is, 0.1-0.3% of all babies born present with a facial defect, which can vary from almost undetectable to such problems as a cleft palate or serious disfigurement. Surgery can help facial reconstruction for some children, but it is not available, or suitable, for all.

The alternative is to prevent the defect from occurring in the first place, which means its cause must be understood. The problem stems from an error in the genetic instructions for the facial formation. However, which genes? Which sequences? What affects the genes? There are hundreds of possible causes, and without knowing exactly which genes are involved in the process of embryo formation, it will not be possible to develop preventive gene therapies.

Your active contribution to medical research is highly valued! Invitation to participate in CCS research studies

Image: Debbra Sweet

For those of you who want to contribute very directly to medical research by participating in research studies, we have now created an index page of research studies at Central Clinical School which are seeking participants. Studies are investigating a wide range of diseases, including allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and gluten intolerance, schizophrenia and depression. The studies may seek both well and unwell participants. See index page which links to detail for each study currently seeking participants: Research study index 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.

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

Ethics Committee Project Number: 110/13

 

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.

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

Scientists at the Physical Activity and Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, 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.

Who can take part in this study conducted by the Baker IDI

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
• Have found that following a gluten free diet makes them feel better
• Have had coeliac disease ruled out
• Have currently well-controlled symptoms
• Are adherent to a strict gluten-free diet