Participants sought: reducing cardiovascular risk for men

Volunteers wanted - overweight males 18-50 years

We are conducting an intervention study to see how the type of foods eaten during the night can reduce cardiovascular risk in overweight men.

It will involve you consuming a meal during the night and then having your blood fats measured for 6 hours after the meal. This process will then be replicated on a separate night and day with a ‘healthy’ meal. You will also have your body composition, alertness, blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and insulin measured.

You will be required to attend the newly opened Monash Be Active, Sleep and Eat (BASE) facility in Notting Hill on two separate days.

Information will be provided to you about all the measures listed above.

Payment of $100 per assessment session will be provided for data collected at the BASE facility and reimbursement will be provided for all travel and parking expenses. A $100 completion bonus will also be provided on the final day of the study.

For further information please contact

Elleni Kaias

Email: elleni.kaias@monash.edu

This study has been approved by Monash University’s Ethics Committee (CF15/337 - 2015000164.)

Participants sought: childhood experiences and the relationship to mental state

We are currently seeking participants for a study conducted at Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) about types of childhood experiences associated with current mental state.

You may be suitable for this study if you are:

•    Female or male aged over 18 years
•    Experience symptoms of intense mood fluctuations, difficulty controlling anger, impulsivity, self-harming behaviours, OR have a current diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD)

Part 1 of this study involves completing a brief questionnaire about childhood experiences and current mental state. Part two is optional and  involves an 8-week medication trial of a new medication to improve mental state.

We would love to hear from you if you are interested or have further questions.

Contact:
Lucinda Miller
lucy.miller@monash.edu
(03) 9076 5031
www.maprc.org.au/

This project is being conducted by the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre

This project has approval from Alfred Ethics Committee, Project Number: 204/14

Participants sought: investigating empathic traits of university students and health professionals

We are seeking individuals aged between 18 and 50 years of age, who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree at a Victorian campus of Monash University, or are registered clinicians working in a health related field (e.g: medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, etc.)

The study involves completing a series of anonymous online questionnaires relating to empathy for pain, symptoms of anxiety and depression, altruism, clinician empathy, burnout, and beliefs regarding patient-centeredness.

The questionnaire can be completed at the discretion of individual participants. Completing the online questionnaires should take between 15 and 35 minutes. Participants will be offered the chance to enter a prize draw to win one of five JB Hi-Fi gift vouchers valued at $50AU each, if you provide your contact details at the end of the survey.

To begin the survey, go to: http://bit.ly/1We8UXQ

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the study, please contact:

Mr. Lincoln Tracy at lincoln.tracy@monash.edu; or
Mr. Yi-En Quek at yque2@student.monash.edu

This study has approval from the Monash University Human Ethics Committee (Project Number CF15/3035-2015001278).

Participants sought: investigating novel biomarkers for assessing alertness

Participants needed for a study investigating novel biomarkers for assessing alertness

Seeking healthy male and female participants fluent in English and aged 20-65, for a study investigating novel systems and biomarkers for assessing alertness

Eligible participants will have:

• No current medical, psychiatric or sleep conditions,
• Will be non-smokers,
• Will not be using any type of hormonal contraception (females only), and
• Will not have been engaged in shift work for the past 3 years

The study involves:

• Screening for medical, psychiatric and sleep disorders
• Three weeks of sleep and activity monitoring at home
• A six day overnight stay at the Monash University B.A.S.E sleep laboratory. This will include neurobehavioral testing, biological sample collection and a period of up to 48 hours of wakefulness.
• A follow-up week of sleep and activity monitoring at home.

Participants will be reimbursed up to $2,300 for their time and travel

Email:  base.alert@monash.edu

Human Ethics Approval No: CF14/2790 -2014001546

Volunteers wanted for intervention study: the effect of night-time eating on diabetes risk

Seeking healthy male volunteers aged 18-50 years.

Researchers are conducting an intervention study to see how the foods eaten during the day and night can affect diabetes risk in healthy men.

It will involve you undertaking two different studies where researchers compare your responses to both :

a) an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) which tests for diabetes risk

b) a low glycaemic index meal. You will have to complete each test twice – once in the morning time and once in the evening time.

To accurately assess changes in glucose and insulin researchers will need to take a number of blood samples up to three hours after you have eaten the test meals. You will also have your body composition measured.

You will be required to attend the newly opened Monash Be Active, Sleep and Eat (BASE) facility in Notting Hill on four occasions.

You will also need to attend a screening session where researchers will examine your blood glucose levels for eligibility.

Reimbursement will be provided for some travel expenses.

For further information please contact Gloria Leung:
Phone: (03) 99024277
Email: gkleu1@student.monash.edu

This study has been approved by Monash University’s Ethics Committee (Project Number CF15/1301 – 2015000620)

Do you know someone who has been clinically diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment interested in a non-drug study?

Participants sought: Would someone you know who has been  clinically diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (pre-dementia) be interested in a non-drug study?

This study aims to investigate the effects of mindfulness on the health outcomes of persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

What does study participation involve?

Three data collection sessions (cognitive assessment, questionnaires & interviews) preferably accompanied by his/ her familiar support person.

Venue: Monash University campus (Caulfield, Clayton or Notting Hill) or public venue convenient for him/ her.

Three data collection time frames:

(i) Before intervention (30 minutes), (ii) After intervention (1 hour) and (iii) 1-year follow-up (1 hour).

Intervention: Eight 1.5-hour weekly customised group Mindfulness Training program facilitated by renowned mindfulness experts, Drs. Craig Hassed/ Richard Chambers at Aberfeldie Baptist Church or Monash University Notting Hill campus. His/ her familiar support person is encouraged to attend with him/ her.

Who can participate?

• Clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 
• Must be able to give informed consent to participate by signing the Consent Form; and 
• At least 60 years old.
• Encouraged to be accompanied by a familiar support person who can be his/ her family member, guardian or a person authorised by law, is at least 18 years old with no English language difficulties, can confirm his/ her capacity for informed consent, and can provide information about his/ her functional abilities and demographic, health and lifestyle details.

* Some severe conditions, medications and activities prevent participation.

How can I get more information?

If you are/ he or she is interested to find out more about this study or have any questions about this study, please contact Ping Wong.

Tel: (03) 9902 4937 

Email: ping.wong@monash.edu.

This study has been approved by the Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/14/MH/324) and Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (CF15/2533 – 2015001024).

Participants needed for dietary trial in Ulcerative Colitis

Study details
Do you have well-controlled Ulcerative Colitis?

Want to be involved in the latest dietary research to improve current therapies for Ulcerative Colitis?

We are investigating the physiological effects of ingesting a short-term, high fibre diet vs low fibre diet in the large bowel using a wireless, ingestible device.

You may be suitable to take part if you are:

• Aged 18 – 75 year
• Have ulcerative colitis but are currently in remission
• Are on stable medications for > 3 months
• Do not have any other gastrointestinal disease (Crohns disease or have had gastrointestinal surgery)
• Are not currently taking any antibiotics

To participate or find out more information please contact Ms CK Yao

Phone: +61 3 9903 0270
Email: chu.yao@monash.edu

Ethics approval 

Ethics committee project number: 121/14

All information is kept strictly confidential.

Participants sought: investigating the effects of oxytocin on a variety of pain related experiences

Seeking individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain as a result of a whiplash injury aged 18-60

This study aims to investigate the effects of oxytocin on a variety of pain related experiences.

Who can take part?

• You are an individual with chronic musculoskeletal pain as the result of an injury that has lasted for at least 12 months 
• You do not have a current or past medical condition that affects the way you perceive pain (e.g., diabetes, depression or anxiety) 
• You have no known allergies 
• You are not colour blind 
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding 
• You are an English speaker 

What is involved?

This study will be conducted at Monash University, Clayton campus, and consists of two sessions held two weeks apart. Each session takes no more than 3 hours. The study involves five tasks; one which examines how the perceived intensity of painful stimuli differs across body sites, one which examines your physical functional ability, one which examines your responses to an experimental pain induction model, one which records variances in heart and respiration rate, and one which examines changes in physiological arousal to the fear of pain.

Will I be reimbursed?

Participants will be reimbursed $60 (per session) in return for their time, and to cover out-of-pocket travel expenses. Single day parking permits will also be provided to participants for travel to the Clayton campus of Monash University for the two testing sessions.

Who is running the project?

This study is being conducted within the School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University. If you are interested in participating, or would like to learn more about the study, please contact lincoln.tracy@monash.edu

Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee Approval Number CF15⁄659-2015000303

Participants sought: what role does emotion play in empathy?

What role does emotion play in empathy?

We are conducting a study that aims to investigate the role of emotional and sensory experiences in how we respond emphatically to others. We will investigate these responses in healthy individuals who experience vicarious pain compared with healthy controls.

We are looking for healthy volunteers aged between 18-55 years old.

What is involved?

One testing session of approximately 2 hours total duration.

Conducted at Monash University, Clayton Campus.

You will be asked to complete a range of baseline questionnaires relating to empathy, altruism and mood. You will also be asked to rate a range of emotion inducing film clips and complete a moral dilemma task, whilst your physiological responses are recorded (i.e. heart rate, skin conductance, respiration).

In appreciation of your participation, you will be given $20 cash.

*Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of major depression, anxiety, or neurological/psychiatric disorders, current substance dependence (including illicit drugs and alcohol involving withdrawal symptoms). Additionally you are excluded if you currently suffer from heart disease, acute (e.g., common cold) or chronic (e.g., asthma) respiratory disorders, any medications (apart from contraceptive pill) or chronic pain.

*Participants must not consume alcohol within 24 hours prior to testing and must avoid caffeine and nicotine for at least four hours before testing.

For more information or to participate, contact: Kurtis Young

School of Psychological Sciences 

Email: kayou4@student.monash.edu

Human Ethics Approval No: CF15/645-2015000295 

Participants sought: study into Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder

Seeking individuals with Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder as well as healthy volunteers aged 18-30

The study aims to investigate the effects of light on the body clock in Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder.

Who can take part?

• You are an individual with either a healthy sleep with no sleep disorders or delayed sleep phase disorder (go to sleep late and find it hard to wake up early)
• You have no history of psychiatric or neurological illness, and substance abuse disorder
• You are not taking any medications that might affect sleep (e.g., melatonin, sedatives)
• You have not undertaken shift work in the last 3 months
• You are non-smoker
• You are of Caucasian background
• You are a native English speaker
• You have not undertaken transmeridian travel in the last 3 months

What is involved?
The study involves a screening visit (up to 2 hours), a ~8 hour in-home assessment of melatonin levels (a sleep promoting hormone), in-home sleep monitoring for ~3 weeks, and an in-lab study component, which is 6 days in length. During this study, you will be sleep deprived for two periods of up to 30 hours each. You will provide saliva and urinary samples regularly and complete a range of cognitive tests.

Will I be reimbursed?
You will be compensated for completing each part of the study, with a minimum total payment of $50 and a maximum of $1750 for completion of all components of the study.

Who is running the project?
This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sean W. Cain. The School of Psychology and Psychiatry at Monash University and Monash University Sleep and Circadian Medicine Laboratory. If you are interested in participating, or require more information, please contact: Base.dspdlight@monash.edu

Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee Approval Project number: CF15/725 - 2015000331

Healthy participants wanted for sleep study

Seeking healthy male participants fluent in English and aged between 35 and 70 years for a study aimed at enhancing deep sleep. Eligible participants will have no current sleep, medical, neurological or psychiatric disorders which affect their sleep, do not currently use medications that affect their sleep, will be non-smokers and not currently using nicotine replacement therapies, will not have been engaged in shift work for the past three years, and will not have travelled across time zones in the past three months.

Data will be collected at the BASE facility in Notting Hill.

The study involves: 1) An initial screening and consent session (up to 3 hours) at the Monash University BASE facility in Notting Hill, 2) one week of pre-laboratory sleep-monitoring at home, 3) a two night stay in the Monash University Sleep and Circadian Medicine Laboratory, located at the BASE facility, 4) a second week of pre-laboratory sleep-monitoring at home, and 5) a second two night stay in the Monash University Sleep and Circadian Medicine Laboratory. During the two at-home monitoring periods, participants will wear a wrist activity monitor to record sleep and wake patterns, and complete a daily sleep diary. The laboratory visit will involve completing frequent neurocognitive test batteries, and wearing a number of devices which monitor sleep and cognitive outcomes.

Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel.

Please contact 9903 1057 (Opt. 2) for more information, or email us at base.bettersleep@monash.edu

Human Ethics Approval No.: CF15/671 - 2015000308

Participants sought: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome study

Title: Women’s perceptions of diet and physical activity in relation to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Study: The study involves participating in a focus group to discuss how women with PCOS think and feel about their diet and physical activity recommendations.

Venue: The Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation , 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with PCOS

Participation duration: 1 hour.

*Dates to be finalised.

This research will be useful in the development of lifestyle programs specifically for PCOS and help health professionals to improve delivery of lifestyle management options.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Miss Amanda Binny.

Email: atbin1@student.monash.edu 

Phone: 9594 7559

This project has been approved by the Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee

Participants sought: back pain and driving

The Allied Health Research Unit at Monash Health is seeking volunteers who have back pain and who drive for about two hours per day as a part of their job to assist in a study investigating the association between lower back pain and prolonged driving.

Who can be involved: 

To be a part of this study you need to have back pain and drive for about 2 hours per day as a part of your job. This does not need to be in one session but may be spread over the day. Unfortunately you cannot be a part of the study if you have an allergy to tape as we need to attach movement sensors to your skin.

What do you need to do:

You will be emailed questionnaires about your back pain for you to complete in your own time. We will then make a time to meet with you (at a place convenient for you) and fit the Vi Move three dimensional movement sensors (this will involve adhering four sensors smaller than a mobile phone to your lower back below the level of the waist, half way up the back and in-between these two points) (15 minutes): have measurements of your sitting posture and leg length taken (10 minutes): have measurements of your existing car seat taken including a photograph of your existing car seat (10 minutes). You then wear the Vi Move movement sensors while driving the car as a part of your job for the remainder of the day and communicate via telephone to research personnel regarding any pain you experienced whilst driving that day. 

Participants sought: auditory verbal hallucinations

Participants are sought for study on auditory verbal hallucinations in relation to mood in bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

Have you heard voices when no one else was nearby? To the person hearing the voice, it seems like someone is talking to them, but others around them do not actually hear the voice. These experiences tend to be more common amongst people with a mental illness, but also affect a proportion of people without a mental illness. 

Please find out more from the study coordinator, Dr Wei Lin Toh:
Email: wei.lin.toh@monash.edu
Phone: (03) 9076 5172
Website: www.maprc.org.au/cognitive-neuropsychiatry

Participants wanted for phantom pain research

The School of Psychological Sciences and the Department of Physiology, Monash University, in collaboration with Caulfield Hospital, are investigating the relationship between limb awareness and chronic pain.

We are seeking individuals between 18 – 65 years of age who have had a lower limb amputation on one side of the body and who experience phantom limb sensations (painful or non-painful) at least once a month. Healthy, pain-free participants are also welcome to apply. 

Participants sought for study about restless legs syndrome

Monash University Physiotherapy Department is seeking volunteers for research into a new form of exercise therapy for Restless Legs Syndrome. This new exercise therapy is called TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises)

Participants will receive free treatment and learn a home exercise routine that can also be used in bed at night when restless leg symptoms occur.

Participants sought: Optimising the use of Theta Burst TMS in Modifying Brain Activity

Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) is currently seeking volunteers aged between 18 and 65 to take part in a study looking at the effects of magnetic stimulation on brain activity.  Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a safe and non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cells in the brain. In addition to TMS, the participants will also have their brain activity assessed, using electroencephalograph (EEG). 

How does your child's sleep affect their concentration in the classroom?

We are looking for children aged 6-12 years (who are both good and bad sleepers) to take part in research investigating the effect of sleep quality on attention and academic achievement. Please contact anna.atkinson@monash.edu or call +61 9902 0467 for more information.

Seeking Healthy Male Volunteers for the INKDROP Study (IntraNasal pharmacoKinetics of DROPeridol)

Seeking Healthy Male Volunteers for the INKDROP Study (IntraNasal pharmacoKinetics of DROPeridol)
Title: A randomised three-way cross-over study comparing the pharmacokinetics of intranasal droperidol to intramuscular and intravenous droperidol in healthy volunteers

Research Study: Approved by the Monash Health HREC.

Prinipal Investigators: Professor Andis Graudins, Dr Isabelle Cooper

Participants sought: Looking for kids (7-12yo) to participate in a research study during the remaining weeks of August

We are still looking for children (aged 7-12 years) to take part in a Monash University research conducted within the School of Psychological Sciences. We are investigating walking in children of different ages and how different walking patterns relate to other more general aspects of behaviour.

Participation will involve completing some parental questionnaires and asking your child to complete some simple walking and pen and paper tasks. The session will take ~1.5 to 2 hours of your time and can be conducted after school hours, and during the weekends.