ANZCTR search results

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI) is believed to represent a transition period between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease. People with a-MCI experience problems with their memory without it impacting on their daily functioning. As a-MCI represents a stage prior to irreversible neurodegeneration, it is important from a therapeutic perspective that neural changes occurring in a-MCI are determined in order to see if there remains potential for response to treatment. Neuroplasticity refers to the brains ability to re-organize its function in response to the environment. One aspect of this is known as long-term potentiation (LTP), which is imperative in learning and memory. LTP-like plasticity can be induced through brain stimulation techniques including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Application of tDCS through a gentle electrical current can increase brain activity as measured through electroencephalography (EEG) and behavioural outcomes. When transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is applied in combination with EEG, the cortical excitability of the stimulated and surrounding brain regions can be determined. This provides information about the LTP-like plasticity that is present. Together with cognitive performance, this information can help to determine the changes occurring in a-MCI compared to younger and older adults, and the relationships between plasticity and cognition. The aim of our study is to investigate whether LTP can be induced in a-MCI and if there are differences in LTP-like plasticity compared to younger and older healthy adults, and the relationship of plasticity to cognitive performance.

Consumption of foods rich in saturated fats have been associated with elevated blood lipid levels and adverse health effects. However studies using animal models have demonstrated that dietary saturated fats raise blood lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels only when the diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3PUFA). If the same is true for humans, this research will have important implications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Therefore we hypothesize that saturated fat consumption does not raise blood lipid levels if the diet is sufficient in n-3PUFA. We also hypothesize that the benefits of n-3PUFA can be optimized when consumed in combination with saturated fats. This is a randomized controlled, dietary intervention trial, in parallel design with healthy adults. Subjects will be asked to consume 4x1g fish oil capsules (2.4g EPA:DHA 100:500) daily for 4 weeks, then they will be randomly assigned to one of two diets, a high saturated fat (SFA) diet or a high omega-6 fatty acid (n-6PUFA) diet both combined with n-3PUFA (fish oil), which they will consume for 10 days. Subjects on the SFA diet will consume daily 24g butter (which can be spread on bread, muffins or crackers), 40g white chocolate and 4x1g fish oil capsules, they will also be advised on how to use more foods containing saturated fat for cooking and reduce n-6PUFA containing oils. Subjects on the n-6PUFA diet will consume 20g margarine (which can be spread on bread, muffins or crackers), 42g sunflower seeds and 4x1g fish oil capsules, they will also be advised on how to use more foods and oils containing n-6PUFA for cooking, and reduce saturated fat. Participants will donate blood, give information on medical and supplement usage and physical activity and they will have their anthropometric measurements taken, at baseline, at 4 weeks and after 10 day of consuming either the SFA diet or the n-6PUFA diet. Subjects will also complete a 3 day food record.

This is a randomised controlled trial analysing two rehabilitation techniques for non-union scaphoid fractures. This study aims to investigate whether the use of an anatomically contoured scaphoid specific locking plate with non-vascularised bone graft in scaphoid non-union allows for early mobilisation and union. This study will be conducted as a randomised controlled trial with the control arm receiving the gold standard rehabilitation (1) and the experimental arm receiving no plaster and early mobilisation. Our hypothesis is there will be no difference in union rates between the gold standard and experimental cohorts. We are hoping this will result in a change in standard practice for this group of patients.

Toshiba medical systems have developed a new rapid diagnostic test device kit for influenza using new technology from current rapid tests available. The device is able to detect influenza virus in a much smaller sample and provide a result in around ten minutes. It will be compared with the Denka Seiken QuickNavi POCT device already marketed for use overseas for accuracy of results however neither device will be used to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis will be made from the accepted RT-PCR (separation culture) test. Participants will have 3 samples taken from either the nose or throat. 1sample for the culture and 1 sample for each device.

There is an expanding evidence-base demonstrating benefits of exercise for improving balance and mobility in people with Parkinson’s disease. Yet the role of exercise in improving arm and hand function has been neglected to date. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial is to determine the impact of a home-based, interactive videogame system designed for people with Parkinson’s disease on upper limb function. The secondary aims are to determine the effect on finger and upper limb dexterity, performance of upper limb tasks, quality of life, and cognition. In addition, the participants’ perception of the effect of the intervention and acceptability of the intervention will be evaluated. Since difficulty performing upper limb activities is associated with poor quality of life, the development of effective, sustainable and engaging exercise programs to improve upper limb function in people with Parkinson’s disease is an urgent research priority.

Vaccines used in Australian clinical practice have been tested for safety in clinical trials and are then registered for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Safety monitoring of vaccines (as for all licensed medicines) is an ongoing process. This is usually done in Australia by “passive” or voluntary reporting of any reactions known as ‘adverse events’ that may occur after a drug or vaccine is used. The purpose of the Stimulated Telephone Assisted Rapid Safety Surveillance (STARSS) study is to evaluate a new way of monitoring the safety of vaccines. This system is a way of involving the consumer in reporting immunisation adverse events and will give “real time” information about vaccine safety. This will be achieved by sending a short message service (SMS) mobile phone text similar to what one often gets to remind you to attend a doctor’s appointment. The potential benefit of such a study is that vaccine and drug safety could be evaluated in a large number of consumers and any potential issues (these would be unlikely) can be identified very soon.

Observations from previous studies suggest that testosterone acts on liver to induce protein anabolic effect. We will test the hypothesis that testosterone by acting on the liver, preserves protein loss in healthy men.

The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety and tolerability of autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) compared to placebo in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Secondary objectives are intended to measure differences between placebo and SVF based therapies including improved pain control, improvement of WOMAC, weight bearing x-rays, improvement in the AQoL (Australian Quality of Life) instrument, reduction in rescue medication consumption and MRI to assess disease modifying activity.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of intermittent dieting compared to continuous dieting on weight loss after an intensive weight loss period, This period will last for 8 weeks for the continuous group and 16 weeks for the intermittent groups; “week-on, week-off” strategy and the 5:2 strategy. We will also look at the effects on weight loss maintenance after 12 months. Another aim is to look at changes in muscle mass, blood lipids and glucose. We hypothesize that those on the intermittent energy restriction patterns will achieve comparable weight loss maintenance at 12 months compared to those on the continuous energy restriction pattern.

This study will investigate standard brain training, tailored brain training, and brain stimulation for improving cognitive functioning in people with Parkinson's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. It is predicted that tailored brain training will improve cognitive functioning to a greater extent than standard brain training. It is also predicted that tailored brain training combined with brain stimulation will lead to even greater improvements in cognitive functioning. Findings from this study will provide valuable information into the therapeutic potential of brain training and stimulation for people with Parkinson's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.