ANZCTR search results

A number of small studies have investigated the therapeutic potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for OCD by stimulating an area of the frontal lobe called the DLPFC. On the whole, the results of these studies have not been encouraging. The current project aims to compare the clinical efficacy of rTMS for OCD at two promising novel treatment targets: right sided premotor cortex versus bilateral supplementary motor area. Participation in the trial involves having two MRI brain scans and four weeks of inpatient rTMS treatment in Melbourne, Australia.

Several systematic reviews have indicated that additional exercise therapy and repetitive task training have a significant effect on functional outcome after stroke. Guidelines therefore conclude that patients in a rehabilitation setting should have the opportunity to get an increase of intensity of therapy. A new method to meet these recommendations could be to involve caregivers (partner, family, friends) in exercise training. Previous studies suggest that this form of exercises done with a caregiver can lead to a better functional outcome for the patient and less strain for the caregiver. This feasibility study will test the proof of concept of caregiver mediated exercises when combined with innovative ICT techniques (CARE4STROKE package) aimed at improving gait, ADL independency and allowing early discharge to patients own home setting after stroke. We hypothesize that patients allocated to the CARE4STROKE programme will show better outcomes in terms of gait, gait-related activities and ADL with a reduced length of stay (LOS) when compared to usual care alone. In addition we hypothesize that this programme leads to increased levels of self-efficacy for patient and caregiver and a reduced caregiver burden. This study is related to the CARE4STROKE trial registered on NTR with ID: NTR3739.

The purpose of the study is to further improve outcomes in CF by developing a better understanding of the reasons for the decline in health status and lung function during adolescence, which is one of the key challenges facing clinicians. We hope to do this by looking at such things as the 1) pathology involved in CF lung disease, 2) long term risks of emerging organisms, 3)potential effects of early therapeutic interventions, such as P. aeruginosa eradication, 4) metagenomic profile identifying bacteria in respiratory samples, 5) psychosocial factors, and 6) relationship between early life events and outcomes between 9 - 17 years of age.

This is a Phase II Extension study to examine the safety, tolerability and effect of 52 weeks treatment with PBT2 in patients with prodromal or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). The primary objectives are to examine the safety and tolerability and the effect of PBT2 on the amount of amyloid in patients brains after 52 weeks of treatment when measured by a particular type of brain scan, PiB-Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The effects of PBT2 on brain volume, brain metabolic activity, blood biomarkers of AD and cognition plus functional abilities will also be investigated.

Trial Objectives To demonstrate that a standardised and prescribed intensive speech therapy regimen for aphasia is more effective and cost saving than non-standardised usual care training methods in the very early post-stroke recovery period. Primary Hypothesis: Very early aphasia therapy will result in greater improvement in communication at 12 weeks post-stroke, as measured by the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised; Aphasia Quotient (WAB-R (AQ)). Secondary Hypotheses: 1. VERSE aphasia therapy will result in a greater improvement in communication than UC-Plus aphasia therapy at 12 and 26 weeks post stroke, as measured by the WAB-R (AQ). 2. VERSE aphasia therapy and UC-Plus will each result in greater improvements in communication than U C alone, as measured by the WAB-R(AQ), at 12 weeks and 26 weeks post stroke. 3. VERSE aphasia therapy will result in greater improvements in connected speech than UC-Plus, as measured by Discourse Analysis, at 12 weeks and 26 weeks post stroke. 4. VERSE aphasia therapy and UC-Plus will each result in greater improvements in connected speech than UC alone, as measured by Discourse Analysis, at 12 weeks and 26 weeks post stroke. 5. Very early aphasia therapy (UC-Plus and VERSE) will result in better quality of life at 12 and 26 weeks post stroke than UC control. 6. Very early aphasia therapy (UC-Plus and VERSE) will be more cost-effective than UC at 12 and 26 weeks post stroke.

The study is evaluating the feasibility and toxicity of the refined bladder adaptive radiotherapy (BART) protocol. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are aged 18 years or older, have histologically confirmed muscle invasive bladder cancer (any pathology), stage T2-3b N0 M0, considered suitable for definitive radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy, an ECOG performance status score of 2 or less, have a life expectancy greater than 5 years, and available for follow-up. Trial details Participants in this study will be administered Bladder adaptive radiotherapy (BART). BART is a specialized technique that utilizes computed tomography (CT) scans to visualize the bladder, and therefore allow optimal matching of a radiotherapy treatment plan on a daily basis. Adaptive radiotherapy is particularly useful in the treatment of bladder cancer, given the significant daily variability in the location and size of the bladder. The technique of daily optimization of treatment plans allows smaller volumes to be treated and therefore less toxicity to surrounding normal organs (such as small & large bowel). The dosage amount and frequency of radiotherapy administered in this trial will not differ from standard ‘non-adaptive’ treatment that you would otherwise receive if you declined participation in the trial. These parameters will be determined by your Radiation Oncologist. In the large majority of cases, radiotherapy will be given as 5 treatments per week (daily from Monday to Friday), as part of a 4-7 week treatment course. The duration of radiotherapy treatment will be determined by your Radiation Oncologist, but will generally range from 4-7 weeks. Follow-up review will be conducted by treating Radiation Oncology team at 4-6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-treatment.

The aim of this study is determine the effect of sodium to potassium ratio on postprandial endothelial function in healthy subjects. We speculate that a low sodium to potassium ratio improves postprandial endothelial function compared to high sodium to potassium ratio.

STUDY DESIGN: This study will use a single group design to examine the effects of an exercise intervention on patient outcomes with pre and post assessment. The aim of the study is to improve the hepatic and cardio-metabolic profile of these patients. OUTCOME MEASURES: After referral and screening by the treating specialist participants will undergo baseline assessment. Outcomes will include: - Hepatic steatosis - Plasma lipid profile, insulin, glucose, HOMA2, markers of liver damage (ALT, CK18) and liver enzymes - Arterial stiffness (measured non-invasively via PWA/PWV) - Body composition (DEXA / MRI) - Cardiorespiratory fitness - Muscular strength and physical function EXERCISE INTERVENTION: Participants will undertake supervised training 3 days per week consisting of a combination of aerobic and resistance training. training load and volumes will be individualized based on pre assessment results and progressed throughout the study. SIGNIFICANCE: This study will establish the feasibility and efficacy of an exercise intervention on this patient population and will help inform the design of future larger multi-centre studies of exercise as an adjuvant therapy in advanced liver disease.

This is key research (with the participation of MyHealthTest) to determine if certain human pathology tests using alternative sampling methods can be proven to be as effective as those done with traditional pathology methods. MyHealthTest is a new online business which will offer human pathology tests and support services direct to the individuals. Customers will order a limited set of targeted tests online and access their test results through a secure online portal. They will also be able to share these results with others including their GP. This will allow individuals to monitor and track aspects of their health and wellness from the convenience of their home. GPs and pharmacists will also be able to order tests for their patients/customers. The types of tests proposed to be offered in the future by MyHealthTest include: 1. HbA1c the key period test required by diabetics which provides evidence of how well they are managing their health. 2. Lipid Panel a series of cholesterol tests including Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides. 3. hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) - used to determine if you are suffering from a significant infection/inflammation and a good indicator of risk of cardiovascular disease. One of the test sample collection methods to be used by MyHealthTest is dried blood spots where capillary blood will be placed onto a dried blood spot card via a finger prick. The dried blood spot sample will be done by the customer or their carer. This is different to the mainstream blood collection method, where venipuncture blood collection is the current process usually performed at a pathology collection centre by a phlebotomist or trained nurse. Although dried blood spot samples have been used as a new born screening tool for many decades, to date there has been limited use of dried blood spot for diagnostic tests as part of disease management. A number of research projects undertaken by universities and medical schools show comparative results can be obtained between tests done with capillary blood on dried blood spot collection medium and venous blood samples. This evidence has focussed on comparison between the two blood sample types. In addition, MyHealthTest want to test the validity of self urine and saliva collection for testing of hormones. A precondition for MyHealthTest to offer alternative sample collection processes is to ensure the processes will deliver comparative and acceptably precise results to that of the standard samples for various tests. The criteria for the proposed dried blood spot, urine and saliva sample collection processes are the sample must: 1. be able to be collected by a lay-person; 2. be able to be legally transported through standard post; 3. not deteriorate during transport 4. deliver comparative and acceptably precise results This research project will compare dried capillary blood, urine and saliva samples against mainstream pathology samples for different pathology tests

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of gluten on gastrointestinal symptoms and mental health in those with NCGS. It is hypothesised that a major effect of gluten in those with NCGS is on mental health and not necessarily on GI symptoms.