ANZCTR search results

The purpose of this project is to investigate whether brain stimulation techniques will lead to an improvement of working memory (‘working memory’ refers to the temporary storage and processing of information) in healthy volunteers. We are conducting a study to see whether TMS applied at the front of the brain can improve performance on tests of working memory. The type of TMS we are using is called Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS). Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is a type of TMS where the magnetic pulses are applied in very short bursts (three pulses at a time) at a high frequency (30-50 pulses a second).

This is a study to see if add-on peginterferon-­alfa (pegIFNa) can help lose hepatitis B surface antigen in participants who have multi­drug resistant chronic hepatitis B and treated with long­term tenofovir DF +/- lamivudine salvage therapy (TDF­109 cohort) We hypothesize that in participants under long ­term viral suppression with potent oral therapy nucleoside analogues, add­on pegIFNa will reduce serum HBsAg levels and lead to HBsAg loss. We propose an investigator ­initiated proof­ of ­concept study to evaluate the efficacy of add­-on pegIFNa therapy in patients who have been treated with tenofovir and/or lamivudine therapy for at least 5 years as part of the TDF­109 study. We will aim to recruit all the TF­109 patients into this study. Those suitable will be treated with 48 weeks of pegIFNa.

Musculoskeletal complications following bilateral lung transplantation represent a significant problem which may delay recovery and return to normal daily activities. There is no evidence to support the current upper limb rehabilitation exercise program that form part of post transplantation programs. Therefore this study was designed to investigate the impact of the current exercise programs on the healing breast bone, muscle strength recovery and importantly on pain levels to aid return to functional performance.

This study will examine whether a hospital-focussed multicomponent multidisciplinary collaborative approach can increase stroke thrombolysis rates, while maintaining accepted benchmarks for low rates of intracranial haemorrhage and high rates of functional outcome at three months. The approach will be tested using a cluster randomised controlled trial involving 20 hospitals in the early stages of thrombolysis implementation. Outcomes will include thrombolysis rates in intervention and control hospitals at follow up as well as intracranial haemorrhage rates and functional outcomes at 3 months.

The purpose of this pilot study is to explore whether chronic stroke survivors who observe digital video images of basic movements (e.g., a healthy person picking up a cup), and then, directly after each observation attempt to physically mimic the observed action improve their motor function.

Malalignment in total knee replacement is a major cause of failure. Traditionally, alignment is facilitated through the use of mechanical jigs to position cutting blocks. There is however debate as to the accuracy of such jig systems. This study will employ a relatively new alternative method in which patient matched instrumentation as opposed to conventional jig-assisted techniques are used. This study will look at the accuracy of TKR’s performed using instrumentation which is specific to the patient. A CT scan will be performed on the patients’ knee after the operation to assess how accurate this patient specific instrumentation is.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide affecting 15 to 45% of the adult population. NAFLD is a spectrum from simple fat (NAFLD) to fat and inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Ten to 25% of NASH cases progress onto advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis with its complications of end stage liver disease and liver cancer. NAFLD is part of a group of medical conditions called the metabolic syndrome. These include type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abdominal obesity. The presence of NAFLD is also associated with wide ranging health problems including obstructive sleep apnoea, polycystic ovary syndrome, colon polyps, hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. This project aims to assess whether NAFLD can be improved by undertaking a controlled period of fasting. Previous research has shown that controlled periods of fasting can improve diabetes and cholesterol in these patients but no one has ever looked at NAFLD. This project will involve approximately 60 people in two groups all at Monash Health. Each group will contain 30 people. One group will follow a diet plan that involves a period of controlled fasting during each day from 8pm at night until 12pm the following day, while the other will follow the current Gastoenterological Society of Australia standard treatment guidelines for NAFLD. At 12 weeks, participants will be invited to take part in the other treatment group for a further 12 weeks (a total of 24 weeks). Each study participant will have a series of assessments done at baseline and at various points throughout the study. This will include anthropometric measurements, abdominal fat content via single slice CT scan, Fibroscan for liver steatosis, body composition (fat and lean muscle mass) and blood tests. After 12 weeks we hope to see a 25% improvement in the amount of abdominal and liver fat from baseline. Other intended improvements may be in blood markers of inflammation and metabolism.

The aims of this research are to compare the effectiveness of Emergency Nurse Practitioner (E-NP) on service and quality of patient care outcomes, with that of standard care in the Emergency Department (ED). Hence the following null hypotheses will be tested: For patients presenting to the ED with pain, allocated to the fast track zone and who receive care from either an E-NP or standard care, there will be no difference in: Primary outcomes 1. Pain score reduction and time to analgesia Secondary outcomes 2. Service indicators of a) Waiting time b) Number of patients who did-not-wait c) Length of stay in emergency department d) Representations with 48 hours In addition, a comparative evaluation of clinicians’ use of evidence based guidelines for management of i) knee injury, ii) ankle injury and iii) burns injury will be conducted to further test the integrity of the intervention.

The purpose of this study is to understand how well oxymorphone in combination with tocopheryl phosphate mix (TPM), is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, with the use of a patch.

Most cutaneous warts resolve spontaneously with time. Evidence for the effectiveness of medical treatment is lacking and results of treatment can be frustrating. Consequently, health practitioners view cutaneous warts as a low priority as far as providing treatments, but the adverse effect on the quality of life of some patients with cutaneous warts can be significant. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a 'natural remedy' the skin of bananas (Musaceae Musa) is an effective treatment. In this phase 2 randomized controlled trial the team will test the hypothesis that banana skin treatment can resolve cutaneous warts, in half the time and in twice the proportion of patients as those receiving cryotherapy.