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There is a growing body of research indicating that vitamin D blood concentrations can impact on brain functioning. In particular, there is robust evidence in animal models showing that vitamin D deficiency during development impairs brain functioning in adulthood. However, no studies have examined whether enhancing vitamin D blood concentrations by vitamin D supplementation during adulthood can improve brain functioning. This study will assess whether increasing vitamin D blood concentrations via vitamin D supplementation in healthy adults improves various aspects of brain functioning such as attention, response inhibition, and general mood and emotions. We anticipate that this study will provide us with important information about the effects of enhancing vitamin D blood concentrations on brain function in healthy adults.

There are a number of dietary approaches, including restriction of total energy or fat, or increasing dietary protein and reducing carbohydrate to try and induce weight loss. Protein is commonly believed to be the most satiating macronutrient, however no studies have investigated the effects of protein in an oral preload on satiety and energy intake, taking into consideration the daily energy requirements of individual subjects. Therefore the purpose of the study is to compare the effects of high-fat, high-carbohydrate and high-protein oral preloads and the effects of increasing amounts of protein in an oral preload on gastrointestinal hormone secretion, appetite and energy intake in lean and overweight subjects.

Although most patients with different haematological disorders present with either bleeding or clotting, there is little known about how patients develop these complications and what risk factors are involved. Platelets are an essential component of haemostais to stop bleeding and also in case of their activation may give rise to thrombosis. So it is important to study the role of platelet-function and activation in the patients who are diagnosed with different haematological disorders/cancers and receiving treatment. Studying platelets function and activation with various new techniques will give us a better understanding of platelets activity in haematological malignancies such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or other haematological disorders who present to the Launceston General Hospital (LGH), Tasmania, Australia. With the help of the Flow Cytometer and also as a part of PhD degree at University of Tasmania (UTAS), School of Human Life Sciences, we are aiming to establish different methods of studying platelets activation and function in different haematological malignancies in order to examine the theory of these malignancies and rheir association with platelet activation and or dysfunction. Significance of the Project: The availability of fluorescent monoclonal antibodies and probes provides a powerful tool for the investigation of platelet function by flow cytometry. To date, most platelet function analysis by flow cytometry has focused on the involvement of platelets in thrombotic disorders and acute coronary syndromes. One area where research has been limited is in oncology patients, including those with malignant e.g. leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and benign e.g. immuno thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopenic purpura, haematological disorders, where patients usually present with either bleeding or thrombosis symptoms. It is well documented that bleeding is quite common in these patients often leading to more intensive platelet intervention and sometimes poorer prognosis. Thrombocytopenia is usually evident due to the late diagnosis of disease with subsequent marrow replacement or as a consequence of the treatment. However, the effect of platelet dysfunction may also contribute more significantly than is currently known. Patients with haematological disorders who bleed often receive platelet transfusions. Although this approach usually rectifies the bleeding to suggest the defect is quantitative, it is not known whether abnormal platelet function also contributes to the bleeding diathesis in these patients. Indeed, this is yet to be corroborated given that donor platelets are initially healthy and unaffected when transfused so offer both volume and functionality to the patient before disease or drug regimens have any affect on them.

This study looks at the effectiveness of treatment with the drug PF-804 in patients with incurable non-small cell lung cancer, where standard therapy for advanced or widespread disease has not been successful. Who is it for? You can join this study if you have a confirmed diagnosis of non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, described as incurable stage IIIB or IV, where standard therapy has not been successful. Trial details Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive a non-active (placebo) treatment, and the other will receive treatment with the drug PF-804, both taken orally (in cycles of 28 days)until the disease progresses or toxicity is unacceptable. The aim is to compare the overall survival between the two groups, and to monitor the effects of the treatment. PF-804 may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

Evidence has accumulated that changes to the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye (retinal arteries) are linked to heart disease. It is possible to use a simple eye examination to view these tiny retinal blood vessels and get an idea about their condition. This kind of examination is simple to perform and is not invasive. Because there are similarities to blood vessels throughout the body, an eye examination could be used to provide important information about blood vessel condition in general and whether certain treatments can result in improved blood vessel function. This study will examine the retinal arteries of a group of patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and risk factors for or actual heart disease. It will also look for evidence that the function of the retinal arteries improves with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment

This study compares the effectiveness of treatment with the drug anastrozole before and during adjuvant radiotherapy compared with anastrozole therapy delayed until after radiotherapy. Who is it for? You can join this study if you are a woman who has had a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer, and all planned surgery is now complete and radiotherapy is recommended. Trial details Participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive anastrozole orally before and during radiotherapy. The other group will receive standard treatment, where anastrozole and subsequent anti-oestrogen therapy is delayed until after radiotherapy. Participants will be monitored for 10 years after radiotherapy. The study aims to determine if commencement of anastrozole before radiotherapy results in improved local control of the disease.

The project aims to: 1. Determine the communication, computer and environmental control technology product needs for individuals with advanced FA. 2. Develop an online resource regarding equipment specific to the needs identified. 3. Prepare a funding proposal for equipment and resources not yet available.

The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility and impact of implementing a work-site based walking intervention on daily ambulatory activity (work day step counts), health status and work-ability of older workers performing predominately sedentary work.

This study is examining if the use of a PET probe during surgery for DCIS or breast cancer can accurately determine if all of the cancer cells have been removed. Currently 20% of patients require a second operation due to potential remaining cancer cells in the breast. Identification of these cells at the time of the first operation may reduce the number of women requiring second operations. This will have an impact on the patient (time & distress) and the health care system.

The purpose of this study is to assess a new orthodontic appliance which moves the lower jaw forward in a stepwise fashion. It is intended that the orthodontic appliance will be more comfortable than other appliances as it is less bulky and will result in a better physiological response because of the stepwise advancement of the lower jaw.