ANZCTR search results

Antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs - which increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin) are now the main treatments of anxiety disorders as well as depression. We have recently demonstrated that the dietary procedure of tryptophan depletion (TD) reverses the anti-anxiety actions of the SSRIs in both panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. We now wish to examine the effects of decreasing serotonin in patients with two other anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder) after SSRI treatment. These studies should help tease out the differences (and similarities) between several major anxiety disorders with respect to serotonergic function, and provide clinically important prognostic information. We expected that participants will report greater levels of anxiety following a disorder specific challenge when depleted of tryptophan.

The aim of this project is to identify which of the two most commonly used techniques for ligament balancing results in better functional and radiological outcomes in total knee replacements. The difference between the two techniques is mainly regarding the order things are done. In one technique (balanced resection), the tibial bone cut is made and the joint is opened up using a distracter device and the ligaments balanced before the femoral bone cuts are made. In the other method (measured resection) all the bone cuts are made prior to ligament balancing. Ligament balancing is described simply as a way of obtaining a rectangular and even flexion/extension gap by modifying the ligaments around the knee.

We aim to examine the effect of exercise, compared to chest physiotherapy and control, on mechanisms of airway clearance in cystic fibrosis. We hypothesise that exercise and chest physiotherapy will improve respiratory flow rates and properties of mucus.

This study aims to investigate effects of omega-3 fatty acids EPA vs DHA (1500mg per day of each, supplying total omega-3 fatty acids 1860mg and 1680mg per day, respectively) versus safflower oil placebo on cognition and mood in 120 older adults with mild cognitive impairment over 6 months at two sites, in South Australia and Queensland. We will be measuring erythrocyte fatty acid levels, cerebral blood flow and blood vessel reactivity via transcranial Doppler sonography (tcD) and carbogen (5% carbon dioxide, 95% oxgen) inhalation, telomere length as an indicator of chromosomal damage, apoE-4, homocysteine, B12 and folate (the latter in collaboration with the Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Ageing (OPTIMA) Centre for dementia research and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Human Nutrition). At baseline we will be doing comparisons on these outcome measures with a group of 30 healthy controls in South Australia. We are also assessing relationships between social networks, physical activity and above biomarkers, and cognitive impairment.

The overall objective of the project is to complete a randomised control trial to test the effectiveness and efficacy of an internet-based (electronic) outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. Phase II outpatient cardiac rehabilitation patients who choose not to complete a face to face program will be invited to participate in the study. Patients willing and eligible for the study will have their baseline data collected and will then be randomised into either a 'Control' (or usual care) group or the 'Intervention' group. Control participants will undertake their intended usual care with no contact with the research team until follow-up. The Intervention participants will be provided with a laptop and internet connection (if necessary) for the period of the intervention. Participants will be encouraged to access the online program with monitoring via the online program by a cardiac rehabilitation case manager.

hypotheses for this study include: Study hypothesis is that antibacterial lens cases will have less contamination inside the lens storage case than a regular lens case. Primary purpsoe of the study is to assess bacterial contamination of antibacterial contact lens cases when used in conjunction with marketed contact lenses worn on a daily wear and monthly replacement schedule and to compare the results to a historical control.

The primary purpose of this study is to determine the gender specific responses in platelet reactivity following supplementation with long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA). It is anticipated that there will be significant gender related differences in response to different concentration ratios of long chain n-3 PUFA supplementation. This research study is designed to assess the effectiveness of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docoshexaenoic Acid to inhibit platelet aggregation in healthy males versus females. These studies will be randomised controlled trials where platelet function of healthy subjects will be monitored over the intervention period following dietary supplementation of the fish oil concentrates or placebo.

The primary purpose of the study is to determine the efficacy of the study drug AZD2281 compared to placebo by looking at progression free survival of the patients. Progression will be determined by tumour assessments and evaluations and patients will have regular imaging scans. The study hypotheses that AZD2281 given after an objective stable maintained response on completion of platinum containing chemotherapy improves progression free survival compared to placebo in platinum sensitive serous advanced ovarian cancer patients who have previously received two or platinum containing regimens.

This study is looking at three main questions about the treatment of patients with locally advanced cancer of the pancreas. Firstly, does taking erlotinib tablets in addition to the usual gemcitabine chemotherapy make a difference? Secondly, after 15 weeks of chemotherapy (plus or minus erlotinib), is it better to switch to chemoradiotherapy (radiotherapy plus capecitabine tablets) for 6 weeks, or is it better to continue the same gemcitabine chemotherapy (plus or minus erlotinib) for 6 more weeks? Thirdly, does it make any difference to keep taking erlotinib tablets after the 15 + 6 weeks of treatment have finished? Who is it for? You can join this study if you have locally advanced cancer of the pancreas which has not spread to distant sites, and is not suitable for surgery. There are some more specific requirements, but your study doctor will discuss these with you. Trial details. All patients will commence treatment with 15 weeks of weekly intravenous gemcitabine. Depending on a random assignment, some patients will also take daily erlotinib tablets during those 15 weeks. If there is no disease progression, some patients will be randomly assigned to continue the same treatment for another 6 weeks, while other patients will be randomly assigned to switch to 6 weeks of chemoradiotherapy (radiotherapy on weekdays plus capecitabine tablets every day). If there is no disease progression, all patients who at either stage were assigned to take erlotinib tablets will then keep taking erlotinib until disease progression, for a minimum 17 months. Patients who were never assinged to take erlotinib tablets will just be followed up for a minimum 17 months. Participants will be assessed using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status Scale (ECOG PS), blood tests, physical examination and computer topography (CT) scans of the abdomen and chest.

Previous studies using bulky lower back measuring devices have shown postural bio-feedback is useful in improving outcomes for subjects who experience low back pain. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a new monitoring and feedback device, that is wireless and discrete, can improve outcomes for subjects with low back pain, via the delivery of postural bio-feedabck.