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This research study will investigate how speech pathology treatments may work for chronic cough. Chronic cough is a common problem that can be caused by conditions such as asthma, rhinitis and reflux. In approximately 20% of people, chronic cough remains unexplained. Recently we have identified that 50% of chronic cough sufferers have Paradoxical Vocal Cord Movement or Vocal Cord Dysfunction coexisting with chronic cough. Paradoxical vocal movement or vocal cord dysfunction is a condition that results in the vocal cords closing rather than opening when you breathe in. This can cause cough or breathing problems. Paradoxical vocal cord movement can be effectively treated with speech pathology. This study will assess how speech pathology benefits chronic cough. The purpose of this study is to:- (i) To investigate the effects of various aspects of the speech pathology treatment program on cough reflex sensitivity. (ii) To compare changes in cough reflex sensitivity following single components of the speech pathology intervention e.g. voluntary control versus specific strategies. It is hypothesised that specific speech pathology treatments will decrease cough reflex hypersensitivity.

Injecting dye into the heart is a common investigation that helps diagnose coronary artery disease. Although it is known that small bubbles of air are often injected during this procedure and may enter the brain, they have been generally thought to be harmless. We plan to measure cognitive function before and after the heart is studied to see if these small bubbles alter brain function.

The CISCO (Cardiac Interventions, Surgery and Cognitive Outcome) Study is a prospective observational cohort study of the preoperative neuropsychological status of patients presenting for CA (Coronary Angiography) and the relationship of this state with cognitive outcomes following medical, PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) or CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) surgery management of their disease.

Strategies for reducing infection are vital in caring for the premature neonate, and include, the use of a topical antiseptic for skin cleansing prior to any invasive procedure that compromises the skin barrier. There is currently little research addressing the issue of what antiseptic solution is best and safest for use in this vulnerable neonatal population. Consequently a wide range of solutions are utilised within the NICU setting

The ACE (Anaesthesia Cognitive Evaluation) Study is a prospective descriptive comparison of the prevalence of MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and the incidence of POCD (Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction) in patients undergoing THR (Total Hip Replacement) for OA (Osteoarthritis) and a control group of patients who have OA (Osteoarthritis) that is managed medically.

Disability in older adults is multi-factorial, and in part related to age-related changes in exercise capacity, including muscle strength, power, and endurance. To address these multiple areas, more than one kind of exercise may be needed to optimize function. Therefore, we are testing the efficacy of a combined program of strength, power and cardiovascular fitness training on functional independence, health status, psycholgocial health and physical performance over one year.

This is a prospective, randomised study to ascertain if plaster slab immobilisation of the arm is equally acceptable to parents and patients as collar and cuff immobilisation for undisplaced supracondylar fractures (breaks) of the upper arm near the elbow. All children aged 18 months to less than 11 years, presenting to the Emergency Department who sustain this type of break of the upper arm, will be enrolled into the study and randomised to receive one of two methods of immobilisation. Parents will be asked to keep a daily diary of analgesia use, child complaints or perceived problems with the mode of immobilisation. Followup will be 2 weeks post ED presentation, at which time the slab/collar will be removed and the supracondylar fracture xrayed and reassessed. At this time a parent/patient satisfaction questionnaire will be completed. If significant tenderness and discomfort remain the arm will be immobilised again and reviewed again in 2 weeks in ED.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the commonest cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (CKD Stage 5). Reasons for the greater incidence of CVD in this group include traditional CVD risk factors of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes but more importantly also include non-traditional risk factors such as calcium and phosphate imbalance. The latter is thought most likely to contribute to vascular calcification, especially for those on dialysis, and this in turn leads to arterial stiffness and left ventricular hypertrophy, the two commonest cardiovascular complications. Arterial stiffness and calcification have been found to be independent predictors of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in CKD. Pharmacological management to control calcium and phosphate imbalance can reduce vascular calcification and CVD by reducing serum phosphate and PTH. Unfortunately the majority of phosphate binders are calcium based and may contribute to raised serum calcium and worsening calcification. Newer phosphate binders, such as lanthanum carbonate, are non-calcium based and may prove to reduce CVD as well as controlling phosphate balance. We aim to perform a prospective, randomised study assessing the impact of lanthanum carbonate on cardiovascular and bone mineral parameters. This will be a single-centre study involving subjects with CKD Stage 5 on haemodialysis. Arterial stiffness (by pulse wave analysis and pulse wave velocity) and vascular calcification (using CT scans through superficial femoral artery and aorta) will be followed as well as serum markers of calcium, phosphate and PTH. Differences in these end-points will be compared between participants taking lanthanum and calcium carbonate. The study will be conducted over an 18 month period and we aim to recruit about 50 patients (25 randomised to lanthanum carbonate and 25 to calcium carbonate).

Australians are experiencing an increased prevalence of chronic diseases which require sustained self-management of medicines and long term monitoring by health professionals. The proposed study will determine the psychosocial influences affecting self-management of medicines by consumers with co-existing chronic diseases, specifically diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension. The aims of the study are to develop and test the effectiveness of a medicine self-management training package (MESMI). Null hypothesis: Compared to patients receiving standard care, patients who receive the intervention will show no change in blood pressure

This trial aims to determine the effiacy and toxicity of a standard treatment approach to locally advanced NSCLC in NSW and to examine potential predictors of treatment tolerability.