ANZCTR search results

This randomised controlled trial aims to establish if there is a correlation between diabetic neuropathy (nerve pathways affected by diabetes) and markers of blood vessel health in response to remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC). Via activation of nerves and beneficial compounds within the blood, RIC is known to protect areas at a distance from damage caused by a more prolonged and serious lack of oxygen-rich arterial blood flow in some patients. Methodology 60 randomly recruited adult participants residing in the Armidale region with type 2 diabetes will have a baseline diabetic history taken, detailed physical examination and measurements collected. Non-invasive cardiovascular physiological measurements will be obtained prior to, during and up to 24 hours after the intervention. The RIC intervention consists of 5 mins upper arm ischaemia (brief cessation of oxygen-rich blood flow), with blood pressure cuff inflation to 200mmHg, followed by 5 mins of complete cuff deflation. This cycle will be repeated 3 times without delay between cycles. In the control group, the intervention will be the same, except cuff pressures inflated to a lower pressure. Venous blood samples will be collected immediately before intervention, then 15 and 60 minutes after RIC. Changes in markers of blood vessel health will be the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures will include changes in blood levels of markers of inflammation and physiological changes of the heart and circulation Results will be correlated with variables. Blood samples will also be tested for blood sugar levels, full blood count, HbA1c (measure of diabetes control), and lipids. Aims of the study The study aims to provide a clearer insight into the mechanisms of RIC, assist in predicting which diabetic patients are most likely to benefit from RIC, and potentially guide the development of new therapeutic strategies for the vascular complications of diabetes.

Aim: To conduct a crossover longitudinal study to determine whether replacement of protein and fat from animal sources in Omnivore diet(OD) with same proportion of protein and fat from plant origin in Vegan diet ajusted (VDA) while maintain the overall energy intake has an effect on sleep pattern and their day-to-day sleep-wake cycle in healthy adults. Objectives: Primary: 1. To examine the effects of transition (acute or habitual) from OD to VDA and vice versa on sleep and 2. To examine the effects of exposure (post habitual) to VDA and OD and vice versa on sleep. Secondary: To examine the response measures associated with the sleep outcomes of OD and VDA diets. These measures include fasting blood glucose level, blood pressure, mood and alertness, and working memory.

The purpose of this project was to investigate the effect of daily eyelid cleaning with Blephadex™ Eyelid Wipes on ocular symptoms and signs including Demodex numbers, lipase activity and bacterial culture in normal healthy participants. The lipid layer is a component of the tear film that is essential to providing tear film stability. Previous research has found increased lipases (enzymes that break down lipids) in the tear film of symptomatic contact lens wearers which were associated with higher dry eye history and symptom scores. Coconut oil which contains about 50% lauric acid has been shown to inhibit bacterial lipase production. Demodex is the most prevalent microscopic ectoparasite found on the human skin, predominantly on the face, and its incidence increases with age. High Demodex counts are also associated with increased Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis bacteria, as the lipase produced by the bacteria is necessary for Demodex to digest the sebum it feeds on. Ocular discomfort has been also been associated with higher Demodex counts. Concomitantly tea tree oil has been shown to be effective for eliminating ocular Demodex and improving subjective ocular symptoms. Blephadex™ Eyelid Wipes, contain tea tree oil and coconut oil, however no studies to date have investigated the efficacy of this commercially available product on number of Demodex, Staphyloccocus Aureus count and lipase production. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of using Blephadex™ Eyelid Wipes daily on the (i) units of lipase (ii) number of Demodex (iii) Staphylococcus Aureus count and (iv) Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Time (NITBUT) and subjective ocular comfort in normal healthy participants. 20 participants were enrolled in this pilot, prospective, single centre, observer masked, within subject design study. Each subject received Blephadex™ Eyelid Wipes and were instructed to use it on one eye only (randomly assigned and unknown to the observer using a sealed envelope system), once daily for a period of 30 days. The contralateral eye received no treatment to be used as the control. At the both the baseline and final visit the same measurements of lipase, Staphylococcus Aureus count, Demodex count, tear film characteristics including NITBUT and subjective ocular comfort were conducted.

Background: Oxygen therapy has been a cornerstone of medical therapy since 1890. Current nasal oxygen cannula have been in use since 1949. Low flow oxygen via traditional nasal oxygen cannula (up to 15L/min) have been shown to modestly prolong time to desaturation when used while inducing general anaesthesia. High flow (± 60L/min) humidified nasal oxygen (HFNO) has been show to dramatically prolong time to desaturation. Apnoeic oxygenation has become well established clinical practice in recent years. Furthermore a volunteer study showed similar oxygen delivery when HFNO is compared to face mask ventilation. It is not known if similar oxygen delivery can be achieved using traditional cannula at high flows. Also the maximum flows achievable via nasal cannula from commonly available oxygen outlets has not been published. The first part of our study will be to establish this information using a gas flow analyser. Early work by our group has shown typical flows of ±55L/min. Our objective is to test the question of whether standard cannula supplying oxygen at high flows show comparable oxygen delivery to the well-researched proprietary HFNO systems. In addition to this we are interested to ascertain whether either therapy contributes significantly to gastric insufflation. Multiple previous case reports have been published of nasopharyngeal catheters resulting in gastric distension and rupture. No published data is yet available to demonstrate whether nasal cannulae, at high flow can also contribute to this potential complication. Our trial plan is to do a study of 30 healthy volunteers, comparing the oxygen delivery (via transcutaneous oxygen measurement) of HFNO via proprietary (humidified/ warmed) system (Optiflow, Fisher and Paykal, NZ) and comparing it to HFNO via traditional nasal cannula at high flow (±55L/min) and low flow (15L/min). Further parameters recorded and compared include; pharyngeal pressure generated, pharyngeal oxygen concentrations obtained, noise levels and participant comfort. A further key aspect of the study will be to examine whether gastric insufflation, a theoretical consequence of using a HFNO technique, does indeed result. For this, real time gastric ultrasound will be used.

The purpose of this study is to i) determine whether a 5-day block of high frequency rTMS, delivered to the motor cortex, can be used to treat the pain, mechanical hyperalgesia, and disability associated with repeated intramuscular injection of human nerve growth factor (NGF) and ii) determine whether a 5-day block of high frequency rTMS, delivered to the motor cortex, reduces the motor cortical changes associated with the transition from acute to sustained pain. Three injections of NGF will be delivered and active or sham rTMS will commence 4 days post-injection. prevent the transition from acute to sustained pain associated with repeated intramuscular injection of human nerve growth factor (NGF).

With persisting maternal and infant health disparities, new models of maternity care are needed to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. To date, there is limited evidence of successful and sustainable programs. Birthing on Country is an emerging evidence-based and community-led model of maternity care; the principles underpin a newly established service model: Birthing in Our Community. The Indigenous Birthing in an Urban Setting study is a mixed-methods prospective birth cohort study comparing different models of care for women having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies at two major maternity hospitals in urban South East Queensland. It includes women’s surveys (booking-in to model at~20 weeks gestation, 36 weeks gestation, two and six months postnatal) and infant assessments (two and six months postnatal), clinical outcomes and cost comparison, and qualitative interviews with women and staff. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, sustainability, effectiveness and efficiency of a Birthing on Country model of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in an urban setting. If successful, findings will inform implementation of the model with similar communities.

Throughout young people’s lives there are many different events and factors that can have an impact on their life course. Changing health states, different lived experiences, exposure to diverse opportunities, education, and influences from cultural and socioeconomic circumstances can all have pivotal roles. The MQ-MINDS Pilot Cohort Study aims to pilot the establishment of a large, longitudinal cohort study with a young adult demographic and routinely capturing information on life experiences and exposures and their impact on health-related quality of life, lifestyle, health, continuing education and career trajectories, which will be instrumental in understanding the determinants of healthy, resilient individuals over a unique segment of their life course.

Our study aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of virtual reality to reduce the pain and distress associated with childhood vaccination in the general practice setting. The hypothesis relating to our primary aim is that virtual reality content delivered through a headset will reduce pain and distress associated with childhood vaccination compared to the use of standard techniques used in the primary care setting.

The purpose of this project is to investigate whether a soluble fibre supplement (an oligosaccharide blend) is effective in improving asthma control and reducing airway inflammation in adults with poorly controlled asthma. Soluble fibre comes from plant based foods (fruits, vegetables, grains) and is not digested until it reaches the bowel. When it reaches the bowel, the bacteria that live there break it down into small molecules, which are known to be beneficial for our immune system. In this study, we hope to gain further insight into the possible health benefits of soluble fibre in adults with poorly controlled asthma. The project involves a 16 week intervention where 32 participants with stable asthma will be allocated to take a high dose of soluble fibre (oligosaccharide blend) in one or two daily doses, a low dose of soluble fibre (oligosaccharide blend) and placebo control (maltodextrin) for 2 weeks, in random order, with a two week washout period between each supplement phase. Subjects will not know which supplement they are receiving throughout the study.

Falling is one of the most frequent complications seen in stroke patients early after they are discharged home. Thus, finding ways to prevent falls, especially among individuals prone to repeated falls, is urgent. This study will explore whether this integrated lifestyle approach (LiFE) in reducing falls is able to be used with the stroke population, and if so, whether participants experience similar improvements. The LiFE approach involves embedding balance and strength training within habitual daily routines, and has been shown to be effective for reducing falls in older people without stroke. What is unknown to date is whether this functional based exercise approach is also effective in the specific stroke population. This study is a pilot study which will test the feasibility of using the LiFE approach to balance and strength training with a group of stroke patients living in Melbourne. The protocol will randomly assign ten (10) participants to one of two groups: the LiFE falls prevention program or a usual care control group. The usual care control group will receive the Alfred Health Occupational Therapy Falls handout, plus 7 strengthening exercises and encouragement to complete these 3 times per week. The LiFE group will receive the balance and strengthening program once per week in their own home. The study period is 10 weeks. The aim of the study is to determine acceptability of the LiFE approach, as well as to begin to understand its efficacy in the stroke population. Data will be collected at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months. Findings will not only provide important information on falls prevention rehabilitation for Alfred Health, but will also provide data useful for planning a larger clinical trial.