La Trobe University

About: La Trobe University is a education organization based out in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 13370 authors who have published 41291 publications receiving 1138269 citations. The organization is also known as: LaTrobe University & LTU.

A Randomized Comparison of Patellar Tendon and Hamstring Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract: Background: Patellar and hamstring tendon autografts are the most frequently used graft types for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but few direct comparisons of outcomes have been published.Hypothesis: There is no difference in outcome between the two types of reconstruction.Study Design: Prospective randomized clinical trial.Methods: After isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture, 65 patients were randomized to receive either a patellar tendon or a four-strand hamstring tendon graft reconstruction, and results were reviewed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 months.Results: Pain on kneeling was more common and extension deficits were greater in the patellar tendon group. There were greater quadriceps peak torque deficits in the patellar tendon group at 4 and 8 months but not thereafter. In the hamstring tendon group, active flexion deficits were greater from 8 to 24 months, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at 134 N were greater. Cincinnati knee scores, Internatio...

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with today's treatment paradigm.

Abstract: The disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is expected to increase as the infected population ages. A modelling approach was used to estimate the total number of viremic infections, diagnosed, treated and new infections in 2013. In addition, the model was used to estimate the change in the total number of HCV infections, the disease progression and mortality in 2013-2030. Finally, expert panel consensus was used to capture current treatment practices in each country. Using today's treatment paradigm, the total number of HCV infections is projected to decline or remain flat in all countries studied. However, in the same time period, the number of individuals with late-stage liver disease is projected to increase. This study concluded that the current treatment rate and efficacy are not sufficient to manage the disease burden of HCV. Thus, alternative strategies are required to keep the number of HCV individuals with advanced liver disease and liver-related deaths from increasing.

What prevents people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from attending pulmonary rehabilitation? A systematic review

Abstract: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an essential component of care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is supported by strong scientific evidence. Despite this, many people with COPD do not complete their program or choose not to attend at all. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD. Seven electronic databases were searched for qualitative or quantitative studies that documented factors associated with uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in people with COPD. Two reviewers independently extracted data, which was synthesized to provide overall themes. Travel and transport were consistently identified as barriers to both uptake and completion. A lack of perceived benefit of pulmonary rehabilitation also influenced both uptake and completion. The only demographic features that consistently predicted non-completion were being a current smoker (pooled odds ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.32) and depression. The limited data available regarding barriers to uptake indicated that disruption to usual routine, influence of the referring doctor and program timing were important. In conclusion poor access to transport and lack of perceived benefit affect uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation. Current smokers and patients who are depressed are at increased risk of non-completion. Enhancing attendance in pulmonary rehabilitation will require more attention to transportation, support for those at risk of non-completion and greater involvement of patients in informed decisions about their care.

Smart Electricity Meter Data Intelligence for Future Energy Systems: A Survey

Abstract: Smart meters have been deployed in many countries across the world since early 2000s. The smart meter as a key element for the smart grid is expected to provide economic, social, and environmental benefits for multiple stakeholders. There has been much debate over the real values of smart meters. One of the key factors that will determine the success of smart meters is smart meter data analytics, which deals with data acquisition, transmission, processing, and interpretation that bring benefits to all stakeholders. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of smart electricity meters and their utilization focusing on key aspects of the metering process, different stakeholder interests, and the technologies used to satisfy stakeholder interests. Furthermore, the paper highlights challenges as well as opportunities arising due to the advent of big data and the increasing popularity of cloud environments.