The Medical journal of Australia
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Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is re-emerging a century after it began. Activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens and a lack of serious side effects make phage therapy an attractive treatment option in refractory bacterial infections. ⋯ Combinations of fully characterised, exclusively lytic phages prepared under good manufacturing practice are limited in their availability. Safety has been demonstrated but randomised controlled trials are needed to evaluate efficacy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Optimising epilepsy management with a smartphone application: a randomised controlled trial.
To assess whether a practical intervention based upon a smartphone application (app) would improve self-management and seizure control in adults with epilepsy. ⋯ Using a smartphone app improved epilepsy self-management scores in people in western China. It should be further tested in larger populations in other areas. Our preliminary investigation of building digital communities for people with epilepsy should encourage similar approaches to managing other chronic diseases.
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To examine the prevalence of psychotropic medicine dispensing before and after older people enter residential care. ⋯ Dispensing of psychotropic medicines to older Australians is high before they enter residential care but increases markedly soon after entry into care. Non-pharmacological behavioural management strategies are important for limiting the prescribing of psychotropic medicines for older people in the community or in residential care.