
Search Results
The effects of cigarette smoking and alcohol on DNA damage in the oral cavity
The purpose of this study to examine the effects of cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol on the formation of DNA damage in the mouth. The overall goal is to identify DNA damage that may be important to the development of head and neck cancers.
• 21 years of age or older
• Smoke cigarettes daily
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Use other tobacco/nicotine products
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
The purpose of this research study is to investigate new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods to better detect and monitor osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) before and after treatment. ONFH causes injury to the hip joint that can lead to osteoarthritis (the breaking/wearing down of cartilage & tissues within the joint) and the eventual need for a hip replacement. It can be difficult to detect ONFH early on using current medical imaging techniques, which is when treatments may be the most effective. Furthermore, available treatments are not always effective at preventing the progression (spread or growth) of ONFH. This research may benefit others with ONFH by providing more effective medical imaging tools to detect ONFH earlier and inform treatment decisions to increase the chance of stopping or delaying the progression of ONFH and preventing hip osteoarthritis.
• diagnosed with Stage 1 or Stage 2 osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH)
• intend to have core decompression surgery to treat the ONFH
• excluded from having an MRI based on Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) safety criteria
• existing implantation of metal device in affected hip
• any health conditions that would pose a challenge for you to participate
• unavailable to undergo follow up MRI 6 months after core decompression treatment
PIOGLITAZONE-METFORMIN COMBINATION TREATMENT FOR HIGH RISK ORAL PRENEOPLASIA
The purpose of this study is to learn about the safety and effects of pioglitazone and metformin on people and their risk of cancers of the head or neck. We hope to learn more about the potential for pioglitazone and metformin to be used as a way to prevent oral or oropharyngeal cancers in people who are at risk for those cancers. Participants will get both pioglitazone and metformin, as a single pill to be taken at the same time for 12 weeks.
• hyperplasia in high risk areas (floor of mouth, mobile tongue, oropharynx) confirmed by biopsy
• able to swallow a tablet whole
• Body mass index (BMI) is ≥ 18.5
• sexually active persons of child-bearing potential agrees to use adequate contraception
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete inclusion criteria
• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
• diagnosis of Type I or Type II diabetes that is being treated with insulin or an antidiabetic agent
• history of bladder cancer, including in situ bladder cancer
• history of invasive cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer or cervical cancer in situ) in past 18 months
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete exclusion criteria
Validation of Flexible, Wearable Sensors to Detect and Monitor Tics
The goal of this study is to design wearable, comfortable sensors to measure muscle movement during tics. Small, flexible EMG sensors (the size of the head of a pin) will be embedded in a “band-aid like” plastic sticker which is placed on the side of the face. Participants will be video recorded as they complete movement tasks. The entire visit will take approximately 2 hours.
• 10 to 21 years old
• must have chronic tics present for at least 1 year
• must have at least one facial tic that occurs at least approximately once every 2-5 minutes
• active acute skin disorders
• previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability
• currently suicidal
Screening Study to Determine HLA Type, HLA Loss of Heterozygosity Status and Tumor Antigen Expression in Participants with Locally Advanced (Unresectable) or Metastatic Solid Tumors
The purpose of this screening study is to collect samples to conduct the testing of specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA). TScan Therapeutics is developing cellular therapies across multiple solid tumors in which the eligibility criteria require that participants have specific HLA types. The results from this screening study will be used to determine if participants meet the eligibility criteria and could potentially be enrolled in a future TScan treatment study.
• have one of the following confirmed locally advanced (unresectable) or metastatic solid tumor: Head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, HPV positive anogenital cancer HPV positive anogenital cancers
• undergoing anticancer therapy with curative intent
Biomechanical Mechanisms of Soft Tissue Deformation during the Volleyball Spike
No current studies have examined in vivo glenohumeral kinematics during the overhead volleyball spike despite the high prevalence of spike-related shoulder pain. The extreme shoulder positions achieved by volleyball players during the spike motion may contribute to unique deformations that could result in structural change or pathology of the rotator cuff and long head biceps tendons. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which GH kinematics differ between SAB and a simulated volleyball spike at a self-selected position of ball contact.
• 18 to 35 years old
• played at least 2 years of high school varsity-level volleyball and/or play competitive volleyball at the club level or NCAA D3/NAIA level or above
• have no shoulder pain that has resulted in removal from, or cessation of volleyball participation in the past 6 months
• have a negative clinical screening exam
• fluent in English
• any injuries, impairments, or pain of the hitting arm that limits participation in volleyball
• shoulder pain related to the cervical spine
• history of trauma and/or surgery of the hitting shoulder
• currently pregnant.
A Window of Opportunity Trial of Mirdametinib plus Vorinostat for NF1 Associated, Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor; MPNST (Le-Na)
This is a small, Phase 0, window of opportunity study to provide human experience to support our pre-clinical data and gain preliminary information regarding the safety and tolerability of mirdametinib and vorinostat when given in combination.
• Known Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) syndrome based on current diagnostic criteria
• Diagnosis of suspected MPNST by PET or MRI imaging
• Confirmation of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation-negative MPSNT by immunohistochemistry
• Twelve years of age or older - Complete blood count (CBC), platelet, liver and kidney function within institutional normal limits performed within 14 days of 1st dose of study drug
• Must be able to swallow capsules
• Females of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception (see inclusion criteria section) from the time of study enrollment through 6 months after the last dose of vorinostat and mirdametinib
• Males with partners of childbearing potential must use highly effective contraception from the time of study enrollment through 3 months after the last dose of vorinostat
• Provides voluntary written consent prior to any study related activities, with parental/guardian consent and assent for those 12 to 17 years of age at enrollment
• Pregnant or breastfeeding – females of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test (serum and urine) within 7 days prior to the 1st dose of the study drugs
• Significant cardiac disease
• Ophthalmologic conditions
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the past year
• Participants receiving systemic or ocular glucocorticoid therapy within 14 days prior to the first dose of study treatment
Vestibular and Cortical Contributions to Transitions in Freezing of Gait and Parkinson's Disease
This study will examine the brain activation associated with the transition between movements in Parkinson’s disease, and if these changes are related to the development of problems with moving (like freezing of gait) and thinking. We will look at brain activity associated with the vestibular (inner ear) and cortical (surface of the brain) systems. People with Parkinson’s disease (especially people with freezing of gait) sometimes have difficulty initiating changes in movement types, such as going from standing to walking, turning, or switching between slow and fast repetitive movements. The difficulty in movement transitions may be associated with an overactive vestibular system (inner ear) or cortical system. In each experiment in this study, we expect about 20-25 participants with Parkinson’s disease and freezing of gait, 20-25 participants with Parkinson’s without freezing of gait, and 20-25 control participants
• age 21-80 years
• diagnosis of idiopathic PD with and without freezing gait
• able to walk independently without the use of an assistive device (e.g. cane) for 50 meters (about 160 feet)
• for HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS: 40-80 years old, able to walk independently without a cane or walker and able to perform complex activities of daily living independently
• for HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS: 21-44 years and able to walk independently without a cane or walker
• any musculoskeletal disorder that affects the ability to stand or walk
• history of musculoskeletal disorders that significantly affect movement of lower limbs
• uncorrected visual impairment
• history of visual and/or vestibular conditions
• moderate to severe hearing impairment
• women who are pregnant
• study staff will discuss additional exclusion criteria
MT2023-29: Long-term Follow-up of Subjects With Sickle Cell Disease Treated With ExVivo Gene Therapy Using Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cells Transduced With a Lentiviral Vector
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety and ability of a transplant with gene modified stem cells (autologous stem cell transplant) to treat sickle cell disease. Participants must have received investigational gene therapy with bb1111 in a clinical study sponsored by bluebird bio. There is no additional treatment associated with this study as this is a long-term follow-up study.
• 2 to 53 years old
• treated with a clinical product to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in clinical study sponsored by bluebird bio-
• there are no exclusion criteria for this study
Prospective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for Epidemiologic and Translational Studies
This study will provide the most accurate and reliable estimates to date on disease progression and clinical events in evolving chronic pancreatitis. We also hope to develop from the results of this study some lab tests that will help us with early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and also to discover any genetic factors that may affect your chances of developing chronic pancreatitis.
• diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.
• N/A
CPDPC16-04: Evaluation of a mixed meal test for Diagnosis and characterization of Type 3c diabeTes mellitus secondary to pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis (DETECT)
Diabetes mellitus is a common condition which is defined by persistently high blood sugar levels. This is a frequent problem that is most commonly due to type 2 diabetes. However, it is now recognized that a small portion of the population with diabetes have an underlying problem with their pancreas, such as chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, as the cause of their diabetes. Currently, there is no test to identify the small number of patients who have diabetes caused by a primary problem with their pancreas. The goal of this study is to develop a blood test to distinguish these various causes of diabetes.
• 30 to 84 years old
• diabetes diagnosed less than 3 years ago with Pancreatic Cancer or Chronic Pancreatitis or no disease of the pancreas
• OR longstanding diabetes diagnosed 3 or more years ago, with Pancreatic Cancer or Chronic Pancreatitis or no disease of the pancreas
• OR people don't have diabetes but have Pancreatic Cancer or Chronic Pancreatitis or no disease of the pancreas
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete inclusion criteria
• currently receiving oral steroid medications
• previous treatment for pancreatic cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation
• on treatment for any cancer
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete exclusion criteria
Evaluation of an oral microbiota-based therapeutic as a treatment option for primary sclerosing cholangitis
We are studying the safety and feasibility of microbiota transplant therapy (MTT) for patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether MTT from a healthy donor is safe and can be used to restore the healthy composition of microbiota to help decrease disease severity and improve symptoms. All patients in this study will receive capsules of the drug, MTT.
• ages 18-76
• serum total bilirubin ≤ 2x the upper limit of normal
• expect to maintain current medication regimen for the duration of the study
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete inclusion and exclusion criteria
• received antibiotic therapy (except vancomycin) in the past 3 months
• complications of advanced PSC, such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, history of esophageal varices, portal hypertension, hepato-renal syndrome, portopulmonary syndrome, and hepato-pulmonary syndrome
• viral hepatitis (history of Hepatitis C is eligible with undetectable HCV RNA); HIV/AIDS
• liver disease such as metabolic or inherited disease or cirrhosis
• women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or trying to become pregnant -active cancer
• active alcohol overuse (>4 drinks per day for men, and >2 drinks per day for women)
MT2021-29: Evaluation of intravenous laronidase pharmacokinetics before and after hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type IH
In this study, the researchers are collecting blood samples to learn more about laronidase treatment in children that receive a hematopoietic cell transplantation. The laronidase dose regimens used after a hematopoietic cell transplantation may differ from those administered before. This study will establish the basis for determining if there is a need to adjust laronidase dosing regimens after receiving a hematopoietic cell transplantation.
• between 0 to 3 years of age
• meet protocol specific eligibility criteria for allogeneic HCT for MPS IH
• planning to receive laronidase both pre and post-transplant in an inpatient setting as part of standard-of-care treatment. Virtually all patients with MPSIH being considered for transplantation at the University of Minnesota are already receiving enzyme infusions, and it is standard practice to continue to give enzyme infusions to 8 weeks post-transplant. Therefore, participation will not modify the treatment course
• patient's parent/ legal guardians are unable to provide informed consent.
Lifestyle Counseling and Medication for Adolescent Weight Management (QUEST)
This study will compare the effectiveness and durability of intensive behavioral counseling vs. medical management plus low-intensity behavioral counseling on BMI, body fat, cardiometabolic risk factors, and quality of life in adolescents with severe obesity. We hypothesize that Wegovy (semaglutide) plus low-intensity behavioral counseling will elicit superior reductions in BMI and body fat and greater improvement in cardiometabolic factors and quality of life compared to intensive behavioral counseling at 56 weeks.
• ages 12-17
• BMI greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex
• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• use of medications for obesity in the past 6 months
• any treatment with growth hormone
• bariatric surgery -major mental health diagnosis (study staff will review)
• pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• significant medical diagnosis (study staff will review)
Feasibility Study of Resection and GammaTile® Followed by Concomitant External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Temozolomide (TMZ) and Adjuvant TMZ in Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (GBM). (GESTALT)
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the safety of GammaTile in combination with the Stupp Protocol for the treatment of newly diagnosed Glioblastoma. A GammaTile (GT) is an FDA cleared device used to provide radiation therapy following the removal of a brain tumor. GT are small (2cm x 2cm x 0.4cm) collagen squares/tiles that contain sources of radiation that look like grains of rice. The doctor will place tiles containing the radiation sources in the cavity left after surgically removing the brain tumor. They do not need to be removed as the collagen tiles will be absorbed by the body and the radiation sources can be left in place. The Stupp Protocol includes External Beam Radiation (EBRT) in combination with Temozolomide (TMZ) which is a chemotherapy drug. EBRT uses external beams to deliver radiation to the cavity left after surgical removal of a brain tumor. After the completion of EBRT/TMZ cycle additional treatment with TMZ will continue for 6 months.
• newly diagnosed Glioblastoma (GBM)
• plan for surgery to excise the tumor
• cares for self; unable to carry on normal activity or work
• able to understand English or Spanish
• men and women of childbearing potential must be willing to use contraception throughout the study and for men for up to 3 months after completing treatment
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete inclusion and exclusion criteria
• known to have a IDH mutation glioma by prior biopsy
• previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head or neck region
• prior invasive cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer, cervical cancer in situ) unless disease free for a minimum of 2 years
• contraindication to MRI or CT
• women who are pregnant or breast feeding
Research Evaluating Vagal Excitation and Anatomical Links
We are studying the effects of stimulating the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve connects the brain to many organs in the body. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression and epilepsy. We want to learn more about how it affects other parts of our bodies, such as the heart, metabolism, the immune system, and the nervous system. We hope that by understanding how VNS affects the body as a whole, we can develop new treatments for other conditions, or help to improve its use for depression and epilepsy.
• previously implanted with a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) device to treat Major Depressive Disorder and on stable medications for at least 2 months
• OR will receive a VNS implant as standard clinical care, for Major Depressive Disorder and will receive VNS clinical standard of care programming after study completion. standard clinical care, for Major Depressive Disorder and will receive VNS clinical standard of care programming after completing the study
• OR previously been implanted with a VNS for Epilepsy that isn't controlled with medication
• OR will receive a VNS implant as standard clinical care, and will receive VNS clinical standard of care programming after study completion
• Contact study staff for additional requirements for each group
• willing to use effective birth control for the entire time period of the study
• has a prior implantable stimulation device, other than a VNS device
• uses or is expected during the study to use short-wave diathermy, microwave, diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy
• unable to speak English
• additional medical or mental health issues (study staff will review)
A Phase III Clinical Trial Evaluating De-Escalation of Breast Radiation for Conservative Treatment of Stage I, Hormone Sensitive, HER-2 Negative, Oncotype Recurrence Score Less Than or Equal to 18 Breast Cancer (DEBRA)
We are comparing treatment of early stage, hormone positive breast cancer with and without radiation therapy. One group will receive radiation therapy with endocrine therapy and the other group will receive endocrine therapy alone. We want to find out if there is any difference in how often breast cancer recurs in the same breast.
• completed surgery to remove a breast tumor and there isn't any evidence of remaining tumor.
• Early stage (T1) tumor without lymph node involvement and a Oncotype DX Recurrence Score of less than or equal to 18
• ER and/or PgR positive and HER2 negative tumor
• tumor size larger that T1
• surgical procedure was a mastectomy
• any treatment with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biotherapy, and/or endocrine therapy given for the currently diagnosed breast cancer prior to study entry
• Women who are pregnant or breast feeding
A Randomized Trial of Intra-Portal Alone Versus Intra- and Extra- Portal Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets After Total Pancreatectomy for Chronic Pancreatitis (iSite)
One treatment for certain types of chronic pancreatitis is total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT). In this procedure, the pancreas is removed (eliminating the source of the pain) and the islets, which produce insulin and other important hormones, are taken from the pancreas and transplanted in to the liver. This is a small study to evaluate a new procedure for transplanting some islets to a new location in the body.
• age 18- 68
• scheduled for a total pancreatectomy and IAT at University of Minnesota
• diabetes mellitus fasting blood glucose greater than 115mg/dl, or hemoglobin A1c level greater than 6.0%
• use of any of the following treatments in the 30 days prior to enrollment: insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, glinides, thiazolidinediones, GLP-1 agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, or amylin
• other medical or mental health diagnosis (study staff with review)
Efficacy and Mechanisms of Combined Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training in MCI (The ACT Trial)
The purpose of the study is to see how aerobic exercise and cognitive training alone or together affect cognition, brain structure and function, and physical fitness over the course of 18 months.
• diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment
• live in the community
• English speaking
• adequate vision
• physician confirms that exercise is safe
• stable on drugs affecting cognitive and psychological status
• able to have a MRI
• resting heart rate less than 50 or greater than 100
• additional medical or mental health diagnosis (study staff will review)
• enrolled in another intervention study related to cognitive improvement
Targeting Family Meal Quality and Quantity to Reduce Childhood Obesity Using Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) and Video Feedback
The proposed study is an individual three-arm randomized controlled tiled aimed at utilizing state-of-the-art intervention methods to examine whether increasing the quality and the quantity of family meals reduces childhood obesity.
• Child 5-10 years old
• Have a sibling who lives in the home with the child
• Live in the Metro area
• Speaks English or Spanish
I-SPY 2 TRIAL -Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict your Therapeutic Response with Imaging and Molecular Analysis 2 (I-SPY)
The I-SPY2 study uses 10 years of results to help your doctor understand more about your tumor and how to classify it better. This means your doctor will have more information and might be able to offer you a new treatment that could work better than the usual treatments. We need better treatments and better ways to identify which patients will benefit most from particular treatments.
• invasive breast cancer confirmed by biopsy
• tumor is at least 2.5 cm in size
• no prior chemotherapy for this cancer
• no restrictions in activity or partially restricted with work, but able to independently care for self
• willing to have another breast biopsy
• not pregnant or breast feeding
• consult study staff for additional requirements
• other medical or mental health diagnosis that would limit compliance with study requirements
PRE-I-SPY TRIAL - PRE-Investigation of Serial Studies to Predict Your Therapeutic Response with Imaging And moLecular Analysis: A Phase I/Ib platform trial (I-SPY)
This study is intended to find the safest dose of a new combination of drugs (ALX148 and T-DXd) and to start to determine how effective it is at treating advanced or metastatic breast cancer. This study is an addition to the ongoing ISPY study program.
• have HER2+ breast cancer
• cancer has spread to other organs or returned within 6 months after first treatment
• active heart or liver disease
• cancer has spread to the brain and is causing current symptoms
ANHL2121: Phase 2 Study of Tovorafenib (DAY101) in Relapsed and Refractory Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
This phase II trial tests the safety, side effects, best dose and activity of tovorafenib (DAY101) in treating patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis that is growing, spreading, or getting worse (progressive), has come back (relapsed) after previous treatment, or does not respond to therapy (refractory). Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a type of disease that occurs when the body makes too many immature Langerhans cells (a type of white blood cell). When these cells build up, they can form tumors in certain tissues and organs including bones, skin, lungs and pituitary gland and can damage them. This tumor is more common in children and young adults. DAY101 may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Using DAY101 may be effective in treating patients with relapsed or refractory Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
• 180 days to < 22 years (at time of study enrollment)
• patients with multifocal progressive, relapsed, or recurrent LCH with measurable disease at study entry
• participant must be able to take an enteral dose and formulation of medication. Study medication is only available as an oral suspension or tablet, which may be taken by mouth or other enteral route such as nasogastric, jejunostomy, or gastric tube
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete inclusion criteria
• LCH arising along with other hematologic malignancy (e.g. mixed LCH with acute lymphoblastic leukemia) or any history of non-histiocytic malignancy
• history of solid organ or hematopoietic bone marrow transplantation
• female patients who are pregnant are ineligible. A pregnancy test is required for female patients of childbearing potential
• lactating females who plan to breastfeed their infants are ineligible
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete exclusion criteria
COG AALL1621 - A Phase 2 Study of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin (NSC# 772518, IND#133494) in Children and Young Adults with Relapsed or Refractory CD22+ B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)
This phase II trial studies how well inotuzumab ozogamicin works in treating younger patients (≥1 year and < 22 years ) with CD22 positive B acute lymphoblastic leukemia that has come back or does not respond to treatment. Immunotoxins, such as inotuzumab ozogamicin, are antibodies linked to a toxic substance and may help find cancer cells that express CD22 and kill them without harming normal cells.
• 1 to 21 years old
• must have B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), or previously diagnosed B lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LL)
• Patients with one of the following: Second or greater relapse; Primary refractory disease with at least 2 prior induction attempts; First relapse refractory to at least one prior re-induction attempt; OR Any relapse after HSCT (Cohort 1 ONLY)
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete Inclusion and Exclusion criteria
• currently receiving another investigational drug
• currently receiving or plan to receive other anti-cancer agents (except hydroxyurea, which may be continued until 24 hours prior to start of protocol therapy, and intrathecal chemotherapy)
Monoclonal Gammopathy and Amyloidosis Registry and Biobank (MGARB)
The purpose of this study is to establish a registry and biobank to study monoclonal gammopathy and amyloidosis. We aim to understand better the changes these diseases cause, the symptoms they present, and the clinical progression to be able to better prevent them and treat them in the future.
• diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy or amyloidosis
• unable to speak English
Menopause Transition, Sex Hormone Deficiency and Autonomic and Vascular Function
This study is being done to learn more about the influence of the menopausal transition on autonomic and vascular function in midlife females. Participants will have their vitals taken and height, weight and waist-to-hip ratio measurements done, complete questionnaires, have blood draws, electrical activity of a nerve in leg measured (optional), have blood vessel function measured, breathing exercises, and a cold pressor test (putting a hand in ice-cold water).
• premenopausal women
• age 45-55 yrs
• used nicotine or tobacco in the past six months
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• BMI ≥ 40 kg/m^2
• using hormonal contraceptives
• diagnoses of diabetes, carotid stenosis, hypertension, and/or sleep apnea
Characterization of spleen motion and anatomy using imaging and sensors
This research is being performed to examine how the spleen moves during breathing in various body positions and breathing conditions. Physical measurements of the participant's body will be recorded (weight, height, and body dimensions) and then noninvasive recordings of the spleen and breathing patterns will be recorded. The spleen motion will be measured using standard abdominal ultrasound imaging, and breathing will be measured with accelerometers (small devices about the size of a quarter that measure the movement of the chest during breathing).
• at least 18 years old
• individuals who have had a splenectomy
• people with breathing difficulties and/or individuals for whom short breath holds and modification of breathing patterns is difficult or uncomfortable
• unable to maintain five body positions: sitting, sitting with a 45 degree recline, laying on back (supine), laying on right side, and laying face down (prone) comfortably and independently
• unable to speak and read English
Maternal Stress, Human Milk Composition, and Neurodevelopmental and Feeding Outcomes
This study explores the associations between maternal stress, breastmilk composition, and feeding and neurodevelopment for preterm infants in the NICU and at 4 months corrected age.
• preterm infant born between 28 0/7 and 32 6/7 weeks' gestation
• mother is 18 to 45 years of age at the time of delivery
• mother's BMI between 18.5 to 40 kg/m^2 before pregnancy or at first trimester
• preterm babies with significant health issues at birth
• mothers: a) alcohol consumption >1 drink per week or any tobacco use during pregnancy, b) history/current Type I or II diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus, c) known congenital metabolic, endocrine disease or congenital illness affecting infant feeding/growth
Modifying Progesterone and Estradiol Levels to Prevent Postpartum Cigarette Smoking Relapse and Reduce Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Infants and Children
We will enroll healthy pregnant women (following enrollment, all subsequent study procedures will be completed postpartum) or postpartum women on hormonal birth control or no hormonal birth control with either a recent history of smoking and a desire to remain abstinent after childbirth, or who are currently smoking and motivated to quit smoking. Participants will be recruited throughout the continental United States (US). Participants living in Minnesota (our clinical site) will receive a 12-week course of exogenous progesterone. Participants will be followed for six months with remote visits, self-administered surveys, and self-collection of dried blood spots to measure hormones and smoking-related biomarkers.
• 18 to 45 years old
• uncomplicated pregnancy at gestational week 30 or beyond, or birth of a child within the past 6 months
• history of ≥ 4 cigarettes per month during the six months prior to pregnancy
• motivation to become and/or stop smoking after delivery
• willing to use birth control for the 12 weeks of the study
• live in the continental US and have a device to connect to the internet for participation
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete inclusion criteria
• current daily use of nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation medications, with the exception of e-cigarettes
• major depressive disorder
• current or within the past 3 months treatment for drug or alcohol use
• see link to clinicaltrials.gov for complete exclusion criteria
Psychology and Health
The goal of this study is to learn more about how people make health-related decisions. Participants will complete two remote visits over Zoom, and answer questions about their beliefs, experiences, and health decisions they have made. They will also complete online computerized tasks. Total participation time is 2-3 hours.
• age 18 to 70 years
• have access to the Internet
• speak fluent English
• unable to speak English