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Hospital-Based Cluster Trial: Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods Using Distraction Intervals
A hospital-based cluster stratified randomization control study will be conducted to investigate spinal growth in Early Onset Scoliosis patients between 5 and 9 years of age. Patients must have a major coronal curve measuring over 50 degrees and be undergoing Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod treatment. We will be studying 6-week lengthening intervals compared to 16-week lengthening intervals on spinal growth within 3 years.
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Human Immune Response to Ixodes Scapularis Tick Bites
Background: Each year, the number of cases of tick-borne diseases increases. The deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the vector of at least 7 pathogens that cause human diseases, including Lyme disease. Researchers want to learn more to help them develop vaccines against ticks in the future. Objective: To learn how people s bodies, particularly the skin, respond to tick bites. Eligibility: Healthy adults aged 18 years and older who have no known history of a tick-borne disease or tick bite exposure. Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history, physical exam, and blood tests. ...
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Hyaluronidase Via LADD Scleroderma-induced Microstomia
Two treatment methods, ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and intradermal hyaluronidase, will be combined to maximize the beneficial potential of each. Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) has been shown to be effective for the administration of medications in diverse skin diseases but not previously reported for the treatment of scleroderma-induced microstomia. By using this laser technique, the investigator can reduce the pain of typical hyaluronidase injections and reap the therapeutic benefit of the laser treatment itself. The investigator's goal is to create greater mouth mobility for chewing and speaking as well as improved oral ...
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Hydrogen Water Dosing Study for ME/CFS
The aim of this 16-week pilot randomized trial is to explore the potential benefit of the OTC supplement hydrogen water, for the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods: This 16-week home-based trial will compare two groups: (1) low dose hydrogen water (2-3 glasses/day) for all 16 weeks; and (2) low dose followed by high dose hydrogen water (up to 5 glasses/day). Condition (2) involves an initial 8 weeks of low dose H2 followed by 8 weeks of high dose H2 in order to test the premise that the higher dosage will be more effective with fewer adverse effects if preceded by several weeks of low dose H2. Outcomes measures will ...
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Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Transcutaneous Auricular Neuromodulation
Investigate whether at-home transcutaneous auricular VNS (tAN: transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation) improves a battery of nine key physical and psychological symptoms of a group of hEDS (Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder) patients (n=30) using a randomized, double blind, sham controlled design. The study team will collect clinical measures at baseline, after a two-week double-blind intervention phase, after a following two-week open-label phase and finally at three months post intervention. The study team will test patients in the following domains: pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, ...
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Identifying the Determinants of Bleeding and Hypermobility in Patients With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
In this study, researchers want to learn about the connection between heavy bleeding issues and joint hypermobility (loose joints). They want to know if these issues may indicate other connective tissue problems in girls and women with heavy menstrual bleeding who do not have a known cause. Primary Objective - Compare the severity of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with and without Generalized joint Hypermobility Syndrome Disorder/hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (G-HSD/hEDS) using bleeding scores. Secondary Objectives - Compare the frequency of co-morbidities in women with and without...
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Imaging of Lymphatic Vessels in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Lymphatic transport was previously examined by these investigators using Near InfraRed Indocyanine Green fluorescence imaging (NIR-ICG) of the upper extremities. They established reliable and reproducible methodologies in RA patients. The purpose of this phase 2 pilot is to study RA disease progression and effectiveness as well as the mechanism of action of clinical interventions using established NIR-ICG methodologies in previous studies.
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Immunomodulatory Effects of PCSK9 Inhibition
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the leading cause of death worldwide. While medications, such as statins, significantly reduce atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk by lowering low density lipoprotein levels, they may also have pleiotropic effects on inflammation. The immunomodulatory effects of these medications are relevant to ASCVD risk reduction given that inflammation plays a central role in atherosclerotic plaque formation (atherogenesis) and influences the development of vulnerable plaque morphology. Patients on statins, however, may have residual inflammation contributing to incident ASCVD despite the potent LDL-lowering...
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IMPACT - AndHealth Autoimmune Research Registry
This is a patient research registry aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a comprehensive, root-cause medical approach ("AndHealth program") for autoimmune disorders. This approach involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies offered under the care of a licensed physician with the support of health coaches. While protocol guidance is provided, the therapeutic approach is personalized to the individual needs of patients. The autoimmune disorders of focus in this registry include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. A variety of validated labs, ...
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Impact of Different Exercise Programs on Knee OA
This study will examine and compare the changes in serum biomarkers, joint kinematics, and thigh muscle strength based on three different 8-week exercise protocols in individuals with knee pathology: Lower-body positive-pressure (LBPP) supported low-load treadmill walking and Aquatic exercise program and standard of care treadmill or community walking. Investigators hypothesize that both the 8-week exercise programs which aim to partially off-load the knee joint will be associated with a significant reduction in serum biological markers of joint disease (tissue turnover, cartilage degradation and inflammation) in response to the...
