COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF MCI and DEMENTIA TREATMENTS IN A COMMUNITY-BASED DEMENTIA PRACTICE...
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentDementia15 moreThis retrospective study is a more extensive, confirmatory analysis of the cognitive and functional outcomes initially seen in 2 groups of MCI/dementia patients in Springfield, MA and compares specialized dementia care and a comprehensive treatment approach versus usual care delivered in a non-specialist setting. The first group of patients (n= 328) was seen by a dementia specialist, who utilized a standardized assessment and treatment protocol (CNS). This included comprehensive identification and treatment of hypoxia, sleep-disorders, and other cognitively-impairing metabolic conditions as well as maximally- dosed FDA-approved medications for dementia, depression, and PBA. The second group of patients (n= 280) was seen by non-dementia specialists in the community and received usual care which did not include comprehensive assessment or treatment of underlying metabolic derangements or maximal utilization of currently available medications. This study, evaluating date from a larger cohort (n>800) of specialist-treated cognitively-impaired patients, will further examine the hypothesis that a comprehensive dementia treatment protocol yields cognitive stabilization and/or improvement using already available dementia drugs when compared with usual community care.
Pulse Oximeter Motion Study
HypoxiaEvaluate the performance of 4 pulse oximeters in 10 healthy adult volunteers with three motions compared to non-motion control at three arterial oxygen saturation target plateaus.
Tübingen High Altitude Ophthalmology Study
AltitudeHypoxiaTuebingen High Altitude Ophthalmology Study to investigate the effects of high altitude on retinal structure and function as well as anterior chamber in regard to acute mountain sickness.
Effects of Cyclic Variations in Altitude Conditioning (CVAC) on Wellness and Activity Measures
HypoxiaCyclic Variation in Altitude Conditioning (CVAC) is a new technique that uses a pod-like device to expose users to controlled fluctuations in air pressure. It is designed to promote quicker altitude acclimatization, thus promoting improvements in exercise capacity at altitude and, possibly, at sea level. However, over the past few years, anecdotal stories from users of the device suggest that the CVAC treatments might be causing changes beyond the expected endurance exercise performance benefits. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to obtain data on some of the previous anecdotal claims regarding the device (e.g. increases in strength, improved glucose tolerance, reduction of neuropathic pain and decreased joint swelling) as well as to obtain broad questionnaire data in order to identify more specific variables to investigate in future studies.
Pulse Oximeter Responses to Multiple Levels of Stable Hypoxia in Neonates
HypoxiaValidate pulse oximeter sensors in neonates by comparing sensor readings to blood samples during cardiac surgery.
Bone Loss, Fractures, and Management of Bone Health in People With Stroke in Managed Rehabilitation...
StrokeAnoxia1 moreThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the state of bone health of brain injury patients being seen within a rehabilitation setting. Osteopenia is a condition of bone in which decreased calcification, decreased density, or reduced mass occurs. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become extremely porous, are subject to fracture, and heal slowly. More specifically, the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis at specific anatomic locations (e.g., forearms, hips, spine) will be determined as will specific interventions (e.g., use of vitamins, nutritional supplements, specific prescription medications) that people with brain injury may be applying, or have applied, to manage their bone health. An attempt will also be made to evaluate severity of brain injury, based on loss of muscle strength/function, and to compare this data with bone-focused information such as bone mineral density (BMD), falls, and history.
Accuracy of Pulse Oximeters With Profound Hypoxia
OximetryPulseThe aim of this project is to test the accuracy of pulse oximeters during mild, moderate and severe hypoxia. This is done by comparing the reading of the pulse oximeter during brief, steady state hypoxia with a gold-standard measurement of blood oxyhemoglobin saturation (arterial blood sample processed in a laboratory hemoximeter). The data obtained is submitted by pulse oximeter manufacturers to the FDA for device approval.
Clinical Utility of Serum Biomarkers for the Management of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy...
Hypoxic Ischemic EncephalopathyHypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious birth complication due to systemic asphyxia which occurs in about 20 of 1,000 full-term infants and nearly 60% of premature newborns. Between 10-60% of babies who exhibit HIE die during the newborn period and up to 25% of the HIE survivors have permanent neurodevelopmental handicaps in the form of cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities, or epilepsy. HIE also has a significant financial impact on the health care system. In the state of Florida, the total cost for initial hospitalization is $161,000 per HIE patient admitted, but those costs don't take into account the life-long costs. Current monitoring and evaluation of HIE, outcome prediction, and efficacy of hypothermia treatment rely on a combination of a neurological exam, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). However, these methods do a poor job in identifying non-responders to hypothermia. MRI requires transport of the neonate with a requisite 40-45 min scan, which is not appropriate for unstable neonates. Moreover, the amplitude integrated EEG (aEEG), a common bedside monitoring technique currently used in these patients to assess candidates and predict outcomes prior to hypothermia, can be adversely affected by hypothermia itself and the patient may not appear to improve until re-warming. Consequently, the development of a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive, rapid biochemical test is essential to identify candidates for therapeutic hypothermia, to distinguish responders from non-responders and to assess outcome. This research is the first step needed to treat neonates with HIE employing a personalized medical approach using serum proteins GFAP and UCH-L1 as biomarkers and by monitoring neonates responses to therapeutic hypothermia. These biomarkers will aid in the direct care by providing a rapid test to predict outcomes and select candidates who are likely to benefit from therapeutic hypothermia and gauge a response to the neuroprotective intervention.
Cerebral Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Monitoring Throughout Caesarean Deliveries
AnoxiaIn this study the investigator would like to examine hemodynamic cerebral blood flow and brain function by the use of Invos cerebral oximetry in women undergoing cesarean section delivery. This study is a purely observational study, it will not have any clinical intervention nor will it interfere with standard cesarean delivery protocols in any way. The investigator's primary objective is to evaluate how anesthesia influences cerebral blood flow perfusion during cesarean section deliveries.
Controlled Acute Hypoxia Study Comparing Pulse Oximetry to Arterial Blood Samples During Motion...
HealthyHypoxiaTo validate the proposed claims for pulse rate and saturation accuracy in a diverse subject population during motion over a specified saturation range.