CiNPT for Abdominoplasties in Post-bariatric Patients Study
ObesityMorbid25 moreThe overarching goal of this research is to assess whether the post-operative use of closed-incision Negative Pressure Therapy (ciNPT) accelerates healing of surgical wounds, improves surgical outcomes, and reduces the rate of local complications in high-risk, obese, post-bariatric patients undergoing abdominal body-contouring procedures (abdominal panniculectomy or "abdominoplasty") compared to standard wound care. The investigators postulate that ciNPT can cost-effectively improve outcomes and standard of post-surgical care in this specific category of patients. This hypothesis will be tested through a prospective, interventional, case-control, randomized clinical trial.
Anthocyanins as Dementia Prevention?
DementiaInflammation2 moreThe aim of this project is to study the safety and efficacy of anthocyanins in improving key dementia-related mechanisms and cognitive functioning in older people at risk for dementia. Secondary analyses will include a variety of biological measures, including biochemistry, imaging and cardiovascular measures.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Differential Effects of DHA and EPA on Inflammation
Metabolic SyndromeOverweight3 moreAccording to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number 1 cause of death globally. Systemic and local tissue inflammation is now recognized as a key etiological process leading to CVD. Hence, elevated blood levels of inflammation markers are classified among the well-established risk factors for the development of CVD. Among nutritional strategies to prevent and/or reduce chronic inflammation, long-chain omega 3 PUFA (LCn-3PUFA), notably eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have raised tremendous interest for their purported anti-inflammatory effects. Previous meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) substantiated the anti-inflammatory effect of LCn-3PUFA supplementation as evidenced by significant reductions in plasma concentrations of specific inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). However, it is stressed that almost all of the reported RCTs have used a mix of EPA and DHA in various ratios, as EPA and DHA occur concomitantly and naturally in food (fish oils) and in most dietary supplements. Yet, several recent RCTs have recently been undertaken to test the hypothesis that not all LCn-3PUFAs are equal, at least when it comes to their anti-inflammatory effects. Accordingly, there is increasing interest and evidence for potential distinctive effects of DHA compared to EPA on systemic inflammation, raising the question: Is DHA a more potent anti-inflammatory nutrient than EPA? To formally answer this question, we will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to assess and compare the individual anti-inflammatory effects of DHA and of EPA. The present work will be a pairwise and network meta-analysis focusing on RCTs comparing the effects of EPA and DHA on surrogate markers of systemic inflammation. The findings generated by these analyses will provide invaluable and timely comparative information on the specific efficacy of DHA and EPA as one of the key nutritional modalities for the treatment of chronic inflammation in high-risk men and women. This is important considering that LCn-3PUFA supplements are increasingly being used by the population and an ever growing market in the dietary supplements' industry.
Post Market Clinical Follow-Up Study - Medical Device KalobaNaso
Common ColdNasal Mucosal Inflammation1 moreThe goal of this observational PMCF study is to confirm the efficacy and safety of the medical device KalobaNaso (a nasal spray) in children, adolescents and adults with common cold symptoms, such as runny nose, nasal congestion and rhinitis. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is the product effective in the treatment of common cold symptoms? Is the product safe? After buying the product, participants will be asked to fill in a questionnaire, in order to: Assess the cold symptoms before the use of the nasal spray. Assess the resolution of cold symptoms after the use of the nasal spray. Describe the adverse effect(s)/problem(s) observed while using the product (if any).
Does Daily Supplementation of Lactobacillus Acidophilus MPH734, for One Week, Affect Acute (Immediate),...
Lactose IntoleranceThe purpose of this study is to determine if twice or three times daily supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus MPH734 (Lacto-FreedomTM, or LF), for one week, affects acute (immediate), subacute (7 days), and post-treatment discontinuation (30-, 60-, and 90- day) lactose metabolism, gastrointestinal symptoms, and clinical markers of inflammation and safety compared to a placebo.
Relationship Between Diet, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing SpondylitisAnkylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The aim of this study is to reveal the relationship between dietary intake, blood total antioxidant capacity and disease activity in individuals with AS. This study will include patients diagnosed with AS who applied to Ankara City Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, and a control group that does not have AS. The sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional habits and 1-day physical activity status of individuals with AS and healthy persons will be recorded. Anthropometric measurements of all individuals (such as height length (cm) and body weight) will be taken. From the height and body weight measurements, the individuals body mass indexes will be calculated. All parts of the questionnaire for individuals included in the research will be filled in by the researcher through face-to-face interview technique. The disease activity score of the individuals in the case group will be evaluated by the physician. Serum biochemical parameters will be taken from the patient files. In the patient information system of the control group, above mentioned blood tests will be recorded from the examinations performed in the last 1 month. Serum total antioxidant and oxidant levels will be measured in a private laboratory with a tube (5 ml) of blood from all individuals. The parameters to be examined in blood samples are specific to the study and their cost will be covered by the researchers.
Impact of Teeth Extraction on Inflammation Marker's Levels in Patients Who Undergoing Cardiac Surgery...
Inflammation GumCardiac SurgeryThe aim of this study is to examine effects of dental treatments, surgical (extractions) and non-surgical procedures (non-surgical periodontal therapy), on serum levels for PCR, WBCs and PCT in patients needing a dental remediation before undergoing cardiac surgery.
Effect of Fermented Milk Containing Lactobacillus Casei Strain Shirota in Sarcopenia Elderly
SarcopeniaInflammation1 moreSarcopenia, which refers to the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, shares many characteristics with other disease states typically associated with risks of falling and fracture, including osteoporosis, frailty, and obesity. Sarcopenia often is linked to an increase in connective tissue, muscle steatosis, impaired muscle metabolism, an increase in inflammatory markers (e.g., TNF-a and IL-6), an increased stiffness of myofibers, slower kinetics in establishing myosin-actin crossing bridges, increased oxidative stress, mitochondria dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, and decreased capillary flow. In addition to the Lactobacillus casei strain, Shirota is a well-known probiotic strain that has been approved and is generally recognized as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration. L. casei strain Shirota (LCS) has been suggested to confer health benefits. Investigators found that LCS decelerated age-related muscle loss via ensuring mitochondrial function in Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Investigators also found that 3-Indolepropionic Acid (IPA) is a microbiota-derived metabolite from a healthy intestinal gut. IPA is also a protective factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease in the Chinese population. This clinical trial focuses on the effect of fermented milk containing LCS on sarcopenia in elderly Taiwanese individuals. Investigators focus on the topic of the interaction of LCS with the diversity of the gut microbiota, microbiota-derived metabolites, and protein utilization. The proposal will have four research goals. First, investigators try to investigate whether long term supplementation LCS could restructure the gut microbiota composition and gut microbial metabolites to against Aging related -Gut Dysbiosis in elderly. Second, investigators also try to link the LCS play an important role on muscle loss and alternation of gut microbiota composition. Third, investigators try to study the LCS effect of muscle deterioration with aging, and highlight the two underpinning mechanisms (ROS and protein utilization) regulating declines in muscle mass and function. Fourth, Since IPA is important Microbiota-derived metabolites in health gut, investigators try to investigate whether LCS could play an important role on modulation of IPA production in GI. Fifth, investigators hope that investigators can through gut microbiota composition found some selective microbiota clusters perform positively correlation with IPA.
Exploring the Potential of Finger Prick Blood for Assessment of BIOmarkers for LOw Grade Inflammation...
BiomarkerThere are currently no minimally invasive techniques for the measurement of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Apo-B48 that can be used in samples collected in field settings. In this project we want to explore whether postprandial assessment of biomarkers LPS and ApoB48 in blood withdrawn with a finger prick test can be used as marker for low grade inflammation and risk factor for CVD. The primary objectives of this pilot study are to a) determine whether postprandial LPS and ApoB48 levels can be assessed in finger prick blood of both lean subjects and obese subjects; and b) compare postprandial LPS and ApoB48 levels assessed in venous blood and blood collected through a finger prick test. This study is an observational pilot study in which postprandial LPS and ApoB48 will be assessed before and after ingestion of a high fat load in 5 lean and 5 obese subjects in the age range 18-70 years. Samples will be collected under fasting conditions and in response to a high fat challenge test (1, 2, 4 and 6 hours post ingestion). The risks for participation are very small if not negligible. No adverse effects of the high fat challenge were reported previously. Consumption of high amounts of saturated fat may cause some GI discomfort. Blood sampling will be performed via a cannula and the insertion can be a painful and may cause a bruise. Finger prick might also give a short pain sensation and small bruises. The amount of blood that is drawn from participants is relatively small (total 37.5 ml) and is therefore within acceptable limits. There are no direct benefits for the participants. In the BIOLOGIC study we include both lean subjects and obese subjects as we expect differences in postprandial responses related to differences in chylomicron production and LPS levels. Therefore it is important to explore these biomarkers in both target groups. This study can therefore be regarded as group-related, non-therapeutic research.
Impact of Time-Restricted Eating on Metabolic and Neuroendocrine Homeostasis, Inflammation and Oxidative...
Metabolic SyndromeOverweight or Obesity3 moreThe main purpose of the clinical trial is to determine the health impact of a dietary intervention known as time-restricted eating (TRE) in patients with metabolic syndrome (defined as the presence of elevated fasting plasma glucose and two or more of the following criteria: increased waist circumference, elevated fasting plasma triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, elevated blood pressure) and self-reported dietary intake of ≥14 hours per day. Participants will reduce the amount of time they eat to 10 hours per day over a 12-week monitored intervention followed by a 12-week self-directed intervention and will log their dietary intake using a smartphone application (myCircadianClock (mCC) app). Glucose homeostasis (blood glucose levels will be monitored continuously for 2 weeks at the baseline, at the end of the monitored intervention, and at the end of the self-directed intervention using a continuous glucose monitor), and other metabolic, neuroendocrine, inflammatory and oxidative stress/antioxidant defense biomarkers, body weight and composition, blood pressure, heart rate, sleep and activity (using mCC app), personal sense of wellness and dietary timing (using health questionnaires) will be evaluated at the baseline, at the end of the monitored intervention, and at the end of the self-directed intervention.