Effects of Aging and Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Vascular Endothelial Function and Metabolic...
TransgenderismGender Identity5 moreThis study will examine markers of vascular endothelial function (vascular health) and metabolic profiles in older versus younger transgender men (people who were assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is male). Data will also be compared to those from age group-matched transgender women and cisgender women and men.
Markers of Inflammation and of the Pro-thrombotic State in Hospital Shift and Day Workers
Shift-Work Related Sleep DisturbanceInflammation2 moreThe goal of this observational study is to learn if acutely and/or chronically altered sleep induces inflammation and/or a pro-thrombotic state (a tendency to form clots) in hospital workers who either work in shifts or are exclusively daily workers. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does chronically altered sleep induce a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state, which are steps towards cardiovascular disease, knowing that is associated with poor sleep? Does acutely disrupted sleep, such as that observed in night shift workers, induce a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state in otherwise healthy subjects? Participants in the study are hospital workers who either work in shifts, including night shifts, or only during the day. Sleep quality is assessed by a validated questionnaire (the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Markers of inflammation and of the pro-thrombotic state are measured at baseline and, if appropriate, after the night shift. These are markers of platelet activation, D-dimer, Interleukin-6 and endothelin 1, known to contribute and/or to suggest a condition of generalized inflammation and a tendency to form clots. Relevant information on health status is also collected for each participant.
Perioperative Inflammatory Response Assessment in High-risk Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery...
Postoperative ComplicationsCardiovascular Complication2 morePostoperative cardiovascular complications are common after noncardiac surgery. The association between perioperative inflammation and the occurrence of cardiovascular complications after surgery is still unknown. Therefore, we will evaluate as our primary aim the association between patients with increased postoperative inflammation, assessed with C-reactive protein measurements, and the occurrence of major cardiovascular complications after noncardiac surgery. We will further evaluate the influence of perioperative inflammation on the occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury. We will also evaluate the association between inflammation and the influence on Days-At-Home within 30 days. Furthermore, we will evaluate the association between increased inflammatory biomarkers and postoperative N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration.
Periodontal Parameters in Orthodontic Patients With Stainless Steel and Ceramic Brackets.
Periodontal InflammationDental MalocclusionThe aim of this study is to assess if there are significant differences in periodontal conditions between patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with stainless steel or ceramic brackets. For this study, patients will be enrolled and divided into two groups, according to the type of brackets (stainless steel or ceramic) used for orthodontic treatment. A professional supragingival and subgingival oral hygiene will be performed before the bonding of the orthodontic brackets together with a periodontal evaluation will be recording the following periodontal indices: PPD, BoP, BS, GI, PI, BEWE and Schiff Air Index. Indices will be recorded after 1, 3 and 6 months after the bonding, separately for both in maxillary and in mandibular dental arches and only for teeth with brackets bonded.
Inflammation and Clotting Abnormalities in Aneurysmal Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary Artery AneurysmAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm1 moreThe main objective of the CARE-ANEURYSM project is to evaluate inflammation and clotting abnormalities in patients with aneurysmal coronary artery disease in relation to patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm or coronary artery disease (acting as controls).
Role of the Oral Microbiome & Mucosal Immunity in COVID-19 Disease
COVID-19Microbial Colonization4 moreDetermining whether in the mouth there are differences between the participant groups in the nature and activity of mucosal innate immunity, in immune responses to SARS-COV2 antigens, or in the oral microbiome
PericOronary INflammaTion in Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Non-Obstructive Coronary AtherosclerosisAmong patients with ischemic heart disease who are referred for coronary angiography, a substantial proportion have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Myocardial infarction (MI) with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) accounts for 5-20% of patients with MI and preferentially affects women. MINOCA pathogenesis is varied and may include atherosclerotic plaque rupture, plaque erosion with thrombosis, vasospasm, embolization, dissection or a combination of mechanisms. Other patients may have clinically unrecognized myocarditis, or takotsubo syndrome masquerading as MI. Among patients referred for coronary angiography for the evaluation of stable ischemic heart disease, non-obstructive CAD is present in up to ~30% of men and ~60% of women. Stable ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) may be due to coronary microvascular dysfunction in up to 40% of these patients. Our understanding of mechanisms of MINOCA and INOCA remain incomplete. Coronary inflammation has been hypothesized as a potential mechanism contributing to coronary spasm in MINOCA and microvascular disease in INOCA.
Sequelae of Sars-CoV-2 Infections
Lung DiseasesCardiac Disease1 moreBy the end of 2019 a new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, was discovered in patients with pneumonia in Wuhan, China. In the following weeks and months the virus spread globally, having a tremendous impact on global health and economy. To date, no vaccine or therapy is available. Severe courses of the infection not only affect the lungs, but also other organs like the heart, kidney, or liver. The lack of preexisting immunity might at least partially explain the affection of extra pulmonary organs not yet seen in infections due to other respiratory viruses. In this observational investigation the study group will follow up on patients that have been hospitalized due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, and monitor sequelae in various organs, with an emphasis on the pulmo-cardiovascular system. Our that in some patients, organ damage will persist and require long-term medical care.
Analysis of Anterior Chamber Inflammation by Optical Coherence Tomography
UveitisA prospective, observational, case series investigating the feasibility of utilizing OCT scans of the anterior chamber of eyes with uveitis.
Fibro-inflammatory Progression From Acute to Chronic Pancreatitis
PancreatitisAcute Pancreatitis4 moreObservational prospective study evaluating the developement of chronic pancreatitis based on imaging modalities as well as biochemical markers of inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress.