
Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel SyndromeProbiotics are defined as 'mono- or mixed cultures of live micro-organisms which, when applied to animal or man, beneficially affect the host by improving the properties of the indigenous flora'. Certain probiotics possess potent antibacterial and antiviral properties. Probiotic antibacterial activity may derive from the direct secretion of bacteriocins, the elaboration of proteases directed against bacterial toxins or through their ability to adhere to epithelial cells and thus exclude pathogens. The antiviral properties of some probiotic organisms, including the stimulation of interferon production, together with the well-documented efficacy of certain probiotics in the therapy of rotavirus diarrhea suggests the potential for a role for these agents in PI-IBS. The efficacy of some probiotics in preferentially relieving 'gas-related' symptoms may be related to qualitative changes in the colonic flora, as described earlier, or through the suppression of Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) , as there are reports of efficacy of probiotics in SIBO. The aim of the proposed study is to investigate whether the probiotic preparation "co biotic" can change the composition of fecal bile acids, fatty acids and bacterial composition, and whether such changes, if they occur, are correlated to a change in the symptoms of patients with IBS. Materials and methods: Patients diagnosed as having IBS by the Rome III criteria will be included in the study. Study subjects will be interviewed by a physician who will asses the diagnosis of IBS according to the Rome III criteria. Subjects will sign an informed consent and fill an IBS questionnaire and a health related quality of life questionnaire, A fecal sample will be obtained The subject will receive the probiotic product in a dose of 2 tablets/day, or a placebo containing all the active ingredients in the probiotic capsule, besides the bacteria, for 4 weeks. They will then enter a washout period of 2 weeks in which they will not receive anything, and then another 4 weeks in which they will receive the probiotic product in a dose of 2 tablets/day, or a placebo. Patients will be randomized so that they will receive the study drug for 4 weeks and the placebo for 4 weeks, in a double-blinded fashion. Thus each patient will be his own control.

Acarbose Cardiovascular Evaluation Trial
Coronary Heart DiseaseAcute Coronary Syndrome2 moreThe purpose of this study is to determine whether acarbose therapy can reduce cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) who have established coronary heart disease (CHD) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A secondary objective of the study is to determine if acarbose therapy can prevent or delay transition to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in this patient population.

Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) Compared to ARDSnet Ventilation
Acute Lung InjuryAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome1 moreTraditional modes of ventilation have failed to improve patient survival. Subsequent observations that elevated airway pressures observed in traditional forms of ventilation resulted in barotrauma and extension of ALI lead to the evolution of low volume cycled ventilation as a potentially better ventilatory modality for ARDS. Recent multicenter trials by the NIH-ARDS network have confirmed that low volume ventilation increases the number of ventilatory free days and improves overall patient survival. While reducing mean airway pressure has reduced barotrauma and improved patient survival, it has impaired attempts to improve alveolar recruitment. Alveolar recruitment is important as it improves V/Q mismatch, allows reduction in FIO2 earlier, and decreases the risk of oxygen toxicity. Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) is a novel ventilatory modality that utilizes controlled positive airway pressure to maximize alveolar recruitment while minimizing barotrauma. In APRV, tidal ventilation occurs between the increase in lung volumes established by the application of CPAP and the relaxation of lung tissue following pressure release. Preliminary studies have suggested that APRV recruits collapsed alveoli and improves oxygenation through a restoration of pulmonary mechanics, but there are no studies indicating the potential overall benefit of APRV in recovery form ALI/ADRS.

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (t-DCS) On the P300 Component of Event-Related...
Diabetic NeuropathiesComplex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II2 moreThis is a controlled trial designed to determine short- and long-term effects of repeated tDCS on the P300 component of event-related evoked potentials in patients with chronic neuropathic pain due to Complex regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or diabetic neuropathy as compared with healthy subjects.

Intravenous Immunoglobulins in Complex-regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type 1The purpose of this study is to determine whether intravenous immunoglobulins are effective in the treatment of complex-regional pain syndrome.

Phase II Study of Florbetaben (BAY94-9172) PET Imaging for Detection/Exclusion of Cerebral β-amyloid....
Down SyndromeAmyloid Beta-proteinTo determine the sensitivity of the visual assessment of BAY94-9172 PET images in detecting cerebral β-amyloid in individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) and specificity in individuals without DS. Given that individuals with Down Syndrome develop β-amyloid pathology over the age of 40, the clinical diagnosis of Down Syndrome will serve as the standard of truth.

The Reversal Intervention for Metabolic Syndrome Study
Metabolic SyndromeThe aim of our study is to see if people with metabolic syndrome who attend a group education programme based on lifestyle changes (dietary and increased physical activity) can lessen their risk of having diabetes, heart disease and strokes in the future.

Myocardial Function & FFA Metabolism in HIV Metabolic Syndrome
HIV InfectionsCardiovascular Disease3 moreWe hypothesize that the hearts of HIV+ people with The Metabolic Syndrome use and oxidize fats and sugars inappropriately, and that this may impair the heart's ability to pump blood. We hypothesize that exercise training or pioglitazone (Actos) will improve fat and sugar metabolism in the hearts of HIV+ people with The Metabolic Syndrome. This study will advance our understanding of cardiovascular disease in HIV+ people, and will test the efficacy of exercise training and pioglitazone for improving insulin resistance, heart metabolism and heart function in this at risk population.

NOV-002 in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
LeukemiaMyelodysplastic SyndromeThe goal of this clinical research study is to learn if NOV-002 can help to restore bone marrow and blood levels in patients who have MDS. The safety of this drug will also be studied.

Early Insulin and Development of ARDS
Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult2 moreAcute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is a severe lung condition that causes respiratory failure. Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 48 hours of an original injury or illness, and people with ALI/ARDS typically require care in the intensive care unit (ICU). Little is known about how to prevent the onset of ALI/ARDS. The purpose of this study is to examine if early infusions of insulin, known as intensive insulin therapy (IIT), can help prevent ALI/ARDS in hospitalized patients with high levels of blood sugars and severe infections.