Development of Non-invasive Prenatal Test for Microdeletion and Other Genetic Syndromes Based on...
Microdeletion SyndromesTrisomy 213 moreThe purpose of this study is to collect blood from families with a child who has been diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder including microdeletions in order to further develop a non-invasive prenatal screening test based on fetal DNA isolated from maternal blood.
A Longitudinal Study of Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Pulmonary Fibrosis
Hermansky Pudlak SyndromeHermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) is a rare genetic disease that is associated with oculocutaneous albinism, bleeding, granulomatous colitis, and pulmonary fibrosis in some subtypes, including HPS-1, HPS-2, and HPS-4. Pulmonary fibrosis causes shortness of breath and progressive decline in lung function. In HPS patients with at-risk subtypes, almost all adults eventually develop fatal pulmonary fibrosis unless they undergo lung transplantation. The purpose of this study is to identify the earliest measurable pulmonary disease activity in individuals at-risk for HPS pulmonary fibrosis. The study also aims to develop biomarkers that will aid in understanding of the causes of HPS pulmonary fibrosis and facilitate more rapid conduct of therapeutic trials in HPS patients with mild pulmonary disease in the future.
Investigation of Psychometric Properties of the EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L in Patients With Carpal Tunnel...
Carpal Tunnel SyndromeThe purpose of this study is to determine how appropriate and practically is the EQ-5D questionnaire in use on patients with carpal tunnel syndrome undergoing surgery along the change of quality of life.
Developing Novel Microbiota-Targeted Therapies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel SyndromeThis longitudinal study is being done to understand mechanisms underlying development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the role of the gut bacteria in development of symptoms. This information will be used to determine whether temporal changes in gut microbial taxonomy and metabolism are associated with changes in symptom severity in IBS, and if targeted dietary interventions, including prebiotics, can reverse or moderate these changes.
Micro RNAs as a Marker of Aortic Aneurysm in Hereditary Aortopathy Syndromes
Marfan SyndromeLoeys-Dietz Syndrome3 moreThe primary objective of this study is to determine whether specific patterns of circulating micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection in patients with hereditary aortopathy syndromes. The most common of these syndromes is Marfan Syndrome (MFS), but several other recognized aortopathy syndromes are well characterized. The investigators propose the use of a simple blood test, from which miRNA profiles can be measured in individuals with aortopathy syndromes to be compared with miRNAs observed in a control population that has no known predisposition for aortic disease. The investigators hypothesize that microRNA profiles in individuals with Marfan syndrome, and related disorders, will be distinct from those seen in a control group. The investigators predict that up- or down-regulation of certain miRNAs will correlate with the presence and severity of aortic aneurysm, responses to medical therapy, and ultimately could be used to determine when an individual may be at risk of dissection.
Brain Scintigraphy in Normal Versus Kleine-Levin Syndrome Subjects
Healthy SubjectsKleine-Levin SyndromeThe investigators perform neuropsychological tests and brain scintigraphy in 30 healthy subjects. These results will be compared with data obtained out of episode in patients with Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS). The investigators want to determine if brain functional imaging and cognitive abnormalities persist during asymptomatic period in a large series of patients with KLS, and to find predictors of these abnormalities.
Metabolic Screening in Patients With Donnai-Barrow Syndrome
Donnai-Barrow SyndromeThis study focuses on the genetics and metabolism of Donnai-Barrow Syndrome (DBS).
Gut Peptides and Intestinal Permeability in Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Celiac DiseaseIrritable Bowel SyndromeIt is well known that the intestinal barrier is altered in celiac disease (CD), an autoimmune disease that develops in genetically predisposed subjects exposed to ingestion of wheat gliadin and of related prolamines of barley and rye. More recently, defective epithelial barrier has been implicated in the pathogenesis of other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At present IBS is still considered a functional condition although low-grade inflammation has been associated with its manifestation, particularly that following infection. Different substances have been implicated in the (dis)regulation of intestinal barrier, among them zonulin seems to play a key role. Other gastrointestinal peptides are GPL-2, Ghrelin, and Epidermal growth factor (EGF). In order to shed light on the hormonal regulation of intestinal barrier function in celiac patients before undergoing a gluten free diet and possible differences with those of IBS patients, in the present study the investigators will apply the non-invasive lactulose/mannitol permeability test toward the evaluation of intestinal damage. The pattern of intestinal permeability and the GI peptides concentration will be compared in celiac patients, IBS patients and healthy controls.
Prediction and Pathogenesis of the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory SyndromeOpportunistic InfectionsThe objective of this project is to determine clinical and biological predictors of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) occurrence in HIV infected patients who are started on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and to obtain more insight into the pathogenesis of this syndrome. The investigators will prospectively study HIV infected patients in Sub Saharan Africa who will be initiated on ART and are at risk to develop IRIS in all its different appearances. In these patients, the investigators will assess the value of clinical features and plasma biomarkers to predict IRIS, and the investigators will obtain insight into which inflammatory pathways become activated during IRIS. This project will provide novel knowledge about this clinically highly relevant healthcare problem in a resource poor setting, namely in Lambaréné, Gabon, in the Central African rainforest belt. In Gabon little research has been done in the field of HIV. The epidemiological pattern of IRIS in Gabon will be described. Promising putative plasma biomarkers will be validated for their use in daily practice.
Molecular Screening for Lynch Syndrome in Southern Denmark
Colorectal CancerLynch Syndrome1 moreA clinically applicably strategy for molecular screening for Lynch Syndrome has been implemented in the Region of Southern Denmark. Based on sequential analysis with immunohistochemistry and methylation analysis, patients with possible hereditary colorectal cancer are identified. These patients are offered genetic risk assessment and counselling. The study hypothesis is that molecular screening will identify more patients with Lynch Syndrome than the family history alone. Prospective data collection is performed using established clinical databases.