The Effects of Strawberries on Blood Pressure in Postmenopausal Women
HypertensionCardiovascular Diseases1 moreCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US. Statistics show that approximately 91% of individuals with CVD have vascular dysfunction. Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for CVD and approximately 60% of adults in the US are pre-hypertensive and hypertensive. In addition, the prevalence of hypertension is associated with aging in both genders; however, the increase in blood pressure (BP) in women after menopause exceeds that of men. The development of effective and safe strategies to improve vascular function is of significance as it can have a great impact on quality of life, productivity and economic burden for the affected populations. One such alternative would be to introduce into the diet food sources that are rich in naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Thus, the long-term goal of the investigators is to provide feasible and effective dietary ways for postmenopausal women to improve their vascular function and quality of life. Strawberries are a rich source of bioactive compounds and its total antioxidant content ranks third among all fruits and vegetables. Hence, the purpose of this study is to bring forth evidence that incorporation of strawberries into the diet will reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function in pre- and stage 1-hypertensive postmenopausal women. Sixty eligible postmenopausal women between the ages of 45 and 65 and a seated BP of ≥ 130/85 mm Hg but ≤ 160/100 mmHg at the screening visit will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 25 g freeze-dried strawberry powder; 50 g freeze-dried strawberry powder; or placebo powder. Participants will be asked to consume the supplements for 8-weeks. Medical history, medication use, dietary intake, and physical activity will be assessed at 0-, 4-, and 8-weeks followed by blood draw. Serum levels of markers of cardiovascular function as well as oxidative stress and inflammation will be measured. The investigators hypothesize that regular consumption of strawberry will improve cardiovascular function, decrease BP and blood markers of oxidative stress as well as inflammation. Investigators also expect the findings of this study to provide a foundation for further studies to examine the effects of long-term incorporation of strawberry into the diet and the integrity of cardiovascular system.
Sciatic Perineural Versus Stump Catheter for Below Knee Amputation
IschemiaPhantom Limb Pain2 moreThe goal of this study is to determine if pre-operative placement of the continuous peripheral nerve block by an anesthesiologist using ultrasound technology is more effective than a continuous peripheral nerve block placed during the surgery by a surgeon for patients undergoing a limb amputation
Investigator Sponsored Trial of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV) Evaluation Assessing High-Dose...
PCVPolypoidal Choroidal VasculopathyThis is a 24-month study of ranibizumab (2.0 mg and 1.0 mg) in subjects with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy as diagnosed by fluorescein/indocyanine green (FA/ICG) angiography.
Natural Vascular Scaffold (NVS) Therapy
Peripheral Arterial DiseasePeripheral Vascular Diseases2 moreThe NVS Therapy is being studied to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retention of acute luminal gain, leading to acute hemodynamic improvement in superficial femoral and popliteal arteries with reference vessel diameters between 3.5 and 7.0 mm and lesion lengths between 36 and 96mm. The system is intended for use in patients with de novo lesions in the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries.
The DESappear Study: Drug Eluting Scaffold
Peripheral Vascular DiseaseThe aim of this study is to prospectively collect information to evaluate the safety and performance of the Akesys Prava Sirolimus Eluting Bioresorbable Peripheral scaffold system for the treatment of symptomatic primary atherosclerotic stenoses and occlusions of the superficial femoral artery (SFA).
Intravitreal Aflibercept for Treatment of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV)
Symtomatic Macular Polypoidal Choroidal VasculopathyObjective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept injection on visual acuity in patients with symptomatic macular PCV.
Study to Evaluate an Aflibercept (EYLEA®) Prefilled Syringe
Chorioretinal Vascular DiseaseThe primary objective of the study is to determine if the pre-filled syringe (PFS) supports successful preparation and accurate administration of an aflibercept injection. The secondary objective of the study is to assess ocular safety in the study eye.
Initial Versus Delayed PDT Combination With Conbercept in PCV
Polypoidal Choroidal VasculopathyTo compare the initial versus delayed verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with conbercept in patients with symptomatic polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).
A Phase 2 Open Label Study to Assess the PK/PD Properties of RUC-4 in Patients With a ST-elevation...
Coronary DiseaseMyocardial Infarction3 moreRUC-4 is a novel, promising and fast acting (5-15 minutes) αIIbβ3 receptor antagonist with a high-grade inhibition of platelet aggregation (≥80%) shortly after subcutaneous administration. This study is designed to extend the findings in CEL-01 to patients with ST-elevation myocardial Infarction (STEMI) presenting to the cardiac catheterization laboratory with planned coronary angioplasty.
Influence of Flat-knitted Compression Stockings Class I and II on Venous Malformations
Vascular MalformationsVascular Malformation Peripheral2 moreDiseases with vascular malformations are rare and often congenital, affecting patients of all ages. Depending on their extent and localization, they can cause discomfort and, especially if activity is restricted, lead to loss or reduced quality of life. The therapy is usually reserved for a few specialized centers and includes interventional sclerotherapy as well as conservative therapy by compression with appropriate compression stockings. However, there are currently no study-based recommendations for this approach. The aim of this study is to prove a therapeutic effect of compression therapy using flat-knitted compression stockings on venous malformations of the extremities and to derive from this a therapy recommendation in connection with an improvement in the health status and quality of life. For this purpose, patients with a confirmed venous malformation of the upper or lower extremity independent of previous therapy will be included. We will investigate patients with epi- and/or subfascial localization of the venous malformation independent of the local extent (cross-articular or not).