All clinical trials

Sudden cardiac death is in most cases triggered by ischemia-related ventricular tachyarrhythmias and accounts for 50% of deaths from cardiovascular disease in developed countries. Chronic elevation of indicators of coagulation activation has been found in patients with coronary heart disease , but a role of coagulation activation and proinflammatory state as a potential risk factor for ventricular fibrillation (VF) during acute myocardial infarction has not been investigated.

Specific nutrient deficiencies have been described in children with ADHD including zinc, magnesium, calcium, and essential fatty acids. In addition, children with ADHD have been noted to behave and concentrate better in some studies when the ratio of protein compared with carbohydrate in their diets was increased, however, this was anecdotal information noted from studies designed to study other factors, so its not clear if the increased protein is actually the cause of the improved behavior. In our clinical practice, we have noted a high incidence of what appears to be carbohydrate "craving" among children with ADHD, which can put children at risk for obesity, diabetes type II, and additional dysregulation of mood and concentration. Carbohydrate craving is a well-documented phenomenon in adults, particularly those with certain patterns of obesity, mood disorders, or those undergoing smoking cessation programs. It has not been studied in children, however. Thus, this initial study was designed to determine 1) whether or not children with ADHD have different patterns of nutrient intake compared with children in the same family and children in families without a child with ADHD, 2) if the described nutrient deficiencies are due to decreased intake, and 3) whether there is an increased occurrence of carbohydrate craving, based on parents' perceptions, eating patterns, and actual intake, among children (or certain subgroups of children) with ADHD. The information gained from this study will be used to design additional studies to test causative hypotheses and intervention strategies.

This study will determine the prevalence of HIV-related neurological disorders in the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region.

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have been shown to have high coronary calcium scores (CAC), but the temporal association between Glomerular Filtration Rate, CVD risk factors and CAC has not been described. This is a single-center, longitudinal, observational study. Subjects included adults aged 18 years to 65 years old without preexisting coronary artery disease (CAD). The CKD subjects (GFR < 60 ml/min) and the control subjects (GFR >/=60ml/min) were recruited. Laboratory measurements and MDCT scan were performed at baseline and after 12 months. Baseline CAC and average intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level were significantly greater in the CKD group. Baseline CAC scores of the CKD group were twice the value of the control group; however, CAC scores over one year were unchanged from baseline.

Computed tomography (CT) colonography has gained widespread multi-disciplinary interest as an evolving noninvasive colorectal screening examination, with the potential of improved patient compliance. The investigator's prior work demonstrated that the bowel preparation was the least tolerable aspect of colorectal evaluation when compared to the CT colonography and optical colonoscopy procedures. Stool tagging could provide a more gentle and efficient bowel preparation, with fewer false positives due to retained stool-mimicking polyps. The researchers hypothesize that image quality and patient preference will vary with stool tagging concentration and dosing schedule. The researchers propose to evaluate specific stool tagging protocols with the following aims: AIM 1: Perform a randomized trial of three specific stool tagging protocols using barium and iodine at CT colonography in a well-characterized cohort of patients undergoing colorectal evaluation. AIM 2: Analyze the CT colonography and optical colonoscopy data to assess differences across stool tagging protocols for the outcome measures of patient preference, image quality in the presence of tagging, and diagnostic reader performance. The researchers will use specific variations in stool tagging techniques to determine the best image quality of CT data (e.g., homogenous tagging of fluid and stool), and highest patient acceptability, as well as evaluate the adequacy of preparation for same-day colonoscopy. Diagnostic reader performance will focus on the accuracy for detecting all neoplastic lesions including colon cancers, adenomatous polyps, sessile adenomas and flat adenomas. Most importantly, these results will help inform the design of a larger trial of an optimized CT colonography technique in a community setting.

Cerebellar ataxias (CA) and spastic paraplegias (SP) are genetically and clinically very heterogeneous. More than 40 loci are already known but the number of phenotypes is even greater suggesting further genetic heterogeneity. These progressive disorders are often severe and fatal, due to the absence of specific therapy. The SPATAX network combines the experience of European clinicians and scientists working on these groups of diseases. Over the past year, they have assembled the largest collection of families and achieved a number of tasks (initiation of a clinical and genetic database, distribution of DNA to participating laboratories, mapping of three new loci, and refinement of several loci). In addition to clinicians from Europe and Mediterranean countries, who play a major role in collecting families according to evaluation tools developed and validated by the SPATAX members, the group includes major European laboratories devoted to the elucidation of the molecular basis of these disorders. Each laboratory will centralize all families with a subtype of autosomal recessive (AR) CA (n=116) or SP (n=207) in order to efficiently map and identify the responsible gene(s). Genome-wide scans are already underway in 61 families. Given the expertise of the participants, the researchers expect to map and identify several genes during the course of this project. The spectrum of mutations and phenotype/genotype correlations will be analysed thanks to this unique series of patients with various phenotypes. The knowledge gained will be immediately applicable to patients in terms of improved positive diagnosis, follow-up and appropriate genetic counselling. In the long term, models for genetic entity will be developed in order to understand the pathophysiology and to identify new targets for treatment. The series of patients assembled and the precise knowledge of natural history will facilitate the implantation of therapeutic trials based on rational approaches.

The immune systems of some individuals may be capable of resisting HIV infection. These individuals do not appear to be infected with HIV despite multiple sexual encounters with HIV infected partners. This study will examine the immune systems of these individuals to determine what factors are responsible for their ability to resist HIV infection. Study hypothesis: Some long-term, multiply-exposed seronegative persons have relative resistance to HIV infection maintained by T cell responses.