All clinical trials

This study is designed to test two hypotheses: The PADnet+ testing system produces clinically equivalent results as the Parks Flo-Lab testing system in a group of patients referred for evaluation of PAD of the limbs when performed by a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). The PADnet+ testing system produces clinically equivalent results when the testing is repeated on the above patients and performed by staff specifically trained on the use of the PADnet+ system but are not vascular technologists nor hold the RVT certification.

Patients with liver cirrhosis have an increased risk to develop life-threatening complications such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Impairment in the intestinal barrier, changes in numbers and composition of the intestinal microbiota and alterations in immune defenses have been suggested to be involved in liver cirrhosis and its complications. Dysfunction in the intestinal barrier for example results in the ongoing passage of toxic substances from the gastrointestinal tract that may damage the liver, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation and eventually liver cirrhosis. In addition, bacterial translocation is considered a key step in the development of spontaneous infections, mainly SBP, in patients with liver cirrhosis. The investigators hypothesize that patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis have a more impaired intestinal epithelial barrier and altered intestinal microbiota than patients with compensated liver cirrhosis.

This is a non-inferiority randomized study to compare a plastic stent without central lumen (VIADUCT) with self-expandable metal stents for treatment of malignant obstruction of the common bile duct. It is a non-interventional study, a CE mark for the VIADUCT stent exists.

Core binding factor (CBF) positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) consist of 15% of patients in overall AML, expected to harbor a favorable prognosis. However, around a half of cases relapses. Accordingly, more sophisticated classification in CBF positive AMLs is essential to achieve further improvement in the treatment outcome. The current study is designed to evaluate CBF positive AML patients with genome-wide SNP array and KIT mutation study in CBF positive AML patients diagnosed at the Samsung Medical Center and Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, Korea between 1994 and 2008. Construction of the CBF positive AML patient cohort: clinical database establishment (including treatment outcomes and prognosis) and extraction/storage of tumor cell DNAs from marrow samples, then processing of Affymetrix SNP array 6.0. Construction of prognostic predictive model using pharmacogenomics with the results of genotypes and copy number variations (CNVs). Detection of hidden microscopic cytogenetic lesions with SNP array technique, and correlation with clinical outcomes in CBF positive AML. Detection of KIT, FLT3/ITD, and NPM1 gene mutation and its correlation with clinical outcomes in CBF positive AML. The current study attempts to analyze genetic data of core binding factor (CBF) positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using genome wide SNP array technique with tumor DNAs collected at the time of diagnosis. To detect microcytogenetic lesions and will analyze its prognostic significance To analyze genome-wide genotypes and copy number variations (CNVs) using pharmacogenetic approach and will construct a prognostic predictive model To detect KIT, FLT3/ITD and NPM1 mutation and evaluate its prognostic significance. The present study will establish individualized therapy for CBF positive AML, will provide a basis for molecular marker guided clinical trial in CBF positive AML.

Soldiers and recreational backpackers are often required to carry heavy loads on their body during military operations or hiking. Despite the advances in backpack design, the loads carried by soldiers still impose an extreme physiological strain (soft tissue deformation) which frequently results in discomfort, pain,musculoskeletal injuries, and loss sensorimotor function. In the current study, characterization of the pressures, evaluation of the deformations of the soft tissues, specifically the fat, muscles, Brachial plexus and subclavian vessels applied on the shoulder while sitting with a heavy backpack will performed. The data acquired in the current trials will be used for development of a finite element (FE) 3D shoulder model. The purpose is to better understand the mechanical loads that are being transferred to the underlying tissue below the shoulder straps during walking/marching with a backpack. During the 2nd phase of this project, data collected during this research will be used to develop gear that will alleviate the strain on the shoulders, prevent injury, and enhance performance. Hypothesis High focal strain (hot-spots) on the shoulder tissue that are observed with the pressure mapping will be observed also in the MR scans. The strain at those hot-spots can be reduced by personal-geometry adjusted straps. Volunteers Five young (18-30 yrs), healthy, and fit males will participate in this study. Trials design MR Scans- The scan will be performed for analysis of personal shoulder anatomy, and will be used for developing a 3D FE model. The sagittal view will be used to develop the 3D model. The coronal and axial sectional views will be used to assess the deformations applied on the shoulder tissue. The scan will then be repeated while carrying a 25 kg standard commercial backpack while sitting in the same position, for the assessment of shoulder girdle tissues deformations. Time estimation for each scan is 40 min (80 min total). The subjects are not required to carry the backpack prior to those scans. Static pressure measurement- each volunteer will be asked to sit for 30 seconds while carrying the 25 kg backpack. During this session, pressure will be measured using a pressure mapping pad (Sensor Products Inc., USA) placed between the shoulder strap and the underlying tissue. The maximal total participation time of each volunteer will be 2 hours total (inside and outside the MR). Data acquired in the current trials will be used for the development of a FE (finite element) 3D shoulder model. MR scans will be utilized for composing geometry and for the boundary conditions assessment (strain magnitude). Pressure measurements will be used as boundary conditions (stress magnitude). MR scans and pressure measurements will be performed in the Sheba medical center facilities.

The purpose of this study is to determine the validity of a multi-gene Lung Cancer Risk Test (LCRT). In the process, the investigators will establish a bank of NBEC samples and corresponding blood samples from individuals demographically at increased risk for lung cancer.

Xenografts and cell cultures provide sufficient material for analyses at the protein, RNA and DNA level. Patient derived NSCLC xenografts and cell lines are available but none however are Asian in origin. Given the emerging evidence to suggest inter-ethnic differences in NSCLC biology, new models of preclinical drug evaluation should be designed and validated using Asian tumors. Furthermore, such models will allow studies of biological mechanisms of sensitivity and/or resistance and also the study of dynamic regulations under standardized conditions in the Asian context.

The purpose of this study is to determine how often ventilator associated pneumonia happens in the current intensive care units, and how types of endotracheal tube affect its occurrence.

Among the causes of the solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN), benign causes including tuberculosis was noted on 15 to 60 percents in various studies. Although the characteristics of chest imaging is helpful in diagnosis and percutaneous needle biopsy for pulmonary nodule has been represented high diagnostic yield in many reports, but still surgical biopsy has been needed in definite diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in many cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of interferon-gamma release assay in addition to the percutaneous needle biopsy, in diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.

This observational long-term follow-up study will evaluate demographic, clinical, histological, biochemical, and virological parameters of patients with chronic hepatitis B and low viremia who do not require antiviral therapy according to current guidelines. Liver stiffness values as detected by FibroScan and ARFI will also be collected if available. All data will be collected at yearly intervals (minimum). Patients included in the study are followed for up to 10 years. The target sample size is <1000.