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NCT00117221
This study will investigate the spatio-temporal characteristics of brain activity during sleep. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that in the absence of external stimuli, the brain continues to show spatial patterns of activity that resemble those during sensory and cognitive tasks. This phenomenon greatly affects the interpretation of neuroimaging studies based on positive emission tomography (PET) and fMRI, which rely on the contrast between brain activity during a task and activity during rest. In addition, resting state activity in itself may reveal information on the large-scale organization of neuronal networks and on functional abnormalities related to disease. Participants should represent a broad cross section of the healthy adult population. Any neurologically and psychiatrically healthy male or nonpregnant female between 18 and 65 years old may be eligible. Studies will be conducted in the In Vivo NMR Research Center. Concurrent electroencephalogram (EEG) and MRI studies will last between 1 and 2 hours. A typical study involves 15 minutes of anatomical MRI scanning followed by a 60-minute functional scan during which the subject relaxes with eyes closed and is encouraged to sleep while the fMRI/EEG are performed. Participants may be scanned 1 to 20 times. No more than 1 scan will be performed per day and no more than 20 scans will be performed within a year. During the last 5 to 10 minutes of the scan, the participant will open his or her eyes and actively participate in a visual stimulation or attention task. The participant's alertness will be measured by a behavioral (button-press) response. The visual stimuli (contrast reversing checkerboard displays, alternated with uniform grey fields) will be presented using the standard projection system available with the MRI scanner. The attention task will involve repeated visual presentation of groups of letters and digits; the participant will be asked about the correspondence between these groups. Magnetoencephalogram (MEG) scans will be performed on some participants. The precise and undistorted signals available with MEG will be used to enhance the interpretation of alertness and sleep-related characteristics of the EEG signals, which can vary quite dramatically across subjects. In addition, the MEG signals will provide preliminary spatial localization of the sleep-dependent changes more precisely than is possible with EEG. MRI scanner noise will be simulated using tape recordings to allow comparison with the MRI/EEG data. MEG scans will last 45 minutes to 2 hours. At all times during any of the brain scans the participant will be able to communicate the MRI scientist or MEG/EEG technician and can ask to be removed from the device at any time. The study will not have a direct benefit for participants. It may be help us learn more about brain function, which may lead to better treatments.
NCT00341068
In a collaborative effort with the Health Research Board, the national organization for medical research in the Republic of Ireland, individuals with neural tube defects (NTDs) or facial cleft defects and their parents will be studied. With the exception of a few well-described syndromes most cases of NTDs and facial clefts are not inherited in a Mendelian fashion. Nearly all incident cases occur in families with no prior history of the defects. The observed recurrence risk in families with an NTD child is 10-12 fold higher than the general population suggesting that inherited factors modify this risk. Historically, the incidence of NTDs in Ireland was 5-8 fold higher than the USA. The aim of this study is to identify the gene(s) involved in these defects using standard genetic epidemiology approaches, transmission disequilibrium testing and gene mapping strategies. We will initially evaluate genes known to be involved in folate metabolism and pattern formation (development of the body). The major outcomes measured will be aggregate allele frequencies in case groups compared to controls. Biochemical parameters in red cells and plasma will also be measured. Comparisons will be made between the presence of genetics variants, biochemical parameters and clinical phenotype. Characterizing the genes associated with these defects should provide insight into the etiology and metabolic processes that may be involved, furthering prevention and intervention efforts.
NCT00635271
This study will look for a relationship between asthma and factors released from the lungs in exhaled breath. If a relationship can be established, the identified factors may be used as biomarkers to predict episodes of increased asthma symptoms so that medications can be given to prevent the onset of an asthma attack. Healthy volunteers and people who have had asthma for at least 1 year may be eligible for this study. Candidates must be between 18 and 75 years of age. Participants undergo blood tests and breathing tests. For the latter, participants breathe into a machine before and after inhaling an asthma medication called albuterol. The machine measures the volume of air the subject can breathe out. Participants also provide a sample of exhaled breath by breathing normally for up to 30 minutes while wearing a mask devised for the procedure. Pulse rate, oxygen saturation and wheezing are monitored during the breath collection.
NCT02242448
Background: \- Computed tomography (CT) scanning is a procedure that helps doctors with diagnoses. It uses X-ray radiation to produce an image in three dimensions. Researchers want to study how to get the best quality CT scans using the lowest possible radiation dose. Objective: \- To determine how to improve CT scanning. Eligibility: \- Adults 45 years of age and older who have not had a CT scan in the past year and do not have kidney disease. Design: * Participants will be screened with a medical history and blood and urine tests. * Nurses will put an intravenous (IV) line into an arm or hand vein. It will stay in for several hours during the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans. Through this IV, blood will be taken, dye will be injected, and medicine will be given. * Participants may have a CT scan of the heart, head, chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis. Participants will lie on their back on a table. The table will slide into a donut-shaped machine. An X-ray tube will move around the body, taking pictures. * Participants may be given a drug called a beta blocker by mouth or through the IV tube. * Participants heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored. * Participants may have an MRI scan. The MRI is a large hollow tube. The participant will lie on a table that will be moved into the tube, which contains a magnetic field. When the imaging starts, a thumping sound will be heard. Headphones or earplugs will be provided to muffle the sound. * Participants will give blood samples.
NCT00656903
This study will use an eye imaging test called high speed indocyanine green angiography (HS-ICG), which examines leaky vessels in the eye, to try to find out why individuals respond differently to ranibizumab (Lucentis) treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The drug was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat this disease, but the response to the treatment varies markedly among individuals. People 50 years of age and older with wet AMD and vision that meets the research protocol criteria may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures: Ranibizumab injections in the study eye once a month for 4 months. Additional injections are given only if the study eye shows signs of bleeding or leaking fluid. The eye is numbed before the injection and the eye area is cleaned with an antiseptic. Antibiotic drops are used for 3 days following the injection to prevent infection. Clinic visits once a month for 2 years for evaluations to monitor the response to treatment. The evaluations may include the following examinations and tests: * Eye examination with dilation, optical coherence tomography and photography: The examination measures visual acuity, thickness of your retina (the back of the eye) andeye pressure. Bright lights will also be used so that the doctor can see the back of your eye. Photographs of the eye may be taken. * Fluorescein angiography to examine the blood vessels in the eye: A dye called fluorescein is injected into a vein in the arm. The dye travels through the veins to the blood vessels in the eyes. A camera takes pictures of the dye as it flows through the blood vessels. This test is done eight times during the study. * Indocyanine green angiography to examine the blood vessels in the eye: The procedure is the same as for fluorescein angiography, but it uses a dye called indocyanine green. This test is done once a month for the first year of the study and then every 3 months.
NCT00195637
This study will evaluate patients with Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy (HIBM) and examine the effects of immune globulin (IG) treatment on muscle and muscle function. HIBM is a progressive neuromuscular disease that begins in early adulthood, primarily affecting limb muscles. It results from mutations of the gene that is responsible for producing sialic acid, a sugar normally found on the surface of certain proteins, including alpha-dystroglycan, which is involved in muscle function. Some patients with HIBM have decreased sialic acid on the alpha-dystroglycan protein, which may be the cause of their muscle weakness. IG is a protein in the blood that carries a large amount of sialic acid. This study will administer IG to patients with HIBM and determine if the sialic acid in IG is taken up by muscle cells in these patients and if it can restore some of their muscle function. Four patients with HIBM will be admitted to this study at the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation and IG treatment. The evaluation lasts about 1 month. After completing baseline studies (see below), patients receive two intravenous doses of immune globulin (on days 6 and 7), followed by measurement of muscle strength 2 days later (day 9). They receive additional IG infusions on days 13, 20, and 27. A final set of tests is performed on day 29. Patients may leave the hospital on pass when no studies are being done. A patient's initial evaluation includes: * History and physical examination, neurological examination, eye examination * 24-hour urine collection * Blood tests on two separate days * Photographs showing the extent of muscle affected * Chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), and echocardiogram * Two muscle biopsies, one before and one after the IG treatments. For this procedure, a small sample of muscle tissue is surgically removed for examination under the microscope. * Muscle strength and endurance testing, including the following: The patient uses pulleys attached to machines that measure the strength of 24 different muscle groups The patient walks for 6 minutes and performs exercises To evaluate swallowing, the patient swallows a thick substance called barium The patient's tongue strength is measured using a specialized instrument. -Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the muscles of the thigh or calf: MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of organs and tissues. During the scan, the subject lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field, wearing ear plugs to muffle loud noises that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields. He or she can speak with a staff member via an intercom system at all times during the procedure. The neurological and muscle strength and endurance evaluations are repeated on study days 9 and 29.
NCT02594189
Background: Influenza A H3N2 is a flu virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, and runny nose. It can also be more serious. Researchers want to know more about how influenza causes disease in people. They hope to develop new vaccines and treatments for flu infection. Objective: To find the smallest amount of Influenza A H3N2 virus that causes a mild to moderate flu infection in healthy people. Also, to study the body s immune response to this virus and how the infection develops. Eligibility: Healthy people ages 18 50 who are: Non-smokers or non-habitual smokers Willing to not smoke for at least 9 days Design: Participants will be screened under NIAID protocol #11-I-0183 Participants will stay at an isolation unit at the clinic for at least 9 days. They will remain in the isolation unit except for study-specific activities. The influenza virus will be sprayed into the nose. Participants will be monitored 24 hours a day. They will have tests, including: Medical history Physical exam Daily questionnaires about symptoms Blood and urine tests Nasal wash and swab: A small tube of salt water is placed in the nose to wash it. It then collects the fluid. Or the inside of the nose is rubbed with a swab. ECG: Measures the heart s electrical signals ECHO: Sound waves take pictures of the heart PFTs/Spirometry: They will blow into a machine that measures the air they blow. Participants will be discharged after they test negative for influenza A. Participants will return to the clinic for 4 follow-up visits over 8 weeks. They may complete questionnaires at home.
NCT01374685
Background: \- Certain genetic mutations are linked to higher rates of cancer. It is important for people with these mutations to tell their families about it. This is because others in the family may also be at greater risk for developing these cancers. They can also pass these genes to their own children. But not much is known about how African Americans tell their family members about the results of their genetic testing. The information from this study can be used to improve genetic counseling services. These services will then be more effective in early cancer detection and prevention in the African American community. Objectives: \- To learn more about how African Americans who have tested positive for BRCA1/2 mutations tell their families about their genetic risk. Eligibility: \- African American (or of African descent) women who recently received positive test results for BRCA1/2 mutations. Design: * Participants will be screened with a basic medical history. * They will be asked general questions about their personal and family history. These include questions on marital and health insurance status, education, and income. * Those in the study will have a 45- to 60-minute phone interview. They will answer questions about how they told their family members about their genetic test results. They will also be asked what that experience was like.
NCT01369914
Background: * Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is used to treat some kinds of cancer, blood cell disorders, and immune disorders. Stem cells from a donor s blood are used to replace the recipient s stem cells in the bone marrow. The recipient s bone marrow can then produce new blood cells. Some of these new cells involved in the immune system are like the donor s cells. Sometimes immune cells from the SCT attack the recipient s normal tissues, including the eyes. This type of immune attack is called graft-versus-host disease, or GVHD. * The symptoms of ocular GVHD include eye pain, irritation, dryness, and inflammation. When it is severe and if it does not respond well to treatment, ocular GVHD may also cause vision loss. Objective: \- To learn more about graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) of the eyes in people who have had stem cell transplantation. Eligibility: * Participants must be at least 18 years of age. * They must be taking part in a study at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) or the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). * They must have a SCT scheduled within the next 30 days. Design: * The study lasts for 1 year and includes six visits to the National Eye Institute. (There is an optional visit about 1 month before your SCT.) When possible, visits for this study will be scheduled so that they can be done on the same day as your visits for the NCI or NHLBI protocol that you are taking part in. * At each visit, participants will have a medical exam and an eye history will be taken. They will have an eye exam and a test to measure the ability to make tears. Those in the study will also have tear fluid collected for analysis in a lab. Tear fluid collection is a painless process. Blood will be drawn during certain visits if it has not already been collected by the transplant team.
NCT01492933
Background: \- Studies show that alcohol changes the amount of many brain chemicals. These changes may be related to continued drinking, craving for alcohol, and relapse. This study will use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at brain areas and brain chemistry during an infusion of alcohol. It will also study how changes in brain chemistry relate to participant reports of feeling drunk. Objectives: \- To use magnetic resonance imaging to measure the effect of alcohol on brain chemistry Eligibility: * Individuals between 21 and 45 years of age. * Participants will be either light drinkers (1 to 14 standard alcoholic drinks per week) or heavy drinkers (20 to 40 standard alcoholic drinks per week). A standard drink is a 12-ounce beer, a 4-ounce glass of wine, or a shot of liquor. * Participants must be able to go without alcohol for at least 3 days in a row without severe withdrawal symptoms. Design: * This study requires two or three outpatient visits to the NIH Clinical Center. * Participants will have a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine samples will be collected. Participants' alcohol drinking habits will also be assessed to determine whether they may have an alcohol use disorder. * At the first study visit, participants will have an infusion of alcohol. Blood samples will be collected to measure blood alcohol levels. * The MRI study visit will take place about 3 days after the first study visit. Participants will have an MRI scan of the brain, followed by an infusion of alcohol and another scan. Blood samples will be collected. * Participants will complete questionnaires before and after each infusion to measure their response to alcohol. * Heavy drinkers will come to the clinic for a third visit to discuss possible future treatment and any risky behavior associated with their high levels of alcohol use.
NCT02141503
Background: \- Alpha-mannosidosis is a rare inherited disorder. It causes problems in many organs and tissues of the body. It can occur in children and adults. Because there is no treatment for this disease, researchers want to find out more about it. Objective: \- To learn more about Alpha-mannosidosis. Eligibility: \- People ages 5-60 with Alpha-mannosidosis. Design: * Participants will be recruited from patient support organizations and medical genetics clinics. * Participants will have 3 study visits, about once a year. A final evaluation will be made after 3 years. * Participants will have a medical history and a physical exam. * Blood samples and a urine sample will be collected. * Cerebrospinal fluid will be collected. A small area of the lower back will be numbed with medicine. A thin needle will be inserted between the spine bones. About 2 tablespoons of spinal fluid will be removed. * Brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) scans will be done at each visit. MRS uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures of chemicals in the brain with a scanner. The participant will lie on a table that can slide in and out of the cylinder. While in the scanner the participant will hear loud knocking noises. They will get earplugs or earmuffs to muffle the sound. Medicines might be used to keep the participant asleep during the MRS. * Participants will have a skin biopsy at the first visit only. A small area of the participant s skin will be numbed. A small circle of skin will be removed with a biopsy tool.
NCT01328613
Background: \- Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious syndrome that resembles a major depressive episode and occurs in 10% to 20% of all mothers in the year following delivery. Women with histories of major depressive disorder (MDD) are at an increased risk for PPD and recurrent PPD with subsequent pregnancies. One possible genetic vulnerability to depression and PPD in particular is the BDNF gene. BDNF is a protein that affects the growth and development of brain cells, including those that help to regulate mood. BDNF levels have been shown to be significantly lower in individuals with depression, including women. Researchers are interested in studying BDNF levels and hormones such as estrogen in pregnant women who have MDD and are at risk for developing PPD. Objectives: \- To study connections between the BDNF protein and hormonal levels in pregnant women who are at risk for developing postpartum depression. Eligibility: \- Women who are currently pregnant and have a history of major depressive disorder, and either are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or are not taking an antidepressant. Design: * This study involves six visits over the course of 12 months, during the first, second, and third trimesters (if possible) as well as 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum. Women will be allowed to participate at any point during pregnancy, but researchers are most interested in recruiting women who are in the first trimester. * Participants will be screened with a physical examination and medical history, blood samples, and questionnaires about their history of depressive episodes. * At each visit, participants will complete a number of questionnaires on depression symptoms, such as sleep disturbance and stress levels. Participants will also provide blood samples for hormone and other testing. * Participants who become depressed during the study will be referred to a treating psychiatrist or other professional for appropriate care and treatment.
NCT00805285
The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the combination of oral budesonide and rectal hydrocortisone improves symptoms in patients with active ulcerative colitis. Also, we would like to determine if oral budesonide and rectal hydrocortisone has fewer and less severe side effects compared to standard steroids (prednisone).
NCT01352286
The purpose of this study is to 1) evaluate the safety and tolerability of autologous genetically modified T cells transduced to express the high affinity NY-ESO-1c259 TCR in HLA-A2+ subjects and 2) measure the incidence of GVHD in patients following infusion of TCR modified autologous T cells.
NCT01681225
This phase II multi-centered, randomized controlled trial of mechanical ventilation directed by esophageal pressure measurement will test the primary hypothesis that using a strategy of maintaining a minimal but positive transpulmonary pressure (Ptp = airway pressure minus pleural pressure) throughout the ventilatory cycle will lead to an improvement in patient survival.
NCT02904278
The purpose of this study is to collect and compare information on how and when adolescent heart transplant recipients take their prescribed medication. The investigators want to find out if regular use of 'an app' on cell phones, called the Teen Pocket PATH® (TPP), can help adolescents take their medication according to their prescribed dosing schedule. This may then help reduce complications of transplant, such as rejection. The investigators also want to find out if how adolescent heart transplant recipients take their medications affects the development of antibodies in their blood. Antibodies are small proteins in the blood that may develop after heart transplantation, and which can sometimes damage a new heart.
NCT02831855
This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib modified release formulation (11mg QD) versus tofacitinib modified release formulation plus continued methotrexate treatment in subjects with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who are insufficiently responding to their stable dose of methotrexate treatment.
NCT00649298
This study will assess clinical outcomes of extended weekly hours of haemodialysis (\>= 24 hours per week) compared with standard hours of haemodialysis (\<=18 hours/week) in people with ESKD.
NCT02112994
This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of sebelipase alfa in a broad population of participants with lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D).
NCT02974855
This study is designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and efficacy of multiple subcutaneous and/or intravenous doses of PF-06741086 in subjects with severe hemophilia.
