6 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of high intensity,anaerobic exercise, in the form of cycling, on SCUBA diving. Outcomes are determined by the quantification and subtype of circulating microparticles, complete blood counts, and the quantification of venous gas emboli, measured via transthoracic echocardiography, in the cardiac cavities.
Patients will undergo placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) as standard of care. Tracheal lavage will be conducted using 5 mL of sterile saline solution by a push/suction technique. Specimen samples obtained by wall suction will be collected at 2 time points following intubation. Blood samples will be obtained at 2 time points, simultaneous with the collection of the tracheal specimens.
SCUBA diving frequently involves repetitive exposures over multiple days. The goal of this study was to see how exercise impacts microparticles (MPs), endothelial function, and venous gas emboli (VGE) over a series of dives. 16 divers in 2 groups each completed 6 dives. One group completed 3 control dives followed by 5 days rest then 3 dives preceded by exercise. The other group completed the opposite protocol. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) data and blood for MP analysis was collected before and after each dive. VGE were monitored via transthoracic echocardiography 30, 60, and 90 min after surfacing. Exercise before diving consisted of 60 min running outdoors including 8x4 min intervals at 90% VO2max effort.
The investigators hypothesize that membrane microparticles (MPs) are liberated into the blood stream in response to decompression stress and that certain MPs characteristics initiate inflammatory responses that contribute to the clinical syndrome the investigators call decompression sickness. The research goal is to evaluate the number, type and time-course for elevations in MPs in sport SCUBA divers who present for treatment of decompression sickness. Blood samples are to be taken from consenting patients before and after they undergo treatment for decompression sickness and at a follow-up clinic visit from 1 to 3 weeks later (three samples total).
Background: Psoriasis causes chronic inflammation in the body. Researchers want to see if a kind of vitamin B3 dietary supplement can help. This might lead to more treatment options. Objective: To test if the dietary supplement nicotinamide riboside can improve immune system function in the blood and skin of people with mild to moderate psoriasis. Eligibility: People ages 18-80 with mild to moderate active psoriasis not currently treated with biological therapy Design: Participations will be screened with: * Medical and medication history * Physical exam * Measure of body mass index * Skin exam * Blood and urine tests Participants will have visit 1. They will have repeats of the screening tests. They may also have 2 skin biopsies, which are optional. These will be from both lesions and unaffected areas. The areas will be injected with a numbing medicine. A round cutting device will remove small pieces of skin from each area. Participants will take the study supplement or a placebo starting at the first visit. Neither participants nor the study team will know which they receive. Participants will take capsules twice daily for a total of 4 weeks. Participants will then have visit 2. This will include the tests performed at visit 1. Participants may by contacted by phone or email between visits to see how they are doing. If participants develop any side effects in the 7 days after they stop taking the capsules, they may have another visit.
The purpose of this research study is to see if Eculizumab (Soliris®) can safely be used in addition to conventional therapy in patients with active ANCA (Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibodies ) vasculitis and lead to a more rapid decrease in disease activity. ANCA vasculitis is an inflammation of the small vessels whereby ANCA antibodies inappropriately activate one's own white blood cells (neutrophils) and cause damage to the small blood vessels.