Kornimate/medical-research-clean huggingface dataset:
electromyography to diagnose neuromuscular disorders

Conditions: Healthy; Neuromuscular Disease; Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome

Summary: this study will investigate problems with muscle weakness and control using electromyography-a test of nerve-muscle cell communication. advanced techniques called single fiber electromyography and macro-electromyography, which evaluate individual muscle fibers, will be used. besides aiding in diagnosis, these tests provide information about disease progression that may be useful in guiding therapy. adult patients with suspected neurological disorders of muscle control and weakness may be eligible for this study. normal volunteers may also participate. for the electromyography procedure, a special needle is inserted into a muscle. the patient will slightly tense the muscle and maintain the tension while electrical signals from the muscle fibers are being recorded. the electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker, providing feedback to help the patient tense the muscle the appropriate amount. the test, which is usually done for only one muscle, takes 1 to 2 hours. if needed, short breaks can be taken. if the patient cannot maintain tension in the muscle for the entire test period, a nerve will be stimulated to activate the muscle. a thin needle is inserted near the nerve, and a series of small electrical shocks are given to activate a nerve fiber. the electromyography needle is inserted into the muscle to measure the response, as described above. a neurologist receiving specialized training in clinical neurophysiology will do the electromyography procedure under the direct supervision of an experienced neurologist.

this is a training protocol to enable fellows in clinical neurophysiology to learn and perform technically advanced electrodiagnostic studies, such as single fiber emg and macro emg, on patients with neuromuscular diseases.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: adult patients with weakness or motor dysfunction: 8/year. normal volunteers, adults: 2/year. exclusion criteria: anticoagulation or uncorrected bleeding disorder. children are not optimal subjects for fellows undergoing training in these techniques and will be excluded.

Keywords: single fiber emg macro-emg myasthenia post-polio syndrome neuromuscular transmission motor dysfunction neuromuscular disorder
a randomised controlled trial, of n-acetyl cysteine (nac), for premanifest huntingtin gene expansion carriers

Conditions: Huntington Disease

Summary: nac-prehd is a phase ii randomized placebo controlled study of oral nac among premanifest hd gene expansion carriers, with clinical and radiological outcome at three years.


Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * able to provide informed consent * huntingtin gene expansion carrier with \>= 39 cag repeats * absence of unequivocal motor signs of hd - that is, uhdrs * diagnostic confidence level needs to be \<4 upon enrolment * expected to develop clinical hd within 10 years of trial enrolment using the langbehn formula * availability of an informant for corroborative history * negative serum pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential * if of childbearing potential, is able and agrees to remain abstinent or use adequate contraceptive methods * ability to tolerate mri scans * ability to tolerate blood draws * able to comply with all study protocol requirements, according to the investigators judgement * in the opinion of the investigator, medically, psychiatrically and neurologically stable at the time of enrolment exclusion criteria: * diagnosis of clinical hd * known hypersensitivity to nac * pregnancy, breastfeeding or intention to do so prior to the end of the study * exposure to any investigational drugs within 30 days of baseline visit * use of supplemental nac * abnormalities in laboratory measurements, ecg or vital signs at screening, which precludes safe participation in the study * current or history of substance abuse within one year of baseline visit * unstable psychiatric or acute medical illness including cancer, as determined by investigator * current use of antipsychotic medications or tetrabenazine * history of gene therapy, cell transplantation, or any experimental brain surgery * history of attempted suicide or suicidal ideation within 12 months prior to screening * pre-existing structural brain lesion as assessed by a centrally read mri scan during the screening period

Keywords: n-acetylcysteine
addressing the cascade of care in vulnerable populations with poor access to healthcare in madrid

Conditions: HCV Infection; HIV Infections; Drug Use; HBV (Hepatitis B Virus); Viral Hepatitis

Summary: data on the prevalence of hepatitis c virus (hcv) for other vulnerable groups in madrid, such as homeless persons and migrants, are scarce, and it is now necessary to implement intervention and elimination plans. vulnerable groups have poor access to healthcare and are therefore not systematically screened for hcv. on the occasions they are shown to be positive, subsequent follow-up in the health system and the possibility of cure are poor. the use of a mobile unit to approach vulnerable populations is essential for better characterization of risk behaviors and of the magnitude of hcv. the integration of healthcare personnel in mobile units enables counseling on prevention and intervention when needed. primary objective evaluate the impact of the hcv care cascade on vulnerable populations who gather at hot spots in madrid (shantytowns, homeless shelters and places were street prostitution is practiced) by means of a multilevel outreach project. surveillance: active screening for hcv among vulnerable individuals in populations with a high prevalence of hcv will be carried out in hot spots in madrid, namely, cañada real shanty town, mobile harm reduction units, institutions providing social assistance, public areas, homeless shelters and places where street prostitution is practiced. an agreement with the madrid council (mcc) is under way to provide social centers for hcv screening. a mobile unit will approach the hot spots following a predefined schedule. the mobile unit consists of a van adapted for the project and a car. hcv screening of vulnerable individuals will be performed by a nurse and an educator hired specifically for that purpose. active hcv screening and prevention in vulnerable individuals should be a priority and a responsibility shared by both the mcc and the sermas (servicio madridleño de salud). the investigators plan to establish an agreement with public health authorities to give continuity to this project and to carry out proactive hcv screening through integration with various centers and networks dependent on the mcc and sermas. the project will establish the foundations of integrated cooperation between an hcv clinic in a hospital setting and harm reduction units and other resources and networks dependent on the institutions mentioned above. as has been observed with other interventions, the functional objective of this project is to provide continuity of care from the institutions. study duration (in months) 12 months.


Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * vulnerable populations who include one or more of the following: * persons who inject drugs, * homeless, * migrants * sex workers exclusion criteria: * not signing inform consent.

Keywords: hiv hcv pwid (persons who inject drugs) screening diagnosis linkage to care treatment
trauma-informed cognitive behavioural therapy (ticbt) to aid reintegration of repentant terrorists and their families in nigeria: a pilot study

Conditions: Trauma; Psychological

Summary: the aim of the study is to describe the feasibility, cultural appropriateness, and acceptability of trauma-informed cognitive behaviour therapy (ticbt) to promote community healing and encourage the reintegration of repentant terrorists and their families to avoid reoffending.

the study will adopt a mixed-method single-arm experimental design. approximately 24 participants will be recruited for the intervention. the trauma-informed cognitive behaviour therapy (ticbt) is an 8-session intervention lasting approximately 1 hour each and designed to address trauma, dispel negative attitudes and encourage positive behaviour towards repentant terrorists. measurement will be collected at baseline pre-intervention, end of intervention and three months post-intervention to determine its feasibility and effectiveness. interviews will also be conducted post-intervention. repeated-measures univariate analyses of variance (anova) will be performed to examine differences between the pre- and post-intervention stages. interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * community members who are victims of boko haram terrorism and had previous experiences of trauma/depression, * score five and above for the culturally-adapted trauma screening questionnaire (brewinn et al., 2002) * aged 18+ years, * able to give informed consent, * speak english * are residents or from areas within nigeria including maiduguri, adamawa, and plateau environs. exclusion criteria: * less than 18 or above 85 years * unable to give consent * clinically diagnosed with severe ptsd/suicidal ideations or undergoing treatment * temporary or non-residents who are unlikely to be available for follow up
effect of non invasive brain stimulation on experimentally induced dyspnea (breathlessness)

Conditions: Dyspnea

Summary: dyspnea is a frequent, mostly unpleasant and long-lasting, but also often undertreated symptom. transcranial direct current stimulation (tdcs), a new non invasive method to modify brain activation has shown good efficacy in the treatment of pain especially in the clinical context. given the fact that dyspnea has many common characteristics with pain, especially concerning the brain areas involved in its central processing, we hypothesize that tdcs may also modify the perception of dyspnea. in order to test this, we first shall determine whether tdcs has a significant effect on acutely induced dyspnea in healthy volunteers. in case of promising results of this pilot study, the next step will be the evaluation of the benefit of tdcs in patients with severe dyspnea.

dyspnea will be induced by breathing through a combination of an external resistive load and a long tube (inducing co2 rebreathing) (resulting in a sensation of both increased respiratory effort and air hunger). tdcs will be applied during 15 minutes either over the motor/premotor or over the insular cortex (i.e. 2 brain regions that have previously been shown to be involved in dyspnea perception and/or modulation) in 2 parallel groups of healthy subjects. for each study group, the effect of tdcs on dyspnea perception and on respiratory parameters will be compared between 2 active (anodal and cathodal) and a sham tdcs stimulation (placebo).

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * registered at the national list of persons taking part in clinical research * signed consent form * subjects of both genders aged of at least 18 years * perfect understanding of the instructions and of sensory scaling * prior medical examination exclusion criteria: * any current or past disease, in particular respiratory, neurological and psychiatric disorders * regular use of drugs, especially those having an impact on respiratory, neurological systems (most specifically those with an effect on the central nervous system) * unwilling to participate * vulnerable people as defined in the provisions relating to biomedical researches and described in the code of public health. * unable to cooperate * pregnancy or lactation * no affiliation to a social security system.

Keywords: dyspnea transcranial direct current stimulation (tdcs) perception
early antibiotic therapy and vaccinations in preterm infants

Conditions: Vaccination Reaction

Summary: since the neonatal sepsis is still one of the most common causes of death in preterm infants up to 80% receive an perinatal antibiotic treatment. it is also known that an antibiotic treatment is one of the most important influences for the establishment of the intestinal microbiome. this again is important for the development of an healthy neonatal immunosystem. a pilot study showed that an antibiotic therapy in the first week of life had a negative influence on the vaccine titers of preterm infants. in this study it will be further investigated if an early antibiotic treatment influences the development of the adaptive immunosystem in preterm infants and if this antibiotic treatment effects the development of the intestinal microbiome.

the study wants to investigate the impact of the antibiotic treatment in the first week of live on the adaptive immunosystem. for this the antibody titers against hepatitis b, poliomyelitis, pertussis, haemophilus influenzae b, tetanus, diphtheria and pneumococcus of very low birth weight infants (vlbwi) who receive an early antibiotic therapy will be compared with the antibody titers of infants who did not receive antibiotic treatment. further the development of b- and t-cells will be tested. to show the modulation of the intestinal microbiome through antibiotics stool samples of vlbwi with and without antibiotic therapy in first week of life will be tested for their composition and diversity as well as for the production of short-chained fatty acids (scfa) in this study 82 vlbwi (42 per group) will be included. infants will be matched by age and gender.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * born at university hospital tübingen * received at least one dose of antibiotics during the first week of life exclusion criteria: * genetic disorders * chronic infections * hematological disorders * treatment with immunoglobulins during the first 60 days of life * immunological disorders * infants with hepatitis b positive mothers
the effect of tea on vascular function and insulin sensitivity

Conditions: Insulin Resistance

Summary: the aim of this research is to explore changes in peripheral/cerebrovascular function and insulin sensitivity after a 7-day combination of physical activity reduction (-50% steps per day) and overfeeding (+50% kcal per day, comprising 65% fat) in healthy male volunteers, and examine whether daily intake of tea can prevent such changes.

the aim of this study is to explore the impact of a 7-day 'unhealthy' lifestyle that combines physical activity reduction (-50% steps per day) and overfeeding (+50% kcal per day, comprising 65% fat) on peripheral (conduit artery and skin microvessels) and cerebrovascular function and insulin sensitivity in healthy male participants. moreover, the investigators will explore whether the detrimental impact of this lifestyle can be mitigated by daily tea consumption (equivalent to 6 cups/day). to explore this hypothesis, the investigators will perform measurements of these parameters before and after 7-days of reduced physical activity and overfeeding, with and without the combination of daily tea ingestion.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * aged 18-55 years * male * habitually active (\>8,000 steps/day) * healthy exclusion criteria: * smokers * medical history of cardiovascular/metabolic disease * family history of cardiovascular disease (first degree relatives) * on medication known to influence the cardiovascular system * bmi of \ 30 kg/m2 * known food allergies or special dietary requirements * vaccination (\<1 week) due to induced systemic inflammatory reaction

Keywords: tea cardiovascular vascular metabolism microcirculation physical inactivity polyphenols conduit artery endothelial function cerebrovascular insulin sensitivity
albendazole plus high dose ivermectin for trichuriasis in pediatric patients

Conditions: Trichuris Infection; Helminthiasis

Summary: there are four species of intestinal worms collectively known as soil-transmitted helminthiasis (sth): ancylostoma duodenale and necator americanus (hookworms), ascaris lumbricoides (roundworms), and trichuris trichiura (whipworms). these parasites affect over two billion people and contribute to significant morbidity and disability, especially in high risk groups, for example children, agricultural workers and pregnant women. in children, sth are associated with impaired nutritional status evidenced by stunting, thinness and underweight. as is the case in most latin america, sth are a public health problem in honduras. the world health organization (who) informs that more than 2.5 million children (under 15 years of age) in the country are at risk of infection. to control these infections honduras has established a national deworming program that operates since 2001 but despite these efforts, the prevalence of sth infections remains unacceptably high. this is especially true in rural communities where prevalence can be as high as 70% of the children population. ivermectin (ivm) in combination with albendazole (alb) has demonstrated the capacity to improve efficacy compared to any of these drugs in monotherapy; the efficacy is however, still inadequate in terms of cure rate, although egg reduction rates are significant. the purpose of the current trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of 3 experimental regimens for the treatment of infections by trichuris trichiura in children in comparison with the current standard of practice in mass drug administration (mda) campaigns. the experimental regimens will explore the effect of multiple day regimens and high dose ivermectin. treatment arms: * group 1: single dose of alb 400 mg. (active control arm). n:39 * group 2: single dose alb 400mg + ivm 600µg/kg. n: 57 * group 3: daily dose alb 400mg for 3 consecutive days. n:24 * group 4: daily dose alb 400mg + ivm 600µg for 3 consecutive days. n:57 total study population: 177


Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * infection with t. trichiura by kato katz. * body weight \>15kg. * accepts participation exclusion criteria: * albendazole and/or mebendazol treatment in the previous 3 months. * allergy to the study drugs * acute medical conditions * clinical trial participation in the previous 3 months. * pregnancy.

Keywords: trichuris sth ivermectin albendazole
evaluation of the baha soundarc in pediatric patients

Conditions: Hearing Loss, Conductive; Hearing Loss, Mixed; Hearing Loss, Unilateral

Summary: the purpose of this study is to gather clinical performance data on the baha soundarc

current baha recipients that are using a baha softband will be recruited to be fitted with an alternative non-surgical option for using their baha sound processor. the subjects will be tested with there existing baha sound processor on the softband and will then be fitted with the baha soundarc where they will perform a one month take home trial. at the end of this trial, the subject will return for testing and evaluation of their experience with this new fitting option.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria:• existing recipients using a baha sound processor on a softband for at least three months * subjects aged 5 through 12 years of age * subjects should be able to perform clinical testing adapted for age and developmental status, (threshold sound field audiometry and basic monosyllabic word test, pbk) * willingness on behalf of the subject's parent or guardian to complete study questionnaire exclusion criteria:• subject's inability to perform requisite test measures as described in the study protocol -
lactobacillus helveticus in the treatment of major depression

Conditions: Depression

Summary: the main objective of the study is to evaluate whether the association of the probiotic lactobacillus helveticus to standard antidepressant will contribute to the treatment of major depression.

patients with the diagnosis of major depression according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (dsm-5) criteria will receive one daily oral dose of 1 × 10\^9 colony-forming units (cfus) of lactobacillus helveticus or placebo for 8 weeks in addition to conventional antidepressant treatment.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * aged between 18 and 65 years old; * diagnosis of major depression * agree to sign the informed consent. exclusion criteria: * treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics of any pharmacological classes in the month before treatment enrollment; * use of dietary supplementation (herbal supplements, other pro- or prebiotics).
aerobic exercise and resistant hypertension

Conditions: Resistant Hypertension

Summary: this study will examine the effects of 4 months of aerobic interval training versus continuous aerobic training on ambulatory blood pressure (abp) and novel plasma protein biomarkers in patients with resistant hypertension. a randomized controlled trial will be performed including two exercise groups and a control group: a) moderate-intensity interval training (miit); b) moderate-intensity continuous training (mict); c) usual care. miit could represent a superior training modality that exceeds the benefits of mict in patients with resistant hypertension.

hypertension is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and its high prevalence remains a worldwide concern. ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (abpm) is recognized in the diagnosis and management of hypertension, and can control blood pressure better than clinic assessment. different studies have examined the effects of aerobic training on abp in patients with hypertension, but the effects of moderate-intensity interval training (miit) and moderate-intensity continuous training (mict) on abp and novel plasma protein biomarkers that could potentially serve to identify cardiovascular risk, have not yet been examined in patients with resistant hypertension.to fill this gap, our aims are to determine the effects of miit and mict for 4 months on abp (primary endpoint), and on proteomic biomarkers (secondary endpoints) in patients with resistant hypertension. a total of 72 participants will be randomly divided into three groups: the first group (n=24) will perform miit, the second group (n=24) will perform mict, and the third control group (n=24) will maintain usual care for 4 months. all will receive usual care for 4 months, with the structured physical exercise as the only relevant change in the intervention groups.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * patients with resistant hypertension (rh) (i.e., systolic bp/diastolic bp \>130/80 mmhg according to the american college of cardiology/american heart association) despite the concurrent use of three or more antihypertensive drugs - commonly including a diuretic, a long-acting calcium channel blocker, and a blocker of the renin-angiotensin system. rh also includes patients whose bp achieves target values on ≥ 4 antihypertensive. medications (i.e., 'controlled' rh). * adherence to prescribed medications. * willing to be randomized to one of the 3 groups. * informed consent. exclusion criteria: * exclusion criteria will include exercising more than 30 minutes on 3 days or more weekly. * severe ischemic heart disease, major psychiatric disorder and other health contraindications that may interfere in the evaluations or interventions.

Keywords: physical exercise blood pressure proteomics resistant hypertension