Clinical Research Directory

Probenecid Administration for Alcohol Craving and Consumption

This study proposes a 16-week, between-subject, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with probenecid (2g /day) compared to placebo in individuals with AUD to test if reduces craving and alcohol consumption.

A Novel Blood Test as a Biomarker in Mental Health

This longitudinal, observational study aims to assess whether the characteristics of a novel blood peripheral biomarker can serve as indicators for depression and schizophrenia in patients at the Royal Columbian Hospital Psychiatric Clinics. The study will evaluate whether changes in these biomarker characteristics can help distinguish between depressed patients who do or do not respond to treatment and between individuals experiencing a single psychotic episode and those at risk of progressing to schizophrenia. To achieve this, blood samples and standardized mental health assessments will be collected across three study visits from up to 500 participants, grouped into two study arms based on their diagnosis: Depression (DEP) or Psychosis/Schizophrenia (PSY).

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Effects Using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Study

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over drinking, and negative emotional states. Extensive research has identified the general neural circuitry underlying AUD. There is an exciting opportunity to intervene in AUD using neuromodulation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive method to modulate brain activity, making it a promising tool for investigating, modulating, and potentially treating AUD. However, the precise effects of TMS on neural circuits involved in AUD and the mechanisms underlying these effects must first be understood. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neuroimaging method that provides direct measurement of brain activity within neural circuits with high temporal resolution. Critically, MEG can measure brain activity in a wide range of frequencies that are consistent with those targeted by TMS. The goal of this proposal is therefore to collect preliminary and feasibility data to support a future NIH grant application that would use MEG to investigate TMS effects in individuals with AUD (iAUD).

Enhancing HIV Prevention and Reducing Alcohol Use Among People Receiving STI Care in Lilongwe, Malawi

Purpose: To evaluate short-term efficacy and implementation of Treat4All, an alcohol reduction evidence-based intervention, for decreasing heavy drinking and optimizing HIV outcomes (viral suppression among People with HIV (PWH); Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among those at high risk of HIV) Participants: Approximately 160 participants aged 18 years or older will be enrolled into this study. Eligible participants will be recruited from two groups of individuals: Persons at risk of HIV: Individuals receiving (STI) care who report recent heavy drinking (n=80) and no recent use of PrEP. Persons with HIV: Individuals with HIV who report recent heavy drinking and either a history of unsuppressed viral load or recent suboptimal adherence to ART (n=80). Procedures (methods): Pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial (1:1; Treat4All Intervention vs Usual Care)

Mentor Moms+ Study

The goal of this study is to adapt an existing evidence based intervention for use in pregnant and lactating people (PLP) who use alcohol. Through the pilot RCT, we aim to understand if tailored intervention, Mentor Mothers+, is effective in reducing alcohol use (primary outcome) and improving antiretroviral (PrEP or ART) adherence (secondary outcomes) among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with and without HIV in a community heavily burdened by this syndemic. The investigators will conduct an pilot randomized control trial in 100 pregnant women, recruited during antenatal care (ANC) visits within the Saldanha Bay Municipality clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. The RCT will involve the delivery of brief, individual motivational interviewing sessions provided by trained mentor mothers from the community who are on either PrEP (living without HIV) or ART (living with HIV) and who stopped or reduced alcohol use during pregnancy. The enrolled participants will be followed for a 6-month period spanning both pregnancy and postpartum stages.

Targeting Lifestyle to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening

The goal of this study is to learn whether receiving personalized, digital lifestyle advice during colorectal cancer screening leeds to changes in lifestyle over a two-year follow-up period. Changes will be measured using a composite score including diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index and smoking habits. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do participants who receive short, personalized digital feedback on their lifestyle - either once or through repeated rounds -change their lifestyle during the two-year study period, compared to those who do not receive any feedback? * Does the inclusion of additional contact, such as telephone consultation with healthcare providers, result in further lifestyle changes? Researchers will compare three groups which receive digital feedback at different intensities and a control group which does not get any feedback to see if lifestyle changes differ between the groups. Participants in four different groups will fill in a digital diet and lifestyle questionnaire at the start of the study and 2-4 times after this during the following 2 years. * Participants in three of the groups will receive a short digital feedback report on their lifestyle related to health recommendations after each completion of the questionnaire. * One of these groups will also be offered to go through the feedback report together with a healthcare provider in a telephone call. * This group will also receive invitations to motivational webinars every half year during the 2-year study period. The topics in the webinars address cancer preventive lifestyle. A secondary goal of the study is to understand whether the invitation to fill in the diet and lifestyle questionnaire affects participation in colorectal cancer screening. Therefore, a fifth group of individuals invited to colorectal cancer screening but not to be invited to fill in the questionnaire will be included for extra comparison. Participation in colorectal cancer screening will be compared between this group and the four groups that are additionally invited to complete the questionnaire. Another secondary goal is to learn which groups in the society consent to the current study. Therefore, sociodemographic characteristics will be compared between the invited individuals who consent and those who do not consent to the study.

Social Facilitation of Alcohol Effects and Alcohol Misuse in Young Adults

The purpose of this study is to understand social contexts and alcohol use. We hope to learn how being around peers affects alcohol consumption in young adults. About 200 young adults who drink alcohol frequently will take part in the study. This research is being funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Participation involves one in-person screening session with a same-sex platonic friend. Then participants will complete four in-person laboratory sessions where they will drink beverages containing alcohol or no alcohol. After completion of the laboratory sessions, participants will complete smartphone surveys for 28 days. Lastly, they will complete follow-up surveys 6 months and 12 months post-study enrollment.

Influence of Mavoglurant on Alcohol Craving and Drinking in Heavy Drinkers

The purpose of this research study is to find out about the effects of a drug called mavoglurant on alcohol consumption.

AlcoTail - Implementation of Tailored Interventions

This study aims to investigate the implementation and real-world effects of an intervention for harmful use of alcohol and psychoactive medicinal drugs among hospital inpatients. Due to the negative impact of alcohol consumption on health outcomes, a call for action has been made by the Norwegian Ministry of Health, with focus on screening patients for alcohol consumption and evidence-based tailored interventions for those with medium or high consumption. In addition, non-prescribed use of psychoactive medicinal drugs, or concomitant use with alcohol, can also have negative health effects, therefore improved monitoring of the use of these are warranted. Interventions will be introduced as routine procedures at Norwegian hospitals in the upcoming year, and 2500 patients receiving acute medical care will be included in the control group before the intervention is implemented, and 2500 patients in the case group after the implementation is effectuated. This study will evaluate the implementation process using baseline data on self-reported alcohol- and psychoactive medicine use, motivation to reduce consumption and mental distress. In addition, left-over blood samples used for diagnostic purposes will be collected and analyzed for alcohol, psychoactive medicinal and illicit drugs. After 12 months baseline data will be coupled to patient journal data and relevant registry data in order to evaluate the effects of the intervention.

Accountability Support Through Peer-Inspired Relationships and Engagement (ASPIRE) Trial

This project aims to test the efficacy of a text message intervention, ASPIRE, designed to address cognitive and behavioral elements and modify exposure to peers that influence drinking behaviors. Young adults who are contemplating reducing their drinking will be recruited from a national sample and randomized to ASPIRE versus a text message intervention focused solely on cognitive and behavioral elements. We will measure effectiveness at 3, 6, and 12 months, study mechanisms driving behavior change, and identify which subgroups stand to benefit most.

A Savings Intervention to Reduce Men's Engagement in HIV Risk Behaviors

This randomized control trial will test an economic intervention to reduce Kenyan men's engagement in behaviors that increase the risk of HIV/STIs. Participants randomized to the intervention group will be able to open accounts with a partner bank and will be incentivized to save with lottery-based rewards.

Pilot of an Intervention to Reduce Alcohol Use and Improve ART Adherence Among Men Living With HIV With Pregnant Partners in Uganda.

Hazardous alcohol use, which is common among men in Uganda, is a primary driver of both HIV risk and intimate partner violence (IPV) in this setting. Among men living with HIV, alcohol use is associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and a detectable viral load, increasing the risk of onward HIV transmission to partners. This risk is further heightened when the partner is pregnant, due to the potential for vertical transmission. Therefore, addressing factors that interfere with optimal HIV care outcomes among men living with HIV is critical to HIV prevention in pregnant women. The goal of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to pilot test an intervention that combines alcohol reduction and economic strengthening to improve ART adherence. The study will assess implementation outcomes and preliminary efficacy among men living with HIV who engage in hazardous alcohol use and their pregnant partners (n=30 couples). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What are the implementation outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and safety) at the individual, implementer, and organizational levels, and what bridging factors may impede success (e.g., community-academic partnership)? 2. Does the intervention reduce hazardous alcohol use and improve ART adherence among men living with HIV? Researchers will compare the intervention group (n=15 couples) to the standard of care group (n=15 couples) to determine if the intervention leads to behavior change in alcohol use and ART adherence among men living with HIV. Participants will: 1. Men in the intervention group will receive the Amaka intervention, designed to reduce alcohol use and improve ART adherence. 2. Complete assessments on hazardous alcohol use, ART adherence, and implementation outcomes at multiple time points (baseline, 3 and 6 months). 3. Engage with implementers to provide post-implementation feedback on feasibility and acceptability.

Drinking in Young Adult Duos (DYAD) Study

This study examines the role of alcohol use in understanding the dynamics of romantic relationships. Couples will participate in a research session where they consume either an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage and complete study tasks. After the session, participants will provide information about their drinking habits, alcohol- and non-alcohol-related experiences, and relationship factors through brief surveys on their smart phones and again at 6-month and 12-month follow-up sessions. The findings from this study aim to improve understanding of alcohol use in close relationships and may inform future strategies for promoting healthier relationships and behaviors.

Phosphatidylethanol and Other Ethanol Consumption Markers

This study is intended to help the investigators understand how a biomarker found in the blood may be used to better identify the quantity and different patterns of alcohol use. The investigators hope that the results of this study will help identify the uses of alcohol-use markers in the blood in future alcohol prevention and treatment programs. It is hoped that the information learned from this study will benefit other people in the future. The study participants will come into the lab and will (1) consume alcohol in the lab designed to produce a peak blood alcohol concentration of 0.06% and have blood collected over 6 hours followed by abstinence for 10 days to give a small blood sample 4 times and (2) to give a small amount of blood 5 times within 28 days (naturalistic drinking) and provide answers about alcohol use.

Ethanol Consumption in the Heat

Climate change has significantly increased the earth's average surface temperature and heat waves have been predicted to increase in frequency, intensity and duration. Extreme heat events have increased the susceptibility to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke or death. Heat health action plans have been designed to advertise cooling behaviours to mitigate physiological strain. Heat health action plans suggest avoiding alcohol consumption during extreme heat as it may increase dehydration and impair behavioural or physiological temperature regulation and thermal perception. Regardless of these messages, alcohol sales continue to remain high during the summer months year after year, and 1/5 of adults identify alcohol as a hydration strategy during extreme heat events. A recent scoping review investigating the effects of alcohol and heat has demonstrated that acute alcohol consumption does not negatively influence thermoregulation, hydration, or hormone markers of fluid balance in the heat compared to a control fluid (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-024-01113-y). Further, alcohol consumption may elicit sex- and age-specific alterations in physiological and perceptual responses, neither of which have been explored. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate how alcohol consumption systematically alters physiological responses and perceptions during conditions similar to those experienced indoors during extreme heat events in younger and older adults.

Evaluating Telehealth Delivery of Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students

This research study will test the efficacy of a telehealth version of the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), which is the gold standard prevention and intervention approach to target heavy alcohol use on college campuses across the United States.

Rapid BAC Reduction with Nutraceutical Blend Study

Study Title: Nutritional Supplement to Rapidly Decrease Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Safety and Efficacy Study Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial Objective: Evaluate safety and efficacy of a nutritional supplement to rapidly decrease blood alcohol concentration (BAC), alcohol-induced impairment, and hangover symptoms after excessive alcohol consumption. Primary Outcomes: BAC reduction rate/extent (BACtrack S80™ breathalyzer) Cognitive/physical impairment change (DRUID app™) Secondary Outcome: Hangover symptom reduction (Acute Hangover Scale) Participants: 35 participants, recruited via social media Duration: 2 weeks, 2 testing sessions (4 hours each) Location: Closed facility in St. Petersburg, FL Procedure: Subjects consume standardized alcohol (1g ethanol/kg body weight) 40-minute drinking period BAC and impairment measurements Administration of test formulation or placebo Measurements: BAC: Baseline, 40min, 15min, 30min, 60min, 90min post-drinking Impairment: Baseline, 15min, 30min, 60min post-drinking Hangover: Next morning via text message Safety Measures: GRAS ingredients Lab testing of formulations Medical screening Adverse effect questionnaires Pregnancy tests BAC \<0.08% before leaving Key Features: Paired measurements: active vs. placebo for mini-drink and capsule formulations Uber transportation provided Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria Data Analysis: Electronic data entry Blinded submission for statistical analysis Paired comparisons and multiple statistical tests This study aims to provide robust data on the efficacy in mitigating alcohol's effects, potentially offering a new tool for reducing alcohol-related impairment and hangover symptoms. The design prioritizes safety, consistency, and scientific rigor to ensure reliable results.

Data Health VET - Data-driven Health Promotion at Vocational Education and Training Schools

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a data driven and dynamic systems approach at Danish Vocational schools to promote student health behavior and wellbeing and school organizational readiness.

Patient Trajectories for Older Adults Admitted to Hospital for Alcohol-related Problems

Alcohol is contributing to many health problems and disorders, as well as accidents and social problems. Alcohol consumption has been on the rise the past 25 years, especially in Norway. The highest increase is found in older adults, in line with the development in most other countries in the western world. Older adults have a higher risk for alcohol related health problems, due to age related physiological changes, medical conditions and medications. Still, alcohol use is seldom addressed for older people. This means that older people rarely receive help to change alcohol habits. Norwegian health authorities have issued mandates ordering the regional health trusts to implement strategies in somatic hospital wards, mental health services and drug treatment services to identify and treat alcohol and drug problems affecting the patients' health. In this observational study we will explore patient trajectories three years prior to and three years after an admittance to hospital where risky or harmful alcohol consumption is identified and brief interventions are delivered. Hospitals that have implemented such strategies are invited to the study. Patient trajectories are studied in national health registries. This will provide important knowledge on what characterizes the patients identified, and what happens after they have received a brief intervention related to a hospital admittance.