Clinical Research Directory

AI for Lung Cancer Risk Definition in Computed Tomography Screening Programs

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer (LC) screening can reduce mortality among heavy smokers, but there is a critical need to better identify people at higher risk and to reduce harms related to management of benign nodules. The most promising strategy is to combine novel tools to optimize clinical decisions and increase the benefit of screening. In this respect, the investigators already demonstrated that the combination of baseline LDCT features with a minimal invasive microRNA blood test was able to more precisely estimate the individual risk of developing LC. The investigators posit that additional immune-related and radiologic features can be integrated with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to further implement LDCT screening strategies. The project will answer whether the combination of (bio)markers of different origin can predict LC development at baseline and over time, indicate which screen-detected lung nodules are likely to be malignant and ultimately reduce LC and all cause mortality.

Ultrasound of the Spleen Utilizing Low-energy (Diagnostic Level) Insonification.

This is a three-cohort, randomized, double-blinded , sham-controlled, single-center, early feasibility research trial to determine whether organ-specific biologic effects on platelet activity and coagulation are achievable through selective ultrasound of the spleen utilizing low-energy (diagnostic-level) insonification. * Group 1: Focused insonification at center of the spleen. * Group 2: Prolonged duration insonification at center of the spleen * Group 3: Prolonged duration insonification across the spleen. Participants will receive 30 minutes of sham stimulation in the randomized group that is assigned to them, followed by active stimulation within the same group. Blood biomarkers (local and systemic) will be measured before and at several timepoints after stimulation to measure the molecular and cellular effects of the device

Blood Biomarkers in Electroconvulsive Therapy

The present multi-disciplinary study will assess blood biomarkers to investigate putative mechanisms of action of ECT. Laboratory findings will be correlated to clinical parameters, cognitive measures and psychometric outcome measures. The aim is to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for both treatment effects and cognitive side effects of ECT.

Blood Biomarkers for Screening of Alzheimer's Disease

The goal of this observational study is to estimate the screen performance of blood biomarkers of interest (Aβ40 and Aβ42, P-Tau181, P-Tau217, GFAP and NfL) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment due to AD, and cognitively normal individuals. The main questions it aims to answer are: * to identify core blood biomarker suitable for early screening of AD. * to establish a comprehensive model for the early identification of AD.