Clinical Research Directory

Body Composition Assessment and Monitoring in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This is a single-center, prospective observational study aiming to describe changes in body composition (specifically, percentage of lean mass and phase angle) in patients with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The study will recruit patients with a confirmed IBD diagnosis who are starting biologic therapy or Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) to induce clinical remission. Body composition will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at baseline (time 0), 24 weeks, and 52 weeks after starting medication. Clinical disease activity, endoscopic findings, and laboratory data will also be collected at various time points if available. The study has a total duration of 36 months, including a 12-18 month patient inclusion period and a 12-month follow-up. Patients will provide informed consent, and all treatment decisions will follow standard clinical practice, as this is a non-interventional observational study.

Changes in Body Composition of Patients With Obesity Related Tumors and Their Impact on Clinical Outcomes: a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Over the past 20 years, China's obesity rates have surged, increasing cancer burden. Obesity links to 13 cancers via metabolic effects of visceral fat and insulin resistance, while sarcopenic obesity (BMI-independent) may worsen outcomes. Traditional BMI lacks precision; advanced methods (e.g., BIA/CT) are needed. Existing studies show inconsistent results, possibly due to heterogeneity. This multicenter prospective cohort study uses imaging to assess body composition changes (fat/muscle) in obesity-related tumors and their impact on survival, recurrence, and quality of life, and explore the underlying mechanism.

The Precision Nutrition New York Study

Dietary fiber has been shown to have beneficial effects on human health through its impact on microbes present in the gut. However, these effects can vary between individuals, and everyone may not reap the same health benefits by eating the same sources of fiber. Factors predicting how an individual's gut microbes as well as the beneficial metabolites produced by these microbes change in response to different sources of fiber would be helpful in developing precision nutrition approaches that maximize the benefits of dietary fiber. The objective of this study is to evaluate candidate predictors of gut microbiota response to fiber sources from either whole grains or fruits and vegetables.

The Role of Nutrition in Muscle Function of Bariatric Surgery Patients

Current recommendations for protein intake after bariatric surgery are not based on strong scientific evidence. It remains unclear how much protein should be eaten to minimize muscle loss and preserve the metabolism and function of individuals post-bariatric surgery. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationships between changes in body composition, nutrition and protein intake, and muscle function after bariatric surgery to further our understanding of the nutritional needs of patients after bariatric surgery. We intend to recruit around 75 participants, men and women, aged between 18 and 65 years. Participants will be recruited from the Bariatric Surgery Clinic, McGill University Health Center.

Body Composition in Older Adults

The primary aim of the study is to explore body composition in older adults (aged 70 years and over) with cancer, undergoing systemic anticancer treatment. Additional aims include to explore the extent of body composition changes and whether changes are tumour specific, the incidence for cancer-related cachexia and sarcopenia and finally, how body composition can inform nutritional management of older adults with cancer. To do this, the investigators applied for and were awarded funding from a company called Nutricia to pay for a band 4 (0.6 WTE for 7 months) to take monthly body composition measures on the patients who are eligible, accepting of assessment by the Senior Adult Oncology Programme (SAOP) and consent to these measures. Measurements will include an analysis from the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) machine which will quantify fat, lean muscle, and water content; waist to hip ratio; handgrip strength; calf circumferences. Socio-demographic data will also be collected. Descriptive data analysis will take place to explore possible trends and associations which may inform future research and drive even further personalised care for this growing and typically underrepresented in research, population.

Childhood Obesity Prevention Project in Gran Canaria

Given the alarming rates of obesity and overweight in our child population, the investigators have developed an intervention strategy, based on a multidisciplinary, school-centered approach, which addresses nutritional education, physical activity, behavioral intervention techniques and tools that facilitate the learning of healthy lifestyle habits in children between 6 and 10 years of age.