Clinical Research Directory

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Fracture-related Infection

The value of next-generation sequencing (NGS) using Nanopore technology has been demonstrated in the case of diabetic patients' wounds or in prosthetic joint infections. The aim of this study is to demonstrate its relevance as a new diagnostic approach for fracture-related infections (FRI). Bone samples from patient with FRI will be submitted to shotgun metagenomic Next-generation sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) in order to establish its diagnostic value in this context in comparison with the reference method.

Fermented Foods and Bone Health: Investigating the Gut-Bone Axis in Premenopausal Vegan Women

Plant-based diets are increasingly adopted for health and environmental reasons, but they are associated with lower bone mineral density, higher fracture risk, and elevated bone turnover markers, particularly in women. These effects are partly explained by lower intakes of calcium and zinc, and higher concentrations of phytates and oxalates, substances that inhibit mineral absorption from plant foods. Evidence-based dietary strategies to support bone health in vegan populations beyond supplementation remain limited. Fermented plant-based foods may help address this gap through two complementary mechanisms: first, by delivering live microorganisms that beneficially modulate gut microbiota and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, which support mineral absorption and reduce bone resorption, and second, by reducing antinutritional factors such as phytates during microbial fermentation, thereby improving mineral bioavailability. This study investigates whether the daily consumption of fermented plant-based foods, specifically lacto-fermented vegetables, calcium-fortified plant-based yogurt alternatives with live cultures, and Rhizopus-fermented tempeh, reduces bone resorption and improves calcium metabolism in premenopausal women following a vegan diet. Participants will follow each dietary condition (fermented or matched non-fermented control foods) for 12 weeks in randomized order, separated by an 8-week washout period. Blood, urine, and stool samples are collected at each study visit to assess bone turnover markers, gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid production, inflammatory markers, and a range of metabolic and nutritional parameters.

Randomized Study Comparing Two Dosing Schedules for Hypofractionated Image-Guided Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this study is to find out which way of giving high-dose radiation works best for treatment of cancer that has spread to bone, the spine, soft tissue, or lymph nodes. This study will look at the effects, good and/or bad, of giving 27 Gy in three fractions (3 days) or 24 Gy in one fraction (1 day) using image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT). IG-IMRT is radiation that is given directly to the cancer site and reduces the exposure to normal tissue. Currently there are no studies that compare the effects of giving radiation in either hypofractionated doses (higher total doses of radiation spread out over several treatment days) or a single-fraction dose (entire radiation dose given in one treatment session). The patient may be asked to participate in an additional part of this study where we will get a a (DW/DCE) MRI before treatment start and within one hour after radiation treatment. If the patient is asked to take part in this portion of the study, all they will need to do is get up to 3 MRIs with standard contrast injection. The purpose of this is to see if as a result of the treatment there are changes in the blood flow going to the cancer which could suggest that the treatment may be successful. In addition some patients can present new lesions and may be asked if they would like to have these new lesions treated on the protocol. If they are given this option, this will not extend their follow up period. The follow up of the new lesions will match with the prior follow up dates.

Phase II Clinical Study of Contezolid for the Treatment of Bone and Joint Tuberculosis

Contezolid is a novel oxazolidinone antibacterial agent that has shown promising application prospects in the field of tuberculosis treatment in recent years. Studies have demonstrated that contezolid exhibits comparable anti-tuberculosis activity to linezolid both in vitro and in vivo, and even superior intracellular bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. More importantly, contezolid significantly reduces the risks of bone marrow suppression toxicity, neurotoxicity, and lactic acidosis compared to linezolid, thereby enhancing the drug's safety and tolerability. In the treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis, contezolid, as a new anti-tuberculosis drug, holds potential significant value. Firstly, it can provide new options for the treatment of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, improving treatment outcomes. Secondly, its lower toxic and side effects can enhance patient compliance, ensuring the smooth progress of treatment. Additionally, contezolid may exhibit synergistic effects with other anti-tuberculosis drugs, further optimizing treatment regimens. Therefore, conducting research on the application of contezolid in the treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis not only helps to improve the cure rate of the disease but also may open up new avenues for the treatment of tuberculosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of contezolid in the treatment of bone and joint tuberculosis.