Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Probiotic on Cognitive Function

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if daily single-strain probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus plantarum) works to improve cognitive function and depressive symptoms in Egyptian women aged 50-64 years with mild depression. It will also learn about its effects on systemic inflammation and autonomic nervous system function via the gut-brain axis The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a 12-week probiotic supplementation improve cognitive function (measured by MoCA-B) compared to a placebo? Does it reduce the severity of depressive symptoms (measured by BDI-II)? Does it reduce systemic inflammation (measured by hs-CRP levels in the blood)? Does it enhance autonomic nervous system function (measured by Heart Rate Variability - HRV via a smartphone app)? Researchers will compare the probiotic capsule (Lactobacillus plantarum, 10 billion CFU) to a placebo (a look-alike capsule containing starch) to see if the probiotic works better than placebo. Participants will: Take one probiotic or placebo capsule orally every morning with breakfast for 12 weeks. Visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic at baseline and at 12 weeks for cognitive and psychological tests, HRV measurements, and blood tests. Receive weekly follow-up messages on WhatsApp to monitor adherence and report any dietary changes or potential side effects.

Oral vs IV Sedation for Cataract Surgery in Older Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of comparing oral sedation (a pill) with intravenous (IV) sedation for cataract surgery in older adults. Investigators will assess the feasibility, completeness, and distribution of data related to postoperative recovery, including thinking and memory, as well as participant satisfaction with care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either oral sedation with an IV placebo or IV sedation with an oral placebo before cataract surgery. Participants will complete brief surveys assessing recovery before and after surgery and will be contacted by phone after surgery to assess postoperative recovery. Results from this pilot study will inform the design of a future, fully powered trial evaluating sedation approaches for cataract surgery.

tACS to Improve Negative Symptoms & Cognition in Long-term Hospitalized Schizophrenia Patients.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on negative symptoms and cognitive function in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. At the same time, this study will explore the potential impact of relevant biomarkers and genetic factors on the efficacy of tACS intervention.