Clinical Research Directory

Genetic and Epigenetic Background of Inner Ear Dysfunction in Turner Syndrome

The goal of this case-control study is to pave the way for new revolutionary treatment measures within hearing loss that could either replace or delay the need for hearing aids. The study focuses on people with Turner syndrome (TS). The aim is to find out if there are specific DNA methylation patterns and/or RNA expression profiles linked to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in people with TS. Additionally, the structure and function of the inner ear in these individuals will be examined to see if there is a connection to their epigenetic profile. The main question it aims to answer is: Does epigenetics constitute a common denominator for some of the unexplained SNHL cases? Turner Syndrome (TS) represents an ideal model for studying epigenetics related to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Participants will undergo the following tests: * Ear examinations * Hearing tests * Balance tests * Blood tests * MRI scans * CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) scans

Comparison of Imaging Quality Between Spectral Photon Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT) and Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT)

This pilot study wants to determine to which extent SPCCT allows obtaining images with improved quality and diagnostic confidence when compared to standard Dual Energy CT (DECT), both with and without contrast agent injection. Depending on the anatomical structures/organs to be visualized during CT examinations, different scanning protocols are performed with quite variable ionizing radiation doses. Therefore, in order to obtain the most extensive and representative results of the improvement in image quality between SPCCT and DECT that will be performed CT imaging on several body regions and structures, including diabetic foot, diabetic calcium coronary scoring, adrenal glands, coronary arteries, lung parenchyma, kidney stones, inner ear, brain and joints, earl/temporal bone, colorectal carcinosis.