Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Biomechanical Forced During the Practice of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among endoscopists is estimated between 29 and 89%. The most common disorders are carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis and neck pain. Factors associated with MSD among gastroenterologists practicing endoscopy are: the high number of procedures (more than 20/week), the procedure time (more than 16 hours/week) and the number of years of practice.With the evolution of digestive endoscopy superficial cancer can endoscopically be removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) avoiding surgical resections. The number of procedures is increasing, with longer examination times in case of ESD (about 2 hours). This volume of hours and procedures may in the near future further increase the risk of MSDs in the population of gastroenterologists. Some good practice recommendations have been proposed to improve practitioner comfort, similar to what is recommended for digestive surgeons. It is recommended to use a height-adjustable examination table, position the screen at eye level, and use a seat during the procedure. There is little data on the biomechanical forced experienced by an endoscopist when performing endoscopy and colonoscopy, and none when performing ESD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical forced experienced by the gastroenterologist during an ESD the practice of submucosal dissection.

Assessment of Remote Vital Signs for Telemedicine Applications

The purpose of this study is to determine whether vital signs can be extracted from video. A secondary purpose is to create a database, including raw video, of "ground truth" physiological data on human subjects in order to test current and/or future approaches developed to extract vital signs from video. This research may have an immediate impact on not only the assessment of risk for COVID-19 but also may provide a significant technological enhancement to Johns Hopkins Medicine's telemedicine capabilities.

Predicting Chemo Toxicity Using Geriatric Forms

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three geriatric assessment tools-CARG (Cancer and Aging Research Group score), G8 screening tool, and Frailty Scale-in predicting chemotherapy-related toxicity (CRT) in cancer patients aged 65 years and older. A total of at least 100 patients receiving standard chemotherapy (excluding hematologic malignancies and immunotherapy) at Çanakkale University Medical Faculty Oncology Clinic will be assessed prior to treatment initiation. Each participant will undergo baseline evaluations including G8, CARG, and Frailty assessments. The study will analyze the correlation between these tools and the occurrence of CRT using AUC, logistic regression, and correlation analyses. The goal is to identify the most accurate and practical screening tool to guide clinical decision-making and minimize chemotherapy toxicity in older adults.

Breastfeeding Relaxation Intervention Among Mothers of Preterm Infants in Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS)

This study is designed to compare the effects of four relaxation interventions on both physiological and psychological outcomes in lactating mothers of preterm infants. The interventions being tested include: * Guided Imagery Meditation (GIM) * Religious Recitation (RR) * Infant Video with Music * Distraction with News and Media * A Control session The primary objectives of the study are to evaluate and compare how these different relaxation techniques influence the physiological and psychological well-being of mothers and identify which intervention is most effective for lactating mothers who deliver prematurely. The main research questions are: 1. How do different interventions (GIM, RR, Infant Video with Music, Distraction with Media, and Control) affect physiological and psychological outcomes when measured within the same participants? 2. Are there significant differences in physiological and psychological outcomes when participants are exposed to different interventions (GIM, RR, Infant Video with Music, Distraction with Media, and Control) within the same group? 3. Among the interventions, which one demonstrates the most beneficial effects on physiological and psychological outcomes within the same participants? Study Design: Each participant will be exposed to five different sessions (one for each intervention), with a gap of 1-2 days between sessions. The interventions will be administered as follows: * Guided Imagery Meditation (GIM) * Religious Recitation (RR) * Infant Video with Music * Distraction with News and Media * A Control session Expected Outcomes: This study will assess the following physiological and psychological outcomes: Physiological changes: * Heart Rate (HR) * Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) * Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) * Fingertip Temperature (FT) * Breast milk cortisol concentration Psychological changes: •. Perceived Relaxation

Assessment of the Relationship Between Cerebral Blood Flow and Heart Rate

The investigators will seek to determine the relationship between heart rate and middle cerebral artery (MCA) cerebral blood flow (CBF), as well as better understand the hemodynamic determinants of MCA CBF velocity. In order to manipulate heart rate, the investigators will recruit patients already scheduled for clinically indicated elective electrophysiological studies, where temporary pacing catheters placed in the right atrium can be used to artificially pace the heart at controlled rates. MCA CBF will be measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound.