Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Sleep Duration on Immune Balance in Urban Children With Asthma

Urban children with asthma are at high risk for short sleep, due to an environment that jeopardizes both sleep and asthma management. Further, urban children with asthma suffer from altered immune balance, a key biological process contributing to individual differences in asthma morbidity and sleep health. In the proposed research, the researchers will examine the effects of shortened and recovery sleep on immune balance and associated changes in lung function in urban children with allergic asthma through an experimental design.

The Effects of Repeated Operational Stress and Limited Recovery on Resilience Capacity

This longitudinal study will examine the effects of repeated bouts of operational stress and limited recovery on integrated MPS, whole-body protein balance, iron absorption, and aerobic performance. Following baseline characterization measures, active adults (n=24) representative of normal weight phenotype (NW; n=12) and overweight phenotype (OW; n=12) will complete a 48h balance phase preceding two rounds of repeated 72h energy deficit exposure each immediately followed by a 48h recovery phase. NW cutoff will be defined ≤ 22% body fat for males and ≤ 32% body fat for females. OW cutoff will be defined as \>22% body fat for males and \>32% body fat for females. These body composition cutoffs are informed by the maximum allowable percent body fat standards outlined in current Army Regulation 600-9. Additional details for determining % body fat are outlined in the experimental procedures section of the protocol.

Mobile Apps for Preschool Parents (MAPP) Study

The purpose of Mobile Apps for Preschool Parents (MAPP) Study is to test the effectiveness of two mobile applications for parents of preschool aged children: 1) an app focused on child and family nutrition and wellness, and 2) an app focused on parents reading to their children.

Improving Metabolic & Mental Health in Female Healthcare Shift Workers

Circadian rhythm disruption caused by shift work alters metabolic and hormonal pathways, which accelerates chronic disease onset, leading to decreased quality and quantity of life. Preclinical studies indicate that optimizing nutrient and sleep/rest timing can mitigate these effects. Female nightshift healthcare workers will be recruited to participate in a randomized crossover trial in which participants will be expected to follow the prescribed lifestyle intervention for eight weeks during the first or second eight-week periods of the study.