Maryland Paid Clinical Trials

This study is designed to explore the genetics and pathophysiology of diseases presenting with intermittent fever, including familial Mediterranean fever, TRAPS, hyper-IgD syndrome, and related diseases. The following individuals may be eligible for this natural history study: 1) patients with known or suspected familial Mediterranean fever, TRAPS, hyper-IgD syndrome or related disorders; 2) relatives of these patients; 3) healthy, normal volunteers 7 years of age or older. Patients will undergo a medical and family history, physical examination, blood and urine tests. Additional tests and procedures may include the following: 1. X-rays 2. Consultations with specialists 3. DNA sample collection (blood or saliva sample) for genetic studies. These might include studies of specific genes, or more complete sequencing of the genome. 4. Additional blood samples a maximum of 1 pint (450 ml) during a 6-week period for studies of white cell adhesion (stickiness) 5. Leukapheresis for collecting larger amounts of white cells for study. For this procedure, whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The blood flows through a machine that separates it into its components. The white cells are removed and the rest of the blood is returned to the body through another needle in the other arm. Patients may be followed approximately every 6 months to monitor symptoms, adjust medicine dosages, and undergo routine blood and urine tests. They will receive genetic counseling by the study team on the risk of having affected children and be advised of treatment options. Participating relatives will undergo a medical and family history, possibly with a review of medical records, physical examination, blood and urine tests. Additional procedures may include a 24-hour urine collection, X-rays, and consultations with medical specialists. A DNA sample (blood or saliva) will also be collected for genetic studies. Additional blood samples of no more than 550 mL during an 8-week period may be requested for studies of white cell adhesion (stickiness). Relatives who have familial Mediterranean fever, TRAPS, or hyper-IgD syndrome will receive the same follow-up and counseling as described for patients above. Normal volunteers and patients with gout will have a brief health interview and check of vital signs (blood pressure and pulse) and will provide a blood sample (up to 90 ml, or 6 tablespoons). Additional blood samples of no more than 1 pint over a 6-week period may be requested in the future. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to use brain imaging technology to measure changes in blood flow to areas in the brain as individuals perform intellectual tasks. This study will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine blood flow to areas of the brain as participants engage in tasks associated with visual perception, visual recognition, and memory. Read Less

This is a study to determine the effect of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on lymphoid tissues (e.g., lymph nodes) as compared to peripheral white blood cells. We have shown in previous studies that the lymph node is a major site of accumulation of HIV in the body, as well as being a site where much of the viral replication occurs which leads to the destruction of the body's immune system. To better understand the role of the lymph node in HIV infection and destruction of one s immunity, we wish to examine both the virus itself as well as the effects it is having on various types of white cells (called lymphocytes) obtained simultaneously from both peripheral blood and lymph nodes of people living with HIV (PLWH). We also need to look at cells derived from blood and lymph nodes from people who do not have HIV to serve as a control for experiments. We may also use your lymph node tissue and blood cells to attempt to make new T-cells, or rebuild the immune cells, in the laboratory by adding various factors or other substances released by different cells in the body. If you are living with HIV, you may be asked to undergo a second biopsy six weeks to 12 months after the first biopsy. Because of the ability of aspirin to interfere with blood clotting, you must have refrained from the use of aspirin for one week (7 days) prior to the biopsy date. You also cannot use non-aspirin containing, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, and similar drugs) one week (7 days) prior to the biopsy. In addition, pregnancy testing will be performed on all females at the time of admission and a positive test will exclude you from participation. No participant will undergo more than six biopsies while participating in this study unless a particular research requires it. Read Less

We are studying virologic and/or immunologic parameters of HIV infection and other infectious or non-infectious immune deficiency diseases in order to better understand the pathogenesis of HIV. Because of the lack of an adequate animal model it is generally necessary to utilize human peripheral blood cells for studying aspects of either in vivo or in vitro HIV infection. We wish to be able to continue to elucidate many pathogenic aspects of HIV infection in relation to other infectious or non-infectious immune regulation and dysregulation using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as a model.... Read Less

This study will collect information on the different ways people control limb and body movements. This information will be used to develop a database on normal movements and adaptive movements of people who have diseases that affect the way they move. The database will serve as a tool to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients with movement-related problems. Volunteers from one month old to old age who have normal movement patterns or who have developed different ways to perform movement tasks may be eligible for this study. A physician or physical therapist will screen candidates to determine their strength, flexibility and range of motion of joints. Participants will be asked to perform movements such as walking, walking up or down stairs, standing quietly or reaching for an object or using treadmill. For the test, the arms and legs are wrapped with a soft, rubber-like material to which small plastic reflective balls are attached. A piece of firm material called a shell may be attached to the rubber sleeves or other areas of the body. Then the volunteer performs the specified task several times while special cameras record the movement. These cameras will record the positions of the reflective balls during movement and may show the person s face or body. Electrical activity in the muscles also may be measured, using small metal electrodes attached to the surface of the skin with an adhesive bandage.... Read Less

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unlike X-rays and CT-scans does not use radiation to create a picture. MRI use as the name implies, magnetism to create pictures with excellent anatomical resolution. Functional MRIs are diagnostic tests that allow doctors to not only view anatomy, but physiology and function. It is for these reasons that MRIs are excellent methods for studying the brain. In this study, researchers will use MRI to assess brain anatomy and function in X and Y chromosome variation, healthy volunteers, and patients with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders. The disorders include attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome. Results of the MRIs showing the anatomy of the brain and brain function will be compared across age, sex (gender), and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations. Read Less

We will investigate the clinical manifestations and molecular genetic defects of heritable urologic malignant disorders. Families with urologic malignancy with known or suspected genetic basis will be enrolled. Affected individuals or individuals suspected of having a germline urologic malignant disorder will undergo periodic clinical assessment and genetic analyses for the purpose of: 1) definition and characterization of phenotype, 2) determination of the natural history of the disorder, and 3) genotype/phenotype correlation. Genetic linkage studies may be performed in situations in which the genetic basis of the disorder has not been elucidated. Read Less

BTX has been used since the 1980s in support of the research mission of NINDS. Initial studies were focused on expanding the applicability of BTX treatment to movement disorders and exploring new indications. We evaluated the efficacy of an alternative serotype, type F. Under other protocols, we continue to study the physiology of movement disorders and BTX response. The application of BTX therapy to movement disorders requires an understanding of BTX preparation and handling. The treatment must be tailored to the disorder under treatment and to its expression in the individual patient. Users must know the specific techniques of injection, including the use of EMG and ultrasound guidance. This protocol allows us to train physicians in all aspects of the use of BTX. It also provides us with a cohort of patients, receiving a standard method of treatment and with a stable response to BTX injection, for participation in other protocols on movement disorders and on the responses to BTX injection.... Read Less

Neurocysticercosis is a brain disease due to the larval stage of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium). The most common symptoms patient experience from infection inside the substance of the brain (parenchymal disease) are seizures and headaches. When the infection is either inside the fluid pockets inside the brain (ventricular disease) or in the space around the brain (subarachnoid disease) patients can have chronic headaches, relapsing aseptic meningitis, hydrocephalus, stroke, and may require neurosurgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to treat patients with anthelmintic therapy (praziquantel and/or albendazole) and anti-inflammatories in alignment with currently accepted best practices and guidelines, depending on the neurocysticercosis subtype. The purpose of the study is to better understand and characterize clinical, biologic, and management factors during treatment that influence long term outcomes. In order to understand this further we collect patient clinical information, patient survey responses, blood, urine samples, and additional cerebral spinal fluid if already being collected for clinical care. Read Less

This study will investigate in patients with Crohn s disease and ulcerative colitis how the body s immune system controls inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines)-specifically, how lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) function in inflammatory responses. This protocol does not involve any experimental treatments. Patients between the ages of 0 and 75 years of age with Crohn s disease or ulcerative colitis or symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease may be eligible for this study. Screening tests may include the following: medical history and physical examination, routine blood tests, examination of stool specimens, X-rays such as barium enema or upper GI series, proctosigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, and small bowel biopsy. Participants will receive medical treatment according to the best generally accepted measures for treating Crohn s disease or ulcerative colitis. This may include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, and antibiotics to treat infections. A surgical consultation may be recommended for patients whose disease does not respond to medical treatment. If surgery to remove intestinal tissue is recommended, a qualified gastrointestinal surgeon will perform the procedure. In addition, participants may undergo the following procedures: * Blood drawing - No more than 450 milliliters (30 tablespoons, or 15 ounces) of blood will be taken from adults over a 6-week period. A maximum of 7 ml (1/2 tablespoon) of blood per kilogram (2.2. pounds) of body weight will be obtained from children within the same time period, with no more than 3 ml/kg taken at any one time. * Leukapheresis - This procedure is done to collect large quantities of white blood cells. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein, similar to donating blood. The blood is circulated through a machine that separates it into its components, and the white cells are removed. The rest of the blood is returned to the body, either through the same needle or through another needle in the other arm. * Intestinal biopsies - Intestinal tissue will be obtained during colonoscopy with intestinal biopsy in patients who require this procedure as part of their standard medical care. Patients are given a sedative to reduce anxiety, but are conscious during the procedure. A flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and large intestine, allowing the physician to see the intestinal mucosa. At various places, small pieces of tissue are plucked out. Read Less

This study looks to identify genes that may affect a person's chances of developing bipolar disorder (BP) and related conditions. Read Less

This is a phase 3, multicenter, 78-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm study that will evaluate the weight loss efficacy as well as safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamic effects, and pharmacokinetics of VK2735 in adults who are obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m2) with one or more weight related comorbid condition without Type 2 Diabetes. Read Less