All Clinical Trials

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome(SDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder involving primarily the Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome gene located on chromosome 7q11. The gene effects function of the 60S ribosome by interfering with the function of the Guanasine triphosphatase elongation factor 1 in the release of eukaryotic initiation factor 6 from the 60 S ribosomal subunit for translation initiation. Seventy five percent of the individual affected by the syndrome have a biallelic mutation (258+2T>C and 183-184T > CT). The syndrome results in defects primarily in the pancreas and bone marrow resulting in pancreatic insufficiency, leukopenia with an increased risk of infection and an increased risk for acute myelocytic leukemia. Animal models that have knocked out the function of the SBDS gene in the pancreas reveals at the pancreas at birth as well as the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are normal but subsequently developed fatty infiltration and apoptosis without inflammation resulting in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency with initially normal endocrine pancreatic function. The endocrine pancreatic function declines over time such that by 12 months of age these mice show a phenotype of impaired glucose tolerance. The finding of early onset diabetes is not yet considered a manifestation of this genetic defect but likely is occurring. This study is designed to assist in understanding the prevalence of glucose abnormalities in this syndrome. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency leading to diabetes is a common hallmark of cystic fibrosis and cystic fibrosis related diabetes. Prevalence of glucose abnormalities in diabetes is a approaching 50% by the 2nd and 3rd decade of life in this disorder. The cystic fibrosis Foundation recommend screening for diabetes utilizing an oral glucose tolerance by the age of 10. Early diagnosis of diabetes in the syndrome as resulted in improved outcomes for patients with cystic fibrosis. It is my expectation that the prevalence of diabetes will be similar in SBDS patients. A small study performed I had the University of Cincinnati showed glucose abnormalities to occur in 5/20 individuals with the classic mutation. Investigators propose to screen patients with the classic mutation for diabetes and endocrine disease utilizing continuous glucose monitoring over a 14 day period in addition to baseline fasting blood tests for insulin, GAD 65 antibody, Fructosamine, A1c and C peptide. Read Less

This study investigates if a new type of test called Droplet-BC screening test can classify breast cancer patients from non-cancer volunteers by circulating small-noncoding RNA in the blood with a statistical validity. This study also investigates if this test can classify the subgroup of breast cancer patients with a variety of conditions. Information from this study may provide a new method of breast cancer screening/diagnosis Read Less

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound are increasingly being used to manage complex disease of the bile duct, pancreas and cancer. Gastroenterology patients at the Los Angeles County Hospital presents a unique and diverse patient population. Our aim is to study the biochemical, radiographic, and clinical predictors of bile duct stones. Exploratory aims include the study of the management of cholangitis, bile leaks, GI cancer diagnosis and management, and the management of pancreaticobiliary problems in the underserved. All patients managed by EUS or ERCP at the LA County & USC University Hospitals will be enrolled in the databaseThe timing, clinical presentation, and objective details of patient presentation are recorded prospectively. Additionally the results of the subsequent ERCP and EUS procedures. Subsequent, clinical course and pathology will also be recorded. Read Less

Our aim is to compare the efficacy, safety, procedural time required, and costs of a strategy initially employing cholangioscopy guided intraductal lithotripsy (laser/electrohydraulic lithtripsy (EHL)) versus a strategy initially using papillary dilation for removal of large bile duct stones. Read Less

The main purpose of the Study is to develop an understanding over time and through multiple research projects, including surveys, interviews, online focus groups, and other primary research methodologies (A-LIST Research Projects) on what matters most to individuals concerned about brain health and those with and/or affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including caregivers. Read Less

The study is designed to learn more about the causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). People who get RA have elevated protein markers called autoantibodies in their blood years before initial symptoms of arthritis. The goal of this study is to learn more about how autoantibodies in RA might be related to inflammation in the lungs. Read Less

The purpose of this research is to find out how the T regulatory (Treg) cells control autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis. The investigators will identify Treg molecular markers and changes in function in patients with relapse remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The investigators plan to study T regulatory immune cells in the blood of RRMS patients and control subjects to examine how Treg immune cells' deficient function may be involved in the development of mulitple sclerosis. Read Less

The objective of this study is to determine if the novel shoulder sling has higher patient satisfaction compared to a traditional, abduction sling with at least equivalent postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and total shoulder arthroplasty. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to develop a mechanism for utilizing the comprehensive clinical database of childhood cancer survivors at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for research purposes. Using clinical information obtained from follow-up visits of childhood cancer survivors, the database will focus on interventions to improve health status and health-related quality of life in childhood cancer survivors. This study allows for establishment and analyses of a research database for LIFE survivors by the investigators listed herein. Over the last three decades, there has been marked improvement in survival following childhood cancer, with 5-year survival rates now approaching 80%. However, the use of cancer therapy at an early age can result in complications that may not be apparent until years later as the child matures. These resulting complications, called late effects, are principally related to the specific therapy employed and the age of the child at the time the therapy was administered. Late effects may affect virtually every body system and substantially impair quality of life. As many as two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors develop at least one late effect as a result of treatment, and approximately one-third have a late effect classified as severe or life threatening. Read Less

The purpose of this study is to clinically evaluate the effects of a school-based behavioral intervention, CATCH Healthy Smiles, to reduce the risk of dental caries in a cohort of kindergarten through 2nd grade (K-2) children serving low-income, ethnically-diverse children,to determine the impact of CATCH Healthy Smiles on child behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental outcomes beginning in K through 2nd grade, compared to children in the control schools and to examine the extent to which the child behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental factors mediate the improvements in child caries risk. Read Less

This is a study to validate myStrength's macropersonalization algorithm. Specifically, the study seeks to answer: Does myStrength's macropersonalization algorithm match what a clinician would offer as a diagnosis following an expert assessment? Participants will be treatment-seeking adults, ages 18 to 65, recruited from an evidence-based group psychotherapy practice. Participants will be asked to complete myStrength onboarding and a clinician-conducted initial assessment. Inter-rater reliability will be assessed to determine the consistency between myStrength and clinician in primary focus area of digital program. Read Less

This study will create and pilot test a culturally grounded intervention (Talking Story) to increase mental health treatment seeking among Pacific Islanders with mental disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder). Read Less